Question 1

Chlamydia

Accepted Answer

This infection regularly shows no symptoms.
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the UK. Many people with chlamydia will show no symptoms which makes it easy to pass on during unprotected sex. The only way of knowing for certain you have the condition is through effective testing, but common symptoms include pain whilst urinating, unusual discharge in both men and women and pain during sex.

Question 2

Gardnerella Vaginalis

Accepted Answer

Gardnerella Vaginalis is a naturally occurring bacteria that is most commonly found in the vagina. It can however be transmitted through sexual intercourse and men can catch the infection. Due to the fact that it's naturally occurring medication is often not prescribed for women unless there are symptoms.

Question 3

Gonorrhoea

Accepted Answer

This infection regularly shows no symptoms.
 
Formerly known as "the clap", gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It can affect the vagina, penis, anus or throat and as a result can be passed on through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. It regularly shows no symptoms, but some signs include yellowy or green discharge, burning when passing urine, abdominal pain in women or genital pain in men.

Question 4

Hepatitis B

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver. It is spread through the transfer of blood and bodily fluids, including through unprotected sex. It is less common in the UK when compared to other countries, but you are at risk if you have unprotected sex with someone carrying the virus. For many people, Hepatitis B has a lifelong impact and you may never fully be cured.

Question 5

Hepatitis C

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver. It is passed on through the transfer of blood, including during sex. It's usually possible to cure the infection and most people will have a normal life expectancy. Unfortunately it rarely shows symptoms until the liver is significantly damaged, which is why testing following unprotected sex is so important.

Question 6

Herpes Simplex (HSV)

Accepted Answer

Herpes Simplex (HSV) is a virus that can be transmitted through skin on skin contact with someone who is having an active outbreak, including through vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can cause genital herpes where the condition presents as small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores. It can also present on the face in the form of cold sores. People infected with herpes carry the virus for life and may have outbreaks or flare ups.

Question 7

HIV

Accepted Answer

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the immune system and affects the body's ability to fight everyday infections. It is transmitted within the blood and can be passed on through unprotected anal and vaginal sex. HIV cannot be cured through medication and infected individuals will carry the virus for life. Thankfully those living with the virus can lead a completely normal life by taking daily medication that keeps it under control.

Question 8

Mycoplasma Genitalium

Accepted Answer

Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG) is a sexually transmitted bacteria that is found in the urinary tract of infected individuals. It rarely shows symptoms, but if left untreated it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease which is linked to infertility. It is passed on through vaginal sex with an infected individual and because there are often no signs of the infection the only way to know you have the condition is through testing.

Question 9

Syphilis

Accepted Answer

This infection regularly shows no symptoms.
 
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is spread through unprotected sex with an infected individual. It's important to test for the condition if you believe you have come in contact with it as it can have a long term impact on your health. Symptoms can include a painless sore or ulcer on the penis or vagina, along with other rashes affecting different areas of the body. Many people will notice no symptoms or the symptoms may be so mild that they pass unnoticed.

Question 10

Trichomonas Vaginalis

Accepted Answer

Trichomonas Vaginalis is a bacteria that causes Trichomoniasis - a sexually transmitted infection affecting both men and women. Symptoms are similar to other sexually transmitted infections, including unusual discharge in women, pain whilst urinating or having sex, and soreness affecting the genital area. Testing is often required to diagnose the STD and it is not offered as standard on the NHS.

Question 11

Ureaplasma

Accepted Answer

Ureaplasma is a bacteria that is commonly found in the urinary or genital tract. It will usually live in balance with other bacteria naturally found in your body and many people will never know they have it. Due to its usual harmless nature, treatment is not usually prescribed unless the infected individual is noticing clear symptoms.

The Sexual Health GP

New Relationship / No Symptoms

MSM

Men who have sex with men

Maxi Test

Sample Requirements

Blood

Urine

MSM - Maxi Test

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