STIs

STIs are grouped into one of three categories; bacterial, parasitic and viral. Some of the most common STIs are bacterial, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which are very common due to the highly contagious nature of bacterial STIs. The majority of STIs can be effectively treated, however, those that can't be cured can be effectively managed long-term using an effective course of treatment.

Bacterial STIs

Bacterial STIs, such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia are transmitted during unprotected sexual contact. These STIs aren't likely to present any noticeable symptoms; meaning bacterial STIs are easily passed on during unprotected sex, as individuals with this form of STI are unlikely to know they are infected. Bacterial STIs can be easily treated with a course of antibiotic medication.

Parasitic STIs

Parasitic STIs, such as trichomonas vaginalis ('trich') or scabies are passed on from person-to-person after close, unprotected contact with a genital area that has been infected with a parasite. These parasites are small organisms that tend to be uncomfortable, but aren' noticeable until some time after you become infected.

Viral STIs

Viral STIs, such as genital herpes and genital warts, are infections caused by a virus contracted during unprotected sexual intercourse. Whilst this form of STI can't be outright cured, it can be effectively managed until the infection and its effects are no longer noticeable. Treating viral STIs with effective medication can prevent further outbreaks of the infection in the future.

Listed below are the different types of STIs, along with which type of STI it is categorised under:

Bacterial

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Mycoplasma Genitalium
• Ureaplasma Urealyticum
• Mucopurulent Cervictis (MPC)
• Syphilis
• Non-specific Urethritis
• Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Viral

• Genital Herpes
• Genital Warts
• Humun Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Pubic Lice (Crabs)
• HIV/AIDs
• Hepatitis A, B and C

Parasitic

• Trichomoniasis (Trichmonas Vaginalis)
• Scabies

Other conditions that are regularly mistaken as being a sexually transmitted infection are:

• Cystitis
• Thrush
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Chancroid
• Some strains of herpes virus (HPV)

Whilst some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do present some common symptoms to help with diagnosing the correct STI, most STIs are asymptomatic, meaning so symptoms are experienced. This can make it difficult to pinpoint which STI you are currently dealing with. As a result of this, regular STI testing is essential when you are sexually active in order to discover if you do have an STI sooner rather than later so that you can prevent it spreading to your sexual partners. Practising safe sex by using barrier contraceptives can also help if you are indeed infected with an STI but aren't aware due to a lack of symptoms. Also, different forms of STIs can cause different symptoms.

Some of the common symptoms associated with STIs in general are as follows:

• Itchiness / burning around the genital region
• Pain during urination (male and female)
• Pain during sexual intercourse (female)
• Unusual discharge from the penis (male)
• Lower abdomen pain (female)
• Pain in the testicles (male)
• Discharge from the vagina (female)

For bacterial and viral STIs, symptoms can vary. Therefore, it's importance to know the difference between each of these forms of STI in terms of their symptoms.

Viral STIs:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain around the pelvic region
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain during urination
• Sores located around the vagina, penis, groin or anus
• Swollen glands
• Dark patches located on the skin

Bacterial STIs:

• Pain in the pelvic region
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Itchiness / soreness around the genital region
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain during urination
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding between periods

Genital warts

Genital warts, in particular, present a unique set of symptoms. These symptoms include:

• A single growth or a group of growths on and around the genital region
• Flow of urine disrupted due to internal growths

If you are currently experiencing any of the STI symptoms listed above you should seek medical advice as soon as possible in order to discover which type of STI you have. This medical advice can be sourced from a sexual health clinic or GUM clinic.

If you do indeed have an STI it is guaranteed that you will experience any of the symptoms associated with bacterial, viral and parasitic STIs. If symptoms do become apparent it can sometimes take weeks for any to surface. This increases the chances of passing an STI onto another individual during unprotected sexual contact, as you are unaware of your infection. If you aren't experiencing any of the common symptoms associated with STIs there are other ways to discover whether you are truly infected.

Other signs of an STI include:

• If you've taken part in unprotected sexual intercourse with a new sexual partner
• If a sexual partner has experienced any of the common symptoms caused by an STI
• If you or a sexual partner have had sex with an individual who hasn't used any barrier contraceptives
• If you've ever been at risk of having an infection and are currently planning a pregnancy

Having unprotected sexual intercourse (vagina, anal or oral) can greatly increase the chances of spreading an STI to sexual partners. By practicing safe sex you can greatly reduce the chances of catching bacterial STIs from sexual partners.

Using the following safe sex methods can help towards protecting you from STIs:

• Male or female condoms – to be used during both vaginal and anal sex
• Dental dams – to be used during oral sex and can also help to prevent the spread of HIV
• Limiting your number of sexual partners – reduces the risk of catching an STI from an infected sexual partner
• Attending regular STI testing – this applies to both yourself and your partner
• Abstaining from sex – avoiding vaginal, anal and oral sex altogether gives you the best chance possible at preventing the spread of STIs

Visiting the sexual health clinic

You can receive testing for all forms of STIs at a sexual health clinic o GUM clinic. These clinics are a walk-in service and can be located across the UK. Testing at these clinics is kept completely confidential. Attending these clinics is essential for both yourself and your sexual partners when sexually active and especially if you begin to recognise any symptoms associated with STIs. Some pharmacies may also provide testing for certain types of sexually transmitted infections. All information and tests provided by these clinics are free.

The STI test itself can consist of:

• A blood sample
• A urine sample
• Examination of the genitals, anus, mouth and skin
• Swabs from the urethra
• Swabs of sores and blisters
• Swabs of the rectum and throat (this is quite rare)

For women, tests can also include:

• An internal examination
• Swabs from the vagina and cervix

Here at NEW HEALTH SITE we offer highly effective antibiotic prescription medication for the treatment of eight STIs in particular. These are:

• Genital warts
• Genital herpes
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Ureaplasma urealyticum
• Non-specific urethritis

Once you have been diagnosed for one of these STIs at a sexual health clinic or GUM clinic you can place your order for the relevant treatment after completing a quick and confidential online consultation form. This form is then reviewed by a member of our team of UK registered doctors. Once a doctor has approved your order you will be issued with an official prescription and can successfully place your order.

You can also obtain prescription medication for STIs from any of your local pharmacies or clinics. This is possible after you have attended a face-to-face doctor's appointment to receive your prescription. By ordering online you can retrieve your prescription discreetly in order to uphold your privacy. After receiving your prescription you will then need to commute to a pharmacy to collect the relevant treatment for your STI. Ordering online is a far more convenient method as you can avoid doctor's appointments and the need to travel to a pharmacy. After placing your order for an STI treatment here at NEW HEALTH SITE, your medication is delivered to chosen delivery address.