Information on syphilis, gonorrhoea, thrush, herpes, chlamydia and other venereal diseases
Syphilis
What is it? Syphilis is an infection
caused by a bacteria. If untreated it can lead to loss of sight and hearing,
heart disease, insanity and ultimately death. There has recently been
a dramatic upsurge in cases of the disease amongst gay and bi men in Ireland.
Symptoms Initially, painless red sores
called chancres appear on the dick, anus or mouth (Primary Syphilis).
Later, swollen lymph nodes and copper-colored rashes may develop (Secondary
Syphilis). Those infected are contagious throughout these first two stages.
These symptoms disappear within weeks, but this does not mean that you
are cured. Without treatment, 40% of those infected progress to Tertiary
Syphilis. They are no longer contagious, but the disease now attacks the
brain and heart.
How is it acquired? Syphilis is carried
in the blood and can be acquired though anal sex, oral sex and rimming.
The use of condoms and dental dams for these activities reduce the risk
of contracting the disease, but don’t eliminate it. Syphilis sufferers
are most contagious during the first stage of infection when chancres
appear. If you see chancres on your partner’s body, the utmost caution
should be exercised.
Treatment The disease is easily treatable
with antibiotics in its early stages.
Gonorrhoea
What is it? Also known as ‘the
clap’, gonorrhoea is a yucky bacterial infection, which is rampant
in many countries. It can affect the dick, anus or throat. In women it
can affect the fanny, womb and fallopian tubes. Long-term health complications
can develop as a result of infection with gonorrhoea, but it is not fatal.
Symptoms Men may experience a greenish-yellow
discharge from the dick, and a burning sensation when pissing. Women may
experience lower abdominal pain (as the infection spreads to the womb
and tubes). When it affects the throat, gonorrhoea often goes undiagnosed,
as the symptoms are similiar to those of a common sore throat.
How is it acquired? Oral, anal and vaginal
sex are all common routes to infection. Rimming and simple body contact
are also a risk. The use of condoms reduces the likelihood of infection,
as long as they are put on before any pelvic contact occurs.
Treatment Gonorrhoea infections are
completely curable with antibiotics, but complications can arise years
later, including urethral blockages.
Thrush
What is it? Also known as candida &
ballanitis, thrush is a fungal growth that forms on the skin. Thrush does
not endanger the health of the sufferer.
Symptoms A blotchy, sometimes itchy
rash that forms in the vagina or mouth particularly, but also on the dick
or anus.
How is it acquired? Thrush is acquired
through close physical contact, which need not be of a sexual nature.
Treatment Anti-fungal creams or antibiotics
are available to cure the disease.
Genital Warts
What are they? Bloody vile, that’s
what. Genital warts are the result of a virus (human papilloma virus or
HPV) which causes abnormal growths on the skin. Alarmingly, it has been
estimated that over half of gay and bi men carry HPV. If left untreated,
genital warts can lead to cancer.
Symptoms The warts form in the genital
and anal areas, but can sometimes be hard to spot. They are also usually
painless.
How is it acquired? Any close contact
with an affected person is likely to result in infection as the virus
is highly contagious. You can catch the virus from someone even if they
have no warts themselves. A man can carry the virus on his dick where
it usually won’t grow, but should he transmit it to your anus or
cervix, it could well take root (the virus grows best in these latter
areas).
Treatment Genital warts can be removed
with a special paint or through surgery. Euwww.
Herpes
What is it? Herpes infections are caused
by a virus. Cold sores on the lips are the result of a herpes outbreak.
Herpes generally does not pose a great risk to health, although infections
in HIV sufferers can be severe.
Symptoms The initial indications are
fever and fatigue, followed by pain at the site of infection and the formation
of blisters. The blisters burst, forming pinkish ulcers which then heal.
Outbreaks occur either on the lips, or the anal/genital area. A typical
bout of herpes lasts about 2 weeks.
How is it acquired? Herpes can be acquired
through any form of sexual contact, penetration not being necessary. Herpes
on the lips can be spread though kissing. The virus can spread even when
no blisters are visible.
Treatment Once you contract it, you’ve
got it for life, but drugs can be used to treat infections.
Chlamydia
What is it? Chlamydia is a build-up
of parasites in the eyes or genital area. If left untreated, it can lead
to long-term complications, including infertility.
Symptoms For men, these include a stinging
sensation when pissing and often a discharge. Women often do not know
they have the condition.
How is it acquired? Oral, anal and vaginal
sex as well as rimming are the usual suspects. You know what you have
to do – rubber up.
Treatment Chlamydia is easily treated
with antibiotics. Otherwise, you can just keep on wincing as you wee.
Scabies
What is it? Scabies is an infestation
with a parasitic mite that burrows into the skin. It is an extremely common
condition, and does not endanger the sufferer’s health.
Symptoms An extreme itching, occurring
between the fingers and on the arms, genitals, legs and elsewhere.
How is it acquired? Any close contact
with an affected person is likely to result in infestation. You can catch
it from sharing clothes, towels or a bed with someone who has the disease.
Treatment Scabies is easily treatable
with an over-the-counter lotion. Bed linen and clothing should be washed
and tumble-dried at a high heat to kill off the mites.
Crabs
What is it? Crabs, or pubic lice, are
teensy insects that colonize your pubic hair. If you’re a bear, you
might find them migrating elsewhere on your body. Crabs do not directly
endanger the sufferer’s health, but if left untreated, they could
drive you crazy!
Symptoms Itching!
How is it acquired? Crabs are probably
the easiest STD to catch. They generally spread from one person’s
pubic area to another’s during physical contact. There isn’t
much you can do to prevent catching them, unless you want to shave off
your pubic hair.
Treatment You can get a rank-smelling
lotion from the chemist. A nit comb can be used to remove the dead lice
eggs. And make sure your partner delouses themselves at the same time...
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