Genital Herpes
This is not life-threatening but is still pretty gross. Genital
Herpes is extremely infectious, and is caused by the same
or related virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) that causes cold sores
on the mouth, so if your partner has cold-sores don’t
let them anywhere near you without using a dam with care!
As with most viruses, there is no cure, and it will stay in
your bloodstream for life, popping up when your immune system
is low. Look out for small blisters on your genitals with
clear yellowish fluid in them. These will burst, leaving painful
ulcers which will then scab over and heal within a couple
of weeks. Protect yourself with a Dam.
Genital Warts
Also a bit gross, but it’s important these are treated.
The symptoms are raised warts around the head of the penis,
and in some cases the anus. They are highly contagious, so
use a dam and condoms to protect yourself and your partner.
The treatment isn’t much fun, outbreaks can last months,
and may recur for life, so prevention is definitely better
than a cure.
Chlamydia
This is the fastest spreading STI in the UK, and often presents
no symptoms. It’s caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis
bacteria, and can cause some nasty inflammation in your testicles.
Ouch. Get tested at the GUM clinic if you’ve had unprotected
sex (I also have a couple of postal test kits if you need
one). Symptoms may include a couple days of irritation at
the head of your penis, which then goes away though the infection
remains, so if you feel something don’t just hope it
goes away. Lack of treatment can lead to infertility in men
as well as women. Prevent infection by using dams and condoms,
easily treated with antibiotics if caught early.
Syphilis
It’s making a comeback in the UK, particularly amongst
gay and bisexual men. If it goes untreated, syphilis can eventually
be fatal, so get yourself checked out if you’ve had
unprotected sex. Look out for red lesions developing on your
penis or anus. Later stages of the infection include a red
rash on the body, fever, sore throat and aching muscles.
It can be treated with antibiotics in the early stages, and
you can prevent infection by using condoms and dams.
Gonorrhoea
Another bacterial infection with fairly gruesome results.
It’s passed by unprotected sex, and often shows no outward
symptoms. In some cases, there may be pain in urinating, but
gay and bi men can also get it in the rectum, leading to pain
and discharge of bloody pus – not nice. There may also
be a throat infection in cases of oral sex with an infected
partner – the classic sign of gonorrhoea is a metallic
taste in the mouth. This can cause inflammation of the testicles,
so get checked out at the GUM if you think you’re at
risk.
HIV/AIDs
This is one you’ve probably had lectures on ad nauseum,
so I’ll be brief. There is no cure for the HIV virus,
but good anti-retrovirals exist to extend and improve quality
of life. The HIV virus is spread through exchange of bodily
fluids, whether this is sex without a condom or sharing blood/needles.
HIV destroys the immune system, and early symptoms an include
night sweats, weight loss, fevers, diarrhoea and swollen glands.
There is a 1-hour HIV/AIDS clinic nearby where you can be
tested (see the Local Services sheet).
Hepatitis B
This is a serious virus that affects the liver, but it can
now be vaccinated against. As usual, you can protect yourself
with condoms. Early symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite,
and fever. Later you can go on to develop jaundice (your skin
goes yellow because of liver damage) and dark urine.
Check Ups
Just as you get your teeth checked regularly at the dentist,
and your eyes checked regularly at the opticians, you should
get your bits checked regularly at the GUM or your GP. They’re
really not as awful as you imagine, and they’re certainly
a lot for fun than the health problems they help to prevent.
It’s good form to get yourself checked out at least
annually, if you are having unsafe sex though it’s best
to be a bit more regular. The Scottish guidelines recommend
getting check-ups every 3-6 months if you are sexually active.
If this hasn’t put you off for life, good! Sex
is meant to be fun, and it will be better if you can talk
honestly to your partner, and both respect each other’s
wishes.
