Due to the increasing spread of COVID-19, the Easter break this year may be longer than anticipated. With the extra time off we want to brush up on our sexual health knowledge to ensure a healthy and relaxing break. While it is especially important to practice personal hygiene right now, other health issues such as sexual health and safety should not be neglected!
STIs are classified as sexually transmitted infections and STDs are sexually transmitted diseases. STIs are infections, which can potentially develop into a disease. These infections and associated disease can occur on the mouth and genitals, and for the majority they are transferred through sexual contact with an infected individual.
Some of the most common infections include; Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, HPV and HIV. Below are the most common symptoms for each infection. If you have any of the below symptoms don’t hesitate to book an online, secure appointment with one of our Australian Registered GPs.
Many of these Infections can be treated or can be prevented from becoming worse by seeing a medical professional although if no action is taken these infections can potentially turn into diseases or have long term impacts on the body. In the case of gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia, any of these infections left untreated can all potentially cause infertility, joint pain and increase the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.
HIV can eventually evolve into AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) if untreated, meaning the immune system will ultimately deteriorate.
To avoid contracting a sexually transmitted infection, please practice sexual safety when having intercourse. These measures can include;
A UTI differs to an STD/STI as it is a urinary tract infection which occurs from bacteria entering the unitary tract via the urethra, causing pain and discomfort. This can occur from not properly wiping when using the bathroom, not urinating after sexual intercourse, having a small urinary tract and holding in the need to urine.
If you are unsure if you have an STI, STD or UTI, you are experiencing the listed symptoms or simply want more information, book an appointment with one of our certified healthcare professionals.
Don’t feel comfortable talking in person? Don’t worry you can consult a healthcare professional from your home using our secure, confidential platform.
To easily access contraception QuickScripts andonline medical professionals allow you want to avoid sitting in a doctor’s waiting room these holidays.
https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/About-sexually-transmitted-infections-STIs
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sexually-transmitted-infections-sti
https://stoptherise.initiatives.qld.gov.au/stis
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/symptoms-of-hiv
https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/fact-sheets/19/45/hiv-aids–the-basics
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
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