ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STDs

Thrush

Also known as candida, this fungal infection can make your life a misery with terrible itching, swelling or redness on your bits (for both boys and girls), and pain during sex or peeing.

Candida is a yeast that naturally grows in the vagina. It only causes trouble when it gets the upper hand if the acidity of the vagina is upset. This can be triggered by a whole host of factors, not just sex, including the Pill, antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, stress, perfumed soap and bubble bath.

Your GP can prescribe anti-fungal pessaries, or simply pick them up in your chemist. Make sure you dose up your partner too so you avoid re-infection!

HIV and Aids

Acquired Immune Deficiency results from HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). It's commonly spread by sexual contact with an infected partner. The virus can enter the body through the lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum or mouth during sex and also through contact with infected blood.

There's no evidence it's via saliva, sweat, tears, urine or faeces. Many people don't develop any symptoms when they first become infected with HIV, others have a flu-like illness within a month or two after contracting the virus.

Currently about 34.3million people in the world have been infected with HIV/Aids and while there have been major advances in drug treatments for people with HIV and Aids, there is still no cure for Aids or a vaccine for HIV.

Gonorrhoea

Also known as the 'clap', it's caused by a bacteria passed on by an infected partner through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Most common amongst 15 to 25-year-olds, like chlamydia, over half those infected don't show symptoms. If you do, it could include painful urination, discharge, a sore throat (thanks to oral sex) or anal discomfort (thanks to anal sex).

Get this treated pronto, usually with a single, high-dose antibiotic, as it can lead to PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) and, consequently, infertility.

Syphilis

Thankfully rare in the UK today, syphilis is spread via intercourse, oral sex and from mother to baby with devastating results. This is the only STD, except HIV, that can lead to death. It has three stages beginning with a painless ulcer, usually on the genitals, known as a chancre. The disease then spreads rapidly and silently through the bloodstream resulting, after many years, in severe damage to critical organs like the heart and brain and then death. Penicillin zaps this nasty bug in one fell swoop.

Herpes

There are two strains of Herpes Simplex.One causes genital ulcers, and another is responsible for mouth and lip coldsores. When they attack, both cause small painful blisters that rupture into ulcers making you feel feverish and achy.

Spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or direct skin to skin contact with infected areas it goes without saying that it's best keeping clear while the sores are active.

The good news is that herpes is manageable. The bad news is that it's not curable. It lurks in the body ready to come back and party if you party too hard, so take it easy and look after your general health.

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