UPGRADE YOUR STI-Q

Knowledge is power – and a bloody good incentive to rubber up. Time to school up on the biggest coital contagions

GONORRHOEA

the numbers 36,244 new cases in England in 2016

the signs Almost half of infected women won’t have any. If you do, giveaways are a thick green or yellow vaginal discharge, pain when urinating and bleeding between periods – usually within two weeks of infection.

the fallout In 10-20% of cases of untreated gonorrhoea, it can spread to the reproductive organs and cause PID. If you’re pregnant, gonorrhoea can cause miscarriage and premature labour.

the test A swab sample from the vagina or cervix.

the fix Antibiotic injection (usually in the bum or thigh) followed by an antibiotic tablet. For now...

SYPHILIS

England the numbers in 2016 5,920 new cases in the signs A small, painless sore on the vagina, anus or mouth. If untreated, stage two is a blotchy red rash, often on the hands or feet, small skin growths on the vulva, white patches in the mouth and flu-like symptoms. the fallout Without treatment, infection can last for decades. If it spreads to the brain or nerves, it can cause potentially life-threatening problems, such as stroke and meningitis. the test Physical examination, blood test and a swab test on any sores. the fix Penicillin or an antibiotic equivalent – the dose depending on how long you’ve had the infection for.

CHLAMYDIA

the numbers 202,546 new cases in England in 2016

the signs At least 70% of women won’t experience any. If you do (they usually appear up to three weeks after having unprotected sex), look for pain when peeing, unusual vaginal discharge, pain in the stomach or pelvis, pain or bleeding during/after sex, bleeding between periods or heavier periods than usual.

the fallout Untreated, chlamydia can spread to the womb and cause PID – risking ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

the test Urine sample or a swab on the potentially infected area.

the fix Antibiotics. Your current sexual partner and any others from the past six months must be tested and treated, too.

GENITAL HERPES

the numbers 33,218 new cases in England at last count (2015) the signs Small blisters that burst to leave red sores around your genitals, thighs or bum (they can appear years after unprotected sex), plus burning or itching around your genitals, pain when you pee or unusual vaginal discharge. the fallout Once you have the virus, it stays with you. Symptoms clear up on their own, but can return – often triggered by friction from sex or tight clothing. the test A swab of one of your blisters. the fix There isn’t one. Antiviral medicine can stop the symptoms getting worse, but needs to be taken within five days of symptoms appearing. Recurrent outbreaks are usually milder.