Sexually Transmitted Infections

Gonorrhoea – This is a highly contagious infection that usually presents with pain or discomfort on passing urine, associated with a thick yellow discharge. This is treatable with injection or oral antibiotics.

Non-Gonococcal Urethritis – This conditions also presents with pain on passing urine and genital discharge but can sometimes be asymptomatic, especially in females. The discharge is usually clear white and less thick compared with the discharge seen in gonorrhoea. This can be cured with oral antibiotics. Delayed diagnosis can lead to serious complications in females.

Genital Warts – These present as warty growths on the genital area and may be single or multiple. They are caused by infection by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There is often no associated pain but these growths can spread or infection others if left untreated. Genital warts can be treated with liquid nitrogen treatment, topical medication or electrosurgical ablation. There are effective vaccines against some of the subtypes of the HPV virus which can offer some immune protection for patients.

Syphilis – Syphilis is a highly infectious condition that can present as primary (early), secondary or tertiary (late) syphilis.

A. Primary syphilis usually presents as a painless ulcer on the genitalia.

B. Secondary syphilis occurs weeks or months after a primary infection and usually presents with rashes on the trunk and limbs with enlarged lymph nodes. The rashes may also appear on the palms. Fever, headache and sore throat may also be present.

Both primary and secondary syphilis are the most contagious stages of syphilis

Genital Herpes – This usually presents with painful tiny grouped blisters on the genital area. The base of the blister is often red. The blisters burst and leave small erosions and this may take 1 to 2 weeks to heal. Genital herpes has a tendency to recur. Suppressive treatment may be considered for patients with very recurrent disease.