Did you wake up one day to find a burning rash down there? Or perhaps an ex boyfriend or fling sent you an awkward and alarming message, “err… I just tested positive for an STD, I think you should get yourself checked out too.” Quite naturally, your first response would probably be, “OMG is it AIDS?!!!”
While, HIV is the dreaded STD for which there is no cure, there are many other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) which are more much common and can affect your health and fertility too so it should not be taken lightly. Here’s the low down on what you should look out for, the measures you can take and what you should do if you suspect you have an STD/STI.
HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV infection. So you don’t get AIDS straight away… but a person with AIDS if untreated usually dies between 1.5 – 3 years.
From records at the Ministry of Health, there were 455 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were reported among Singapore residents in 2015. Of the 455 cases, 93% were male, and 74% were between 20 to 49 years old.
If you engage in high-risk sexual behaviour (like casual sex without a condom), or feel you might be at risk (example, from a cheating partner), you need to go for the HIV screening (it’s a blood test) as you cannot tell if someone has HIV based on appearances alone. There is no cure for HIV infection but there are treatments (anti-retroviral therapy) which can delay the onset of AIDS and thus prolong life.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes sores usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take weeks to heal.
You can get herpes by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the disease.
Fluids found in a herpes sore carry the virus, and contact with those fluids can cause infection. Sores can also occur in areas that are not covered by a condom so condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes. You can also get herpes from an infected sex partner who does not have a visible sore because the virus can be released through your skin.
Your doctor can diagnose genital herpes by simply looking at your symptoms, or by taking a sample from the sores for testing. There is no cure for herpes, but medication can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Do not touch the sores or fluids to avoid spreading herpes to another part of your body (such as your eyes!).
Chlamydia
You can get chlamydia by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia, even if he does not ejaculate. Using a condom will help prevent infection as it keeps away bodily fluids.
Women with Chlamydia may notice an abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods or a burning sensation when urinating. Symptoms may not appear until several weeks after you have sex with an infected partner.
A doctor can do a blood test, urine test or a vaginal swab to test for Chlamydia. The cure is as simple as a course of strong antibiotics, but if left untreated, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea causes infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common among young people ages 15-24 years. Most women with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms, apart from a burning sensation when urinating. For men, there may be a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Using a condom properly can reduce transmission.
The test for Gonorrhea is a simple urine test, and it can be cured with medication but the damage done by the disease cannot be reversed. If left untreated, a woman may become infertile, due to the formation of scar tissue in the fallopian tubes, and have long-term pelvic pain.
If you are pregnant, you can give the infection to your baby during delivery, usually in the form of an eye infection. It can also cause serious health problems for your baby.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is quite possibly the most common STD. One 1997 study estimated that three-quarters of the sexually active population has had HPV at some point during their lives. It is also known as the cervical cancer virus.
Some types of HPV can cause warts. Most women do not have any symptoms, but it may show up as pre-cancerous cervical changes during a routine pap smear. HPV can lie dormant for many years before causing cancerous changes to the cervix. It is important that women continue to get regular Pap smears throughout their lifetimes.
Although there is no treatment for HPV, majority of infected individuals will clear the infection within 2 years on their own. There are also vaccines which protect against HPV.