What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?
A STD is an infection that is passed on from one individual to another during sexual intercourse. It can be transferred via vaginal, anal and oral sex. There are several causative organisms, some are more common than others in the UK and some can be more serious than others.
Please navigate to the appropriate pages below to understand further.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
There are several different organisms that cause STDs; the two most common encountered in the UK, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, will be described below. Chlamydia Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatus. It is the most common STD in the UK, with 5-10% of the population being affected, mostly between 20 – 30 years old. Chlamydia commonly does not manifest with symptoms, however symptoms in women may include: Discharge from the vagina. Urethritis – inflammation of urethra (outlet of urine) leading to pain on urination. Cervicitis – inflammation of the cervix that may cause bleeding in between the periods, or pain and/or bleeding during sexual intercourse
Trichomonas Infection
Trichomonas infection is one of the very rare sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Being one of the STDs it is most commonly contracted by sexual intercourse. It is infrequently serious however the symptoms can be unpleasant for the patient. What is Trichomonas. Trichomonas is a germ similar to bacteria, known as a protozoan. It can infect the genital area in both men and women. This includes the vagina and the urine outlet (urethra) in women, and the urethra and sometimes the prostate gland in men. The infection does not usually progress further into the body and thus does not manifest as seriously as some of the other sexually transmitted diseases
Genital Warts
HPV virus is Sexually Transmitted Disease, some of the virus strains cause genital warts which start as above and develop further to a mushroom rough surface, very itchy and some time with burning sensation.
Herpes genitalis (or genital herpes)
Is a genital infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). A 1998 study indicated it was the most common sexually transmitted infection by the number of cases
Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginitis is inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina.
Vulvovaginitis can affect women of all ages and is extremely common. It can be caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and other parasites. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause vulvovaginitis