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Caused by a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria. Symptoms may include:
- Strong vaginal odour
- Increased/change in discharge
- Vaginal discomfort
Inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis and/or foreskin. Most common symptoms:
- a blotchy red rash
- rash may be itchy
A very common bacterial STI affecting both men and women. Many people do not notice any symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- stinging or burning when passing urine
- discharge from penis (often clear)
- redness at opening of penis
- change in vaginal discharge
- pelvic pain, including pain during sex (women only)
- irregular bleeding (especially after sex)
Emergency contraception effectively reduces the risk of pregnancy following unprotected sex. It must be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex although is more effective if taken as early as possible.
Genital skin is very sensitive. Many genital skin irritations are not caused by STIs. 3 key facts for good genital skin care:
- Avoid irritants
- Keep dry
- Don’t scratch or rub
Many people do not notice symptoms as you can have this virus and not have any warts. Symptoms may include :
- painless bumps around the genitals and buttocks
Many people do not notice symptoms. Symptoms may include :
- Discharge from the penis, vagina or anus.
- Stinging or burning when passing urine
- Sore, dry throat
Many people do not notice symptoms. Symptoms may include :
- Nausea
- Loss of appetit
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Dark urine
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Right sided pain under the ribs
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Many people do not notice any symptoms as you can have this virus and not have herpes lesions or sores. Symptoms may include:
- Blisters or sores on and around the genitals and buttocks
Many people do not notice any symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- a flu-like illness
- swollen lymph nodes
- skin rash.
Important information about early detection of HIV for gay men and other men who have sex with men: F+RST video LINK
Occasionally, a result is neither positive nor negative. This is what we call an indeterminate HIV result.
Skin inflammation involving the external genital skin. Symptoms may include:
- Genital itch
- Burning and soreness of the genital skin
A bacterial infection caused by certain strains of chlamydia. Symptoms may include:
- Anal pain and discharge.
- Pimple, blister or ulcer on the genitals.
- Inflammation of the groin lymph nodes.
A skin infection caused by one of the pox viruses. Symptoms may include:
- Small pimples or lumps that are sometimes mistaken for warts
A bacterium that infects the urethra, cervix and anus. Many people do not notice symptoms. Symptoms may include:
Men:
- Inflammation of the urethra (the urine passage)
- Stinging or burning when passing urine
- A discharge from the penis.
Women:
- Pain in the pelvic area and pain during sexual intercourse.
- An abnormal vaginal discharge.
- A burning when passing urine.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Inflammation or infection of the reproductive system in the pelvis. Many women do not have any signs or symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Unusual bleeding
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Pain with sex
- Increased period pain
PEP is the administration of 2 or 3 antiretroviral HIV medications for 28 days, commenced within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV infection. PEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection following needlestick injuries to healthcare workers by 81%. To be at risk of HIV you need to have had risky contact (e.g. penetrative sex, sharing a needle/syringe) with a person who has HIV.
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The goal of PrEP is to bio-medically prevent HIV infection if you are exposed to the virus.
- This is done by taking a pill every day, called Truvada®, that contains two HIV medications.
- These are the same medicines used to stop the virus from growing in people who are already infected.
Small parasites that infest the pubic hair, armpits or chest hair. Symptoms may include
- Itching in the affected area
An infestation of the skin by a tiny eight-legged mite. Symptoms may include:
- Itching in the affected area caused by the scabies mites
STI and screening information for gay and other men who have sex with men.
Sex workers are required by law to have 3 monthly screening for STIs.
Genital skin biopsies are sometimes used to help a doctor work out what is causing symptoms or changes to the genital skin. This fact sheet explains what is involved during a biopsy.
A bacterial STI. Some people may not notice symptoms. It is important to treat syphilis to avoid complications. Symptoms may include:
- Ulcer-like sore or rash
- Fever
- Swelling of glands in groin and armpits
- Hair loss
- General tiredness
Testicular self examination assists men to detect changes to their testes. Cancer of the testes is rare but can be effectively treated if detected early.
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Caused by an overgrowth of yeasts within the vagina. Symptoms may include:
- Itch and discomfort around the opening of the vagina
- Burning sensation and pain with urinating and sex
- Thick, white, lumpy discharge
- Inflammation of the vulva
A genital infection caused by the organism Trichomonas vaginalis. Some people do not experience any symptoms. In women, symptoms may include
- frothy yellow-green vaginal discharge,
- unpleasant vaginal odour
- vaginal itching and burning
Inflammation of the urethra (the urine passage). Some people do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Discomfort in passing urine
- Discharge from the urethra
Inflammation of the urethra (the urine passage). Some people do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- the need to pass urine frequently,
- feeling the bladder is still full after urinating
- burning sensation during urination
- smelly urine and/ or blood in urine
Pain at or around the vaginal opening occurring in the absence of an obvious ongoing cause.