Sexual Health – Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis       Introduction Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually develop within a month of infection, although up to half of all infected men and women have no symptoms. The symptoms of trichomoniasis are similar to those of many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so […]

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Sexual Health – Syphilis

Syphilis     Introduction Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually caught by having sex with someone who is infected. The bacteria that cause syphilis are called Treponema pallidum. They can enter your body if you have close contact with an infected sore, normally during vaginal, anal or oral sex, or by sharing sex toys with someone who is […]

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Sexual Health – Scabies

Scabies       Introduction Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. The main symptom of scabies is intense itching that’s worse at night. It also causes a skin rash on areas where the mites have burrowed.         Scabies mites Scabies mites are called Sarcoptes scabiei. They feed using […]

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Sexual Health – Pubic Lice

Pubic lice         Introduction Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) are tiny parasitic insects that live on coarse human body hair, such as pubic hair. More commonly known as Crabs. As well as being found in pubic hair, the lice are also sometimes found in:   . Underarm and leg hair . Hair on the chest, abdomen and back […]

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Sexual Health – Shigella

Press release Shigella dysentery on the rise among gay and bisexual men From: Public Health England First published: 30th January 2014     PHE raising awareness of Shigella infection risk among gay and bisexual men in England.     A new campaign to warn gay and bisexual men about the risk of Shigella dysentery is being launched today by Public […]

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Sexual Health – NSU

NSU (non-specific urethritis) Or Non-gonococcal urethritis           Non-gonococcal urethritis   Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra – the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It is usually caused by an infection.   The term non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is used when the condition is not caused by gonorrhoea – a sexually transmitted […]

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Sexual Health – Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea     Introduction Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. It used to be known as ‘the clap’. The bacteria are mainly found in discharge from the penis and in vaginal fluid. Gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through: . Unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex . Sharing vibrators or other […]

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Sexual Health – Genital Warts

Genital Warts Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)           Introduction Genital warts are small fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes that appear on or around the genital or anal area. Genital warts are very common. In England, they are the second most common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) after chlamydia. Genital warts are the result of a […]

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Sexual Health – Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes HSV1/HSV2       Introduction Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes painful blisters on the genitals and the surrounding areas. As genital herpes can be passed to others through intimate sexual contact, it’s often referred to as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). HSV can affect any mucous membrane (moist […]

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Sexual Health – Chlamydia

Chlamydia     Introduction Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It’s passed on from one person to another through unprotected sex (sex without a condom) and is particularly common in sexually active teenagers and young adults. In 2013, more than 200,000 people tested positive for chlamydia in England. Almost 7 in every […]

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