LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Safe |
by Salvatore Seeley |
The ABCs of STDs
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), can be passed from one person to another during sex or other close body contact. Some cause no more than an itch, others can be painful. Many can be serious if left untreated. STDs are significant because some have only slight symptoms but can still cause damage if not treated. For people with HIV, infection with an STD may make it easier for HIV to be passed on. For others, having an STD can increase the risk of becoming HIV infected during sex with a person with HIV. Regardless of HIV status, all STDs should be treated. Anybody can get an STD by having sex, or in some cases by other intimate contact, with someone who is already infected. The symptoms of STDs can vary from person to person, as some people show no symptoms at all. Therefore, they can be passed on by someone who does not know that they have an infection. Many people have had an STD or will get one at some point. Some men regard the minor STDs as an "occupational hazard" because there is no way to protect oneself totally from every infection. By getting treatment when necessary you can look after yourself and prevent infections from becoming serious or causing damage. The more partners you have, the greater the chance that you might pick up and pass on an infection. However, you only have to have sex with one infected person to become infected yourself. If you feel that you might be at risk, regular check-ups at a Sexual Health Clinic will ensure that any infection is detected and treated quickly. The symptoms of most infections can vary from person to person. Common symptoms to watch for are: Itching in or around your penis, testicles or anus Burning or itching when you urinate or defecate Needing to urinate or defecate often and then not being able to go or only going a little Spots, scabs or rash on your penis or testicles, or close to or inside your anus Discharges that look unusual. Pus from the end of your penis or from your anus Unusual lumps and bumps on your testicles (read on for a guide to checking your testicles) Genital Warts: HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Description: Caused by a virus, warts can spread quickly causing discomfort. It can take anything from two weeks to eight months after infection before the warts appear. They are contagious and can be spread (i.e. from penis to anus) as well as from person to person. Warts may re-occur after treatment. Treatment: Warts are usually removed using a chemical paint which is applied (up to two or three times a week) until the warts are removed. Sex: Warts are easily passed on. Even during treatment warts are often still contagious, so use condoms for sex. You can be re-infected during your treatment. GONORRHEA: The Clap or The Drip Description: Caused by small, highly infectious bacteria. Symptoms usually show about three days after infection. If throat is infected it can go unnoticed and be passed on by oral sex. Gonorrhea can also be passed on by touch. Treatment: Antibiotics. It is important to go for a follow-up test to make sure the infection has gone. If not, more antibiotics will be prescribed. Sex: You can be re-infected even while undergoing treatment. Assume you remain infectious until you've had follow-up tests. All partners should be encouraged to test also. HERPES: Cold Sores, Herpes Simplex Virus I & II (HSV I & II) Description: A common and highly infectious virus. It usually occurs in the form of small, sometimes painful blisters. These occur on the area that came into contact with the infection. The first attack of herpes occurs three to six days after infection and lasts about three weeks. It is common for herpes to re-occur, particularly if the person is ill or stressed. Subsequent attacks tend to be less severe and generally the length of time between attacks slowly increases. Herpes sores are most infectious as they form, and while wet. They heal by forming dry flaky scabs, which eventually disappear. Treatment: Symptoms can be relieved with treatment but the virus cannot be cured. Treatments are most effective if used immediately after the symptoms appear. Sex: Just before, and while sores are present, herpes can be passed on easily from one part of the body to anotheras well as from person to person (e.g. a cold sore can be passed to your own or someone else's penis). CHLAMYDIA, NSU (Non-Specific Urethritis) Description: A group of bacteria which can live inside your penis or throat. Some can be passed on by touch; if bacteria gets from one partner into the other partner's penis or throat. Infections may also be passed on during oral sex, anal and vaginal sex. It can take 7-21 days before symptoms appear. Treatment: Antibiotics. Before having sex, you should have a check-up to make sure the infection has cleared up. Sex: You may pass the infection on during your treatment. You can also be re-infected during treatment. SYPHILIS The Pox or Venereal Disease (V.D.) Description and Symptoms: Syphilis is reasonably rare, but it is highly infectious and can be serious if untreated. The infection is sometimes visible during the first stages, but when "in hiding" is diagnosed by a routine blood test available from Sexual Health Clinics. The symptoms of syphilis usually start with a painless, raised red pimple with a hard surround at the site of infection. The head comes off leaving an ulcer often accompanied by swollen glands in the groin and sometimes in the armpits and neck. Modern treatments are very effective. Treatment: Antibiotics are used to cure syphilis. It is important that the infected person returns for blood tests after the treatment to ensure that the infection has gone. Sex: Syphilis is infectious, and sex during treatment is not recommended. The only way to be sure that you do not have syphilis is to have a blood test. Sal Seeley, Program Director of the Gay Men's Health Project of CAMP Rehoboth, may be reached at SalvatoreSeeley@aol.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 11, No. 11, August 10, 2001. |