“Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital, oral or anal contact” (NHS, 2022).
While students are told to prevent STIs through the use of protection, there needs to be more of a discussion about what can be done if a student suspects they have an STI. Students should also be made aware about the damaging long-term effects of having certain STIs.
Young women should be taught about weeing after having penetrative sex and about urinary tract infections (more below).
See the information below or pass round the Generation Feminist STI Factsheet.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
Chlamydia is the most common STI in young adults. These bacterial infections are different but present similar symptoms and treatments. Tests for these particular STIs can be ordered online for people who can’t get to their GP or nearest sex clinic.
Symptoms:
- Pain or burning sensation when you urinate
- Unusual discharge
- Bleeding between periods (women only)
- Pain in the lower adbomen during or after sex (women only)
- Pain the testicles (men only)
Treatments:
- Antibiotics prescribed by a GP
HIV
Flu-like symptoms present themselves with HIV however most people don’t experience any symptoms until later on. HIV attacks the immune system, eventually developing into aids. There is currently no cure for HIV but there are treatments to help people with a positive result live long, normal lives.
If you have come into contact with someone’s blood or had unprotected sex, it is smart practice to get checked for HIV. It can be tested for doing a simple blood test at your local GP or sex clinic.
Non STI infections
Thrush can have similar symptoms to an STI. Itchiness in the genitals and unusual discharge can be a sign. Thrush can usually be treated with over-the-counter treatment however most places would like you to have checked for STIs beforehand.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is common in women but can also occur in men. Women should take care to urinate after having penetrative sex in order to clear the urinary tract of any semen or foreign bodies that could cause infection. Symptoms of a UTI commonly see you feel in constant need of a wee and a painful, burning sensation when you do. A UTI must be treated with antibiotics from your GP, if left untreated it could cause damage to your kidneys and bladder.
References:
- NHS (2022) Let’s Talk About It. Available at: https://www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/worried-about-stis/information-about-common-stis/#:~:text=Chlamydia%20is%20the%20most%20common,easily%20passed%20on%20during%20sex. Accessed 16/05/22.
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