Sexually Transmitted Infections
There are more than 25 sexually transmitted infections (STI's),
and common ones include chlamydia, genital warts, herpes and
gonorroea.
Less common but no less importnat is HIV - the virus that causes
AIDS.
STI's can be passed from oral sex (mouth to genital contact),
vaginal or anal sex (penetration of the vagina or anus by the
penis).
Sometimes infections can be passed on without penetration, just
be genitals touching or by sharing sex toys such as vibrators
etc.
You can also get crabs and scabies (small insect type
creatures), from close contact with a person who has these.
Because infections aren't always visible, you or your partner
may have symptoms or you may not notice anything.
Some infections may lie dormant for a time and can cause
symptoms when you least expect them.
Think you might have an infection?
Don't panic if you start to get unusual symptoms or think you
might have picked up an infection, but you do need to seek
advice.
Though you may feel embarrassed, try to remember that infections
are quite common, and medical staff that you may have to see will
have seen it all before - plenty of times!
You can get advice from your own doctor or nurse, at a hospital,
or from a young people's clinic.
Jersey's hospital has a specialist clinic called a GUM
(genito urinary medicine) clinic.
If you do have symptoms, they could include:
- unusual discharge of liquid fromthe vagina or penis
- pain or burning when you urinate
- urinating more than usual
- itching, rashes, sores, blisters, lumps etc around your
genitals
- pain in your genital, pelvic or abdomen area particularly
during sex
- unusual bleeding after sex or in between periods
If you are unsure about any of the above or anything else
unusual, then consult a doctor. Remember they will have seen it
before so don't be too worried!
If you have an infection then you will probably need to tell the
person you were intimate with as they might have it too
and need treatment.
Learn to put condoms on in the dark, and consider using dental
dams (latex squares that can be places across genital areas during
oral sex).
If you struggle to get hold of dental dams then you can make
yourself one by splitting a condom lengthways.
Protect yourself and your partner; make a habit of it! When and
if you get to a point in your relationship that you want to stop
using condoms as well as your other contraception, you should
consider both getting a sexual health check up from the GUM
clinic.
If you want further information or to talk to someone about
sexual health in any form, you can ring:
GUM/Sexual Health Clinic (all ages) ~ Tel: (01534)
442856
Brook (Under 21's) ~ Tel: (01534) 507981
Brook Helpline ~ Tel: 0800 0185 023 (freephone) Mon -
Fri 9am - 5pm
Youth Enquiry Service (YES) ~ Tel: (01534)
766628
Health Promotion Department ~ Tel: (01534)
443900
Sexual Health Line ~ Tel: 0800 567 123 (24
hours)
HIV, AIDS & blood Bourne Viruses
AIDS or aquired immune deficiency syndrome is a condition
or illness caused by HIV or the human immunodeficiency
virus.
There is no cure for AIDS, although there is effective treatment
to relieve signs and symptoms of the disease.
Hepatitis B & C can cause liver damage; effective treatment
is available for some but not all cases. it is therefore important
that we understand the risks and prevention of these blood bourne
viruses.
The highest risk for transmitting HIV is through penetrative
anal and vaginal intercourse without a condom.
Penetrative sex, particulalry unprotected anal sex is also a hig
risk for Hepatitis B and C.
The condomis the only form of contraception that can protect us
from HIV, blood bourne viruses and other STI's.
Stronger condoms and a water based lubricant are advised for
penetrative anal sex.
Oral sex is less risky but can be made safer by preventing
ejaculatory or sexual fluids from getting in the mouth.
You can make oral sex safer still by using a flavoured condom
for sucking a man's penis and a latex barrier for licking a woman's
vagina.
Oral sex should be avoided if you have any breaks or sores on
your lips or in your mouth.
You could try other safe non-penetrative forms of sex, which
reduce the exchange of sexual fluids from one person to
another.
Safer sex can include mutual masturbation, sexual stroking and
sensual massage.
Vaccinations are available for protection against Hepatitis
B.
Injecting drugs by used or shared needles is also high
risk. if you must inject drugs, always use a new needle and syringe
wach time.
All other injecting equipment should be clean and only used by
one person.
Use freshly boiled water that is not shared, and always use a
clean filter.
All injecting equipment should be disposed of safely in a small
sealed burn bin.
HIV can not be passed on through everyday contact. For example:
through shaking hands, hugging, kissing or from toilet seats, door
handles, through prepared food or from eating utensils.
Avoiding the sharing of razors and toothbrushes is a sensible
precaution for preventing all blood bourne viruses particularly
Hepatitis C.
Blood for transfusion purposes are thoroughly screened before
use in the UK and it it virtually impossible to contract these
infections through blood products.
If you require an HIV, Hepatitis B & C test, this can be
carried out anonymously and confidentially at the
GUM/Sexual Health Clinic at the Out Patient Department in the
General Hospital.
The GUM clinic has men's sessions on Tuesdays, a women's
session on Wednesday and mixed session on Thursday all from
5pm.
Alternatively you can call them for advice or to make an
appointment.
For more information:
GUM/Sexual Health Clinic ~ Tel: (01534) 442856
or email s.h@gov.je
Health Promotion Department ~ Tel: (01534)
443900
For free, confidential advice and support on safer
injecting and needle exchange contact the Alcohol and Drug Service
~ Tel: (01534) 445000 or email health@gov.je
For even more information check out www.acet.je
HIV and Hepatitis B&C helpline
English: 0800 7350 185 or Portuguese: 0800 7350
187
Terrence Higgins Trust ~ Tel: 0845 1221 200 www.tht.org.uk
