Sexual health

1. HIV Test

HIV, or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus transmitted sexually that attacks the immune system. Without a healthy immune system the body becomes open to diseases and infections.

The latter stages of HIV are sometimes referred to as AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, however the terms advanced HIV or late-stage HIV is now used by specialists as the term AIDS was deemed too general to describe the various conditions an infected person can suffer with.

Advanced HIV is the point at which the immune system ceases to function and the infected person develops life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia. There is no known cure for HIV or a vaccine to prevent it. Treatments are available to help people infected with HIV to live relatively normally.

An HIV test is carried out by taking a sample of blood to detect the presence of the virus. An HIV test will only detect the virus after three months of becoming infected. It is recommended that a further test is done three months after the initial one.

Previous blood tests for other problems will not have detected the presence of HIV as blood is only tested for the virus with your consent. Results of your test are strictly confidential and you will not usually have to pay. A positive diagnosis will require you to inform you life insurance and health insurance companies.

2. Syphilis

Syphilis is typically passed through sexual contact but also through injecting drugs intravenously or blood transfusions. It is a bacterial infection that stays dormant in the body however there are some initial symptoms such as painless sores (known as chancres). These sores are highly infectious and the condition can be passed on if someone comes into close contact with them during sex.

Once the chancres have appeared, 2-10 weeks later further symptoms such as rashes, sore throat, fatigue and headaches can develop. Syphilis can then lie dormant after these symptoms for a number of years but can reappear and cause damage to the internal organs, nervous system, eyes and brain.

A syphilis test is carried out firstly by examination of the genitals. Your GP or nurse will examine the penis, urethra and foreskin. You may also have your anus examined. If chancre sores are present, a swab of the fluid in the sore will be taken and tested. You will then have a blood test which will also be tested to detect the bacteria.

A course of antibiotics will successfully treat the infection.

3.Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact and is one of the most common STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Men aged 20-30 are at the highest risk of infection.

There are typically no symptoms of Chlamydia but men can suffer with discharge from the unrethra or inflammation and irritation. If left undiagnosed and untreated Chlamydia can cause infertility.

Chlamydia tests did involve a swab taken from the opening of the penis but has been replaced in recent years by a urine test.

Treatment is through a course of antibiotics.

4. Genital herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the highly contagious Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) which infects the genitals after coming into sexual contact (anal, oral or vaginal) with an infected person. The virus also affects the skin causing cold sores typically around the mouth.

There are few symptoms when first infected but typically 4-7 days after infection symptoms such as painful blisters around the genital area, pain when urinating and feeling unwell can develop.

A Genital herpes test involves your GP making a physical examination and then taking a swab of fluid from a blister which is tested at a lab to detect HSV.

5. Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea used to be called ‘the clap’ and is a bacterial infection found in the semen or vaginal fluid. It is easily passed on through sexual contact with an infected person and the second most common STI in the UK.

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea include white/yellow/green discharge from the penis, pain and inflammation of the testicles, painful urination, urinating frequently, irritation and/or discharge from the anus.

A Gonorrhoea test involves your GP or nurse taking a culture sample from the penis which will then be tested at a lab to detect ‘neisseria gonorrhoeae’ (the bacteria that causes Gonorrhoea). If the condition has been caused by anal or oral sex a culture will be taken from the anus or throat.

Treatment for Gonorrhoea is a course of antibiotics

6. Hepatitis B & C

Hepatitis B & C are viruses that can spread through the blood and bodily fluids. It can be passed on through unprotected sex with an infected person.

If left undiagnosed and untreated Hepatitis B & C can cause cancer of the liver or cirrhosis of the liver. Initial symptoms include: aches, fever, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

Tests for Hep B & C include blood tests to detect antibodies that fight the infection and sometimes a liver function test.

7. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that affects the genitals causing genital warts in both men and women. There are around 80 types of the virus. For women, the virus can lead to cervical cancer.

Symptoms of HPV in men include warts appearing on as well as under the foreskin. They can also appear on the penis and the anus.

HPV genital warts are identified by physical examination but biopsy test can identify if someone has the virus. However, no one test has proved reliable.

There is no cure to eliminate the virus with many people finding that their immune system deals with it over a period of time. Ointments can relieve the symptoms.

8. Trichomoniasis

Also known as trichomonas vaginalis, the infection is caused by a germ of the same name. Infections can affect both men and women and is passed on through unprotected sex with an infected partner.

Infections occur in the urethra and appear after 5-28 days from exposure. Symptoms rarely do appear but if they do they can include: pain when urinating or ejaculating, white discharge from the penis, discomfort during sex

Trichomoniasis tests include physical examination of the genitals and a swab test from the penis which will be sent to a lab to detect the germ. A urine test can sometimes be used also.

Treatment is through a course of antibiotics.