Sexually Transmitted Infections

31st December 2015 Mark Ward

If you have sex without a condom you could be at risk from the following:

STI’s like Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Herpes, Chlamydia or NSU (non-specific urethritis)

Viral infections like HIV and Hepatitis

Some infections can also be transmitted during oral sex and by non-penetrative genital-to-genital contact, such as Genital Warts, Gonorrhoea

A lot of people with STI’s do not feel any symptoms.

The first thing to do if you think you might have an STI is to stay calm.

If you do have symptoms such as:

. Discharge from your penis and / or itching

. Irritation, soreness or pain when you pee

. Sores, spots or lumps around your genitals or anus, blisters start appearing

This doesn’t mean you have got an STI as it is possible to get similar symptoms from infections such as Thrush. This can also cause itching, soreness and discharge but is easy to treat. Get tested as soon as you can so treatment can be given, if needed.

You can get advice or a sexual health check up from any GUM clinic. This is confidential and your Haemophilia Centre won’t be told about your visit. You could use a false name if you’re worried.

Having a regular sexual health check up, the same way you do for your Haemophilia, is a good routine to get into.

Some men actively try to find guys who have HIV for their own sexual pleasure. In parts of the world these people are sometimes referred to as “bugchasers”. If you feel you are being pressurised or forced into doing something you are not comfortable with stop.

Syphilis-2

Sexual health advice

You can call the Department of Health’s sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for confidential advice and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you’re under 25, you can also contact an advisor at Brook using their text and webchat service. They provide free and confidential information and advice about STIs, contraception, pregnancy, plus other sexual health matters.