Dryden
Brown Ltd
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TRAVEL
HEALTH
SEX RELATED DISEASES
Intimate
sexual contact can lead to a number of symptoms and illnesses.
Precautions to prevent illness are often forgotten or not
used when travelling on holiday.
Sex related illnesses can cause discharge, itchiness, discomfort,
lower abdominal pain and fever.
Women normally have a clear or white vaginal discharge.
Infections can give an offensive smelling discharge, usually
yellow with gonorrhoea and green with chlamydia which can
cause irritation. With thrush, the discharge is non offensive
smelling, white and 'crumbly'. This is not a serious illness
and is related to changes in the acidity of the vagina,
which can be taken advantage of by naturally occuring yeast.
Sexually transmitted diseases to be aware of are:
AIDS
People infected with the HIV virus will develop AIDS. This
infects certain white cells and destroys them. It is transmitted
in the same way as other sexually transmitted diseases and
has no known cure.
Gonorrhoea
This more commonly gives symptoms in men in the form of
a yellow discharge from the penis. Passing water is painful.
Women often have no symptoms, however both partners need
treatment.
Chlamydia
This gives an off-white discharge in men and pain on
passing water. Women may have similar symptoms and vaginal
irritation. Further treatment is required for both partners.
Trichomonas
This usually gives a profuse, vaginal discharge which is
greenish, watery, smells offensive and causes irritation.
NSU
Non Specific Urethritis tends to give symptoms in men. Commonly,
an off-white irritating discharge.
Herpes
Genital infection is caused by a different strain of herpes
virus to that causing coldsores. In this case, there is
tingling and burning before the painful blisters appear
in the pelvic area and upper thighs. The groin can become
swollen and tender when the lymph glands become inflamed.
Genital Warts
A certain strain of the wart virus can cause infection in
the genital area and around the anus. Warts can form many
months after exposure to risk.
Pubic Lice
Are transmitted by sexual or close bodily contact. Crabs
appear as tiny white specks on the pubic hair. The eggs
which are also white may also be seen.
What
you can do yourself
Prevention
There are only two ways to avoid sexually transmitted
diseases. A stable relationship where both partners
are aware of any health issues that may be harmful
to the other and full disclosure occurs, or where
no risks are taken and intercourse avoided.
Those in their teens and twenties are most at risk
of trying new partners or sexual experiences whilst
away.
It is important that you have protected sex at all
times. Effective contraception and condoms will
protect against unwanted pregnancy, infection and
illness.
What is safe sex?
Sexual acts which involve no direct transmission
of body fluid during the sexual act carry the least
risk to both parties.
Avoid individuals at high risk such as prostitutes
and drug users.
Avoid casual sexual encounters.
Be aware that asking a prospective individual whether
they are 'safe' is extremely unreliable.
Masturbation carries the least risk.
The proper use of condoms with other methods (such
as spermicides and diaphragm) as necessary through
all the stages of any casual sexual contact whether
it be of oral, anal or vaginal type is always recommended.
If you have unprotected sexual intercourse, you
will need post-coital contraception, commonly used
is the 'morning after pill'. The 'morning after
pill' can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected
sex.
How to use condoms properly?
Products such as petroleum jelly (vaseline), baby
oil and oil based vaginal and rectal preparations
are likely to damage condoms and contraceptive diaphragms
made from latex rubber. They may also render them
less effective as a barrier method of contraception
and as a protection from sexually transmitted diseases
(including AIDS).
Latex condoms are best. Make sure they are not damaged
or show signs of age. They should be kept out of
direct sunlight.
They should be used before any sexual contact, whether
oral, anal or vaginal in nature.
To prevent slippage after ejaculation, hold the
base of the condom when withdrawing. This risk is
minimised if the penis remains erect during withdrawal.
If the condom breaks, it should be immediately replaced.
Thrush
What you can do
for yourself
If you have a white, crumbly discharge which causes
irritation then you are likely to have thrush. Thrush
can be helped by:
Wearing loose clothing, preferably cotton.
Using sanitary towels rather than tampons if the
need arises.
Do not use soaps, disinfectants or bubble baths
in the pelvic area.
A salty vaginal wash (made with one teaspoon of
salt in one pint (600ml) of water) will cool the
vagina.
Live natural yoghurt applied to the vulva with a
sanitary towel or directly will help.
Antifungal cream (Clotrimazole) three times daily
or pessaries (500mg), once only is sufficient.
Some doctors recommend the male partner, particularly
if uncircumcised should use the cream as well.
When to seek medical
advice
If symptoms of vaginal discharge and/or lower abdominal
pain persist for more than 24 hours.
If the male partner has symptoms of discharge/pain
on passing water for more than 24 hours.
If treatment for thrush is not helping after two
days.
If you think you may have genital herpes or warts.
For the 'morning after pill' if you have had unprotected
sexual intercourse.
It is best to have a check up from your local STD
clinic on your return if you have been at risk whilst
away.
If your period is more than a week late.
If you are prescribed antibiotics
Avoid alcohol as this increases nausea whilst taking
the antibiotics.
Take the full course of antibiotics.
Ensure your partner is seen and if necessary completes
any treatment
Do not have further sexual intercourse until clear
of illness.
Return
to a clinic following the course of treatment to
check you are clear.
To order
your copy of a What should I do? booklet
use one of the following methods:
On-line
Shop
Phone: +44 (0) 23 8022
9041
Fax: +44 (0) 23
8022 7274
 
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