Having an active sex life, regardless of your sexual orientation, is an important aspect of your health both mentally and physically. However, Sexual Health is something of a Taboo in Irish Society. Keeping on top of your Sexual Health is extremely important. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) do not just cause cosmetic problems, they can be very dangerous to your overall health. The best way to look after your Sexual Health is precaution. STI’s are passed on during unprotected sex (vaginal, anal and/or oral). Please remember that you may carry an STI without having any of the symptoms. Therefore it is never safe to have unprotected sex with a new partner or a partner whom you are unsure of their sexual history. In the case of long term monogamous relationships we would recommend use of a condom along with other oral forms of contraception (for heterosexual females) until both partners are comfortable with each other’s sexual history.
If you believe you may have an STI or STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) as they are sometimes known you should seek medical attention immediately from your local GP. We have put together a brief guide to some of the more common STI’s. If you believe you have any of these symptoms please visit your GP as soon as possible for a Sexual Health Check.
HIV
HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The Virus can be passed on through vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be passed on from pregnant mother to child or through sharing an infected needle. There can be no initial symptoms of the Virus but it can lead to the development of AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS interferes with the immune system resulting in a sufferer not being able to fight certain infections and viruses. AIDS affects millions of people globally and is still deemed as a Pandemic by the World Health Organisation. The early signs of AIDS are infections that cause problems which are not normally found in people who have a healthy immune system.
As there are no early signs of the HIV Virus, we would advise anyone who has unprotected sex to get a sexual health check.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection which can be passed on not only through sex but also genital contact. The infection can also be passed on from a pregnant mother to child. Chlamydia can lead to complications such as infertility and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID leads to the inflammation of fallopian tubes, uterus and in some cases ovaries. This can cause severe pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancies which is leading cause of pregnancy related deaths in mothers.
For the most Chlamydia will not result in any symptoms for around 80% of women and 50% of men. In males the usual symptoms are: Unusual Discharge from the Penis and a Burning Sensation during Urination. In females the symptoms are: Unusual Discharge from the Vagina, Unusually Heavy Periods or bleeding from the Vagina during Periods, A Burning Sensation during Urination and pain or bleeding during Sexual Intercourse. If you have any of these symptoms please go see your GP immediately. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics.
Genital Warts
Genital Warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Unlike many other STI’s, condoms do not offer protection against Genital Warts as the Virus can be passed through direct skin contact. If you have or believe you may have Genital Warts you should avoid Sexual Contact with others completely. Genital Warts appear as lumpy pieces of flesh around the genitals. They may not have any distinct pattern. HPV can be in your system for up to 8 months before you may have any symptoms. You can still infect others if you carry the Virus without having any of the symptoms.
Genital Warts are treatable with prescribed skin creams or through freezing of the warts. Women who develop Genital Warts should get a Smear Test as some types of Genital Warts are associated with Cervical Cancer.
Sexual Health Check
The above are just some of the STI’s that can be contracted. There are numerous types. If you have had unprotected sex we would urge you and your partner to get a Sexual Health Check.