Some general guidelines for figuring out whether or not you
have an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) include the following
symptoms:
- itching
- burning
- abnormal discharges
- visible sores on your face, body, or genitals
For a more detailed look at some of the more common types of
STI's, see below and follow the link at the bottom of the page
for more information. But before we delve into the mysterious
world of infections, it is important to note that there is a significant
distinction between a bacterial and a viral infection.
Bacterial infection: requires antibiotics for
treatment. Be sure to finish the medication prescribed to you
by your doctor so that all of the bacteria are eliminated. Any
remaining bacteria may develop immunity or resistance to the antibiotic
if the whole prescription is not finished.
Viral infection: These usually cannot be cured
or they remain with you for the rest of your life. They are usually
treated with antiviral drugs, not antibiotics (the major distinction).
To protect yourself against viruses, a vaccination is the best
path to take if one is available. Viruses can lead to disease
and cancer and can also remain in a latent state; similar to hibernation,
where it can be triggered again later in life (like herpes).
Click on the links below to read the detail descriptions about
these STI's
Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus
HSV type II)
This viral infection causes sores/ulcers on your body that cannot
be cured and will stay with you for the rest of your life. It
is transmitted through direct contact with the sores, usually
through sex, and is related to the cold sores that appear in your
mouth.
A group of blister-like sores with a red-coloured ring around
them appear in the genital area (or in the mouth, throat, or gums)
with symptoms which include fever, joint pain, pain when urinating,
a tingling and itching feeling, and swollen tender lymph nodes
(areas of the body Ð neck, armpit, groin, abdomen, and chest
Ð that collect bacteria to prevent it from getting into the
bloodstream).
Venereal Warts (Genital warts, Condyloma
Acuminata)
Another virus that looks like common skin warts, except they appear
around the genital area and around the anus. They usually appear
a few months after having direct contact, usually sexual, with
an infected person. Venereal warts are generally curable but if
all else fails, they can be removed surgically.
The sores are usually quite painful and they generally heal
within one or two weeks. However, the virus will always be with
you and the sores may return later in your life (may be triggered
by various factors, like stress or a poor immune system). It can
be transmitted through kissing, towels, and even utensils.
Gonorrhea (Gc, Clap, Drip)
This is a bacterial infection that causes pain, and sometimes
a discharge, when urinating. It can be cured with antibiotics,
but signs of Gonorrhea don't show up right away, so ask your partner
if he's had sex in the past few months so you know your risks.
Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis)
Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects your liver and is
transmitted through the mouth and spreads inside your body. It
can be transmitted by direct contact, through food and drink,
and anything that the infected person has handled. Symptoms usually
appear after three weeks and they include vomiting, fever, poor
appetite, fatigue, dark urine, and possible jaundice. No medication
is available to help you recover, just general self-care (get
lots of sleep, etc.) seems to work best, however, a vaccine is
available. Be careful since the virus is infectious after one
week of becoming infected yourself.
Hepatitis B
One of the only STI's with a vaccine, Hepatitis B is a virus found
in the bodily fluids and the symptoms are similar to Hepatitis
A, including fatigue, appetite loss, stomach discomfort, and jaundice.
Transmission occurs through sexual contact, personal hygiene items
such as toothbrushes, and dirty needles. Long term effects range
from a near cure to cancer of the liver and possible death (1%
chance Ð extremely unlikely). A vaccination is recommend for
those who have had more than 2 partners in 1 year. Free vaccinations
are available at the Hassel Free Clinic (see links and resources).
Hepatitis C (non-A, non-B hepatitis)
A virus that affects your liver and usually occurs through blood
transfusions and use of unsanitary needles. It is important to
note that using bleach to clean needles doesn't kill Hepatitis
C. Transmission through sexual and casual contact is uncertain
and the symptoms are the same as Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B and
usually occur within 2 months after exposure.
Recovery is possible, but some people remain infectious and
have chronic symptoms for years after the infection. For those
with acute symptoms, there is no medication available, but for
those with chronic symptoms, medications are available for treatment.
After infection, 50% of victims were reported of having developed
chronic liver disease, while 20% developed jaundice (a liver problem
making bodily fluids and tissues, particularly the skin and the
eyes, turn yellow). Presently, there is no vaccine available for
Hepatitis C.
Infestations (crabs, scabies)
Crabs are a form of lice found in the pubic hair that feed on
human blood. They are tiny, but large enough to see. Scabies are
mites that lay eggs under your skin, around the fingers, genitals,
wrists, buttocks, and under yours arms. You can become infested
through physical or sexual contact and the probability of getting
crabs or scabies after contact is 95%.
Symptoms include severe itching (increasing at night) in the
anal and genital areas where eggs and crabs become visible. Scratching
worsens the situation by risking proliferation of other infections.
Non-prescription medication (but check with a doctor to make
sure you have an infestation first) is available and you should
wash all your clothes and bedding used in the last 24 hours.
A special spray can be used to clean your furniture and other
household items. Itching will probably continue for a while even
after you are cured and you many need to be treated again a week
later. But don't treat it a third time if the symptoms persist.
Talk to your doctor if the symptoms persist after the 2nd treatment.
