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There are many different infections that can be caught during sex or by close skin-to-skin contact.

 

Any part of the body can get infected by, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Some infections are 'given' to you only during sex, because of the very close contact, others are nothing to do with having sex.

In fact, the two most common infections that we see at SHAC, bacterial vaginosis and genital thrush, are not sexually transmitted.

 

 

 

If I have an infection does it mean I am dirty?

No, having a 'sexually transmitted infection' doesn't mean that you 'sleep around' or are 'dirty', it just means you are unlucky. Anyone can catch one.

 

 

 

Why do I feel so angry with my partner?

Many of the infections that are caught during sex have very few symptoms, even no symptoms. You, or the person you caught it from, might not know you have one. This is why it is not very helpful to blame your partner for giving you an infection, although it is a natural reaction to a 'positive' test result.

 

 

 

I am embarrassed, what should I do?

At SHAC, Clinic 1A, we certainly won't judge you, it's your life, we can just help you to lead it safely. We talk about and see these infections every day, so we know what they look like. We won't be shocked, we have seen 'everything' before. We won't be embarrassed, so you don't need to be, but we know they can be a bit awkward to talk about.

 

 

 

Are all the infections easy to test and treat?

Most infections are, quite or very common, easy for us to test for and easy for us to help you get rid of them. But some infections are, or can be, very serious, including HIV, so learn how to help protect yourself by using safer sex.

 

 

 

Can I just come to SHAC?

Some of the infections have obvious symptoms, other 'bugs' can infect you without you knowing. Many people come along to SHAC for a check-up before starting a new relationship, or they come along for a chat and check-up before they decide to stop using condoms in a steady relationship, perhaps because they want to have a family.

 

 

 

If I have unprotected sex, which infections am I most likely to catch?

The four infections you are most likely to catch by having unprotected sex, in the UK are:

• Genital warts

• Chlamydia

• Genital herpes

• Gonorrhoea

However, the ones we see most often at SHAC, Clinic 1A, are:

• Candida (genital or vaginal thrush)

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV, Gardnerella)

Neither of these are caught during sex.

 

 

 

Bacterial vaginosis (BV, Gardnerella)

Candida (genital or vaginal thrush)

Chlamydia

Cystitis

Epididymitis

Genital herpes

Genital warts

Gonorrhoea

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis C (HCV)

HIV/AIDS and HIV testing

Molluscum

Non-specific cervicitis (NSC, cervicitis)

Non-specific urethritis (NSU)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pubic lice ('crabs', louse)

Scabies ('itch', mites)

Syphilis ('pox')

Testicular cancer

Trichomonas (TV)

 

 

 

 

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