An Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Infections

All new sexual partnerships have the potential to be blighted by sexually transmitted infections, some more serious than others. It is important to protect yourself as fully as possible, especially when the sexual history of your partner is unknown to you. Worryingly, both heterosexual and homosexual (including lesbian) partnerships are presenting with increased infection rates despite a never better availability of advice and protective devices (condoms, dental damns etc). It is important that, at the first sign of anything abnormal, you are checked out by your GP or genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic. The few minutes of limited embarrassment may save years of unpleasant and debilitating illness. Even if you have no symptoms it is a good idea to have an annual check up (if you are sexually active), and all young men and women should consider being immunized against Hepatitis B. It is a sad fact that all too many sexually transmitted diseases that could be cured by a short course of tablets are left untreated to result in life threatening conditions. Below are some of the more common STDs explained, and a list of further information sources.

HIV: Despite mass coverage in the press HIV is still on the increase. HIV can be spread between partners of any sex, including lesbian couples, by direct contact with infected body fluids and blood, and by sharing needles. There is no cure. Death results when AIDS develops following HIV infection, and the body’s immune system is rendered useless.

Hepatitis A: Hep A is less common in developed countries, and is spread via the faeces. Hence rimming and fingering carry high transmission risk. Hepatitis literally means ‘swelling of the liver’, and carries a host of unpleasant associated symptoms including high fever.

Hepatitis B: Transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, or through needles. Potentially very serious indeed. Anyone who is sexually active is advised to be immunized against Hep B.

Hepatitis C: Usually spread by infected drug needles, tattooing needles and between people during bondage or where blood/bodily fluid cross-contamination is involved.

Syphilis: Transmitted by any form of sexual contact (not limited to penetrative sex), can be passed on by skin contact alone. Initially a sore develops at the site of infection, which heals of its own accord. If untreated, symptoms can progress to fever and headaches, and a rash. Chronic untreated syphilis is very serious, potentially involving the brain, and resulting in seizures and symptoms of dementia. The effects of Syphilis are under-appreciated. It is recommended anyone who is sexually active is screened for their carrier status.

Gonorrhea: Spread by direct sexual contact. A relatively easily treated bacterial infection of the genitals or anus (resulting in soreness and discharge), which can cause sterility if left untreated, besides being very uncomfortable. Estimates suggest a 50% chance of contracting it following sex with an infected person. Its incidence is very high among sex workers.

Chlamydia: Often symptomless, this bacterial infection is quite common. It can result in sores and discharge, and when left untreated have serious detrimental effects to fertility, particularly in women. It is very easily spread.

Herpes: This virus causes crusty sores to develop in the anal and genital areas, and is spread by direct skin contact. Cold sores are a variation of this, so oral sex should be avoided with a cold sore sufferer. Treatment is with antivirals.

Crabs: Similar to head lice, crab lice can be very easily spread by bodily contact. Whilst not terribly serious in itself, the usually itchy infestation should be quickly dealt with using over the counter lotions, as it has the potential to become secondarily infected.

Sources of Further Information

If you are worried you may have contracted a STD, or want advice about how to get a routine check up or begin a Hepatitis B vaccination course try using these sources:

Whittal Street Clinic (GUM Clinic)
Tel: (Men) 0121 237 5700
Tel: (Women) 0121 237 5701
Same day HIV test available if person arrives before 9am

Hawthorne House GU Unit, Heartlands Hospital
Tel: 0121 753 0399
Same day HIV test available if person arrives before 8:30am

NHS Direct
Tel: 0845 46 47
Web: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

For general information on aspects of healthy gay and lesbian lifestyles:

Healthy Gay Life
Tel: 0121 440 6161

Lesbewell
PO Box 4048, Birmingham, B13 8DP

For more specific information on HIV and AIDS, including advice on testing, living with the condition, and sources of counselling and support:

THT (Terrance Higgins Trust)
Tel: 0845 1221200
Web: www.tht.org.uk

For general information about lesbian and gay lifestyles, including counselling and a wealth of information regarding all manner of health and wellbeing issues:

Lesbian & Gay Switchboard (Birmingham)
Tel: 0121 622 6589
Web: www.gaymidlands.org

Sourced and written by: Matt J Booker RMT