Surge in STI tests expected tomorrow after frisky festive season – as GP shares key symptoms to watch out for
THE festive season can result in a few of us getting a bit more than just a kiss under the mistletoe. So docs say they are expecting to see a surge in STI tests from tomorrow after treatments peaked on January 3 last year. Research shows that nearly 20 per cent of Brits have had […]
THE festive season can result in a few of us getting a bit more than just a kiss under the mistletoe.
So docs say they are expecting to see a surge in STI tests from tomorrow after treatments peaked on January 3 last year.
Research shows that nearly 20 per cent of Brits have had a sexual encounter with a colleague at the office Christmas party.
While 1 in 10 have admitted they’ve caught an STI, or know someone who has, from a co-worker over the festivities.
Dr Clair Grainger, from UK-based online doctor Zava, said: “We expect to see a surge in STI test and treatment rates following the Christmas period.
“In fact, last year orders for STI treatments peaked on 3rd January.
Last year orders for STI treatments peaked on 3rd January
Dr Clair Grainger
“The high spirits of party season combined with time away from our usual routines and drinking more alcohol can mean that we’re more likely to forget what normally comes naturally, such as using protection.
“If you’ve had unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex and think you may have caught something it’s important to get tested as soon as possible.”
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical director at Patient.info, said: “The Christmas party season is notoriously frisky – we’ve conducted a survey that suggests nearly 20 per cent of people have used this opportunity to hook up with a colleague.
“But STIs don’t take holidays, and it’s important to know how to take the right precautions and limit the risks.”
Sexually transmitted diseases can result in some serious complications, especially if they’re ignored, so it’s important to be aware.
Here are the most common STIs and the signs to look out for..
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK – and is easily passed on during unprotected sex.
In 2013, more than 200,000 Brits tested positive for the disease – and nearly 70 per cent of them were under 25.
Most people don’t experience any symptoms, and don’t realise they are infected.
Symptoms can include pain or a burning sensation during sex, and an unusual discharge.
Women might also experience pain in the lower abdomen during or after sex, and bleeding after sex.
In men, chlamydia can also cause a pain or tenderness in the testicles.
It is easily treatable with antibiotics but, if left to fester, can make you infertile.
2. HPV
Human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes genital warts, is the second most common STI here in Britain.
There were nearly 74,000 new cases diagnosed in 2012.
The warts are usually painful, but may be itchy or red. Occasionally, they cause bleeding.
HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact, so you can catch it even if you haven’t had penetrative sex – and condoms DON’T provide complete protection.
The virus can be treated with creams and by freezing the warts. HPV vaccines are now offered to all 12/13-year-old girls.
3. Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI – which often has no symptoms.
Half of women and around 10 per cent of men don’t know they are infected.
Nearly 35,000 new cases were reported in England in 2014.
Symptoms include pain or a burning sensation during sex, and an unusual discharge.
Less common symptoms in women include pain in the lower gut and bleeding between periods or after sex.
In men, gonorrhoea can cause swelling in the foreskin and, in rare cases, pain in the testicles.
It is easily treatable with antibiotics but, if left to fester, can make you infertile.
4. Herpes
Genital herpes in a common infection caused by HSV virus, which also causes cold sores.
Some 32,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2013.
The symptoms can develop a few days after contact and include small, painful blisters which itch or tingle – and can make it difficult to urinate.
Herpes is not treatable, but can be controlled with antiviral medicines.
After the initial flare up, the virus will remain dormant most of the time – but it is still possible to infect others.
5. Syphilis
Syphilis is bacterial infection which causes painless – but highly infectious – sores on the genitals and around the mouth.
These last for up to six weeks after infection, before disappearing.
It’s the most serious STI on this list but, worryingly, is Britain’s fastest growing sexual infection – with experts blaming the rise of dating apps.
Symptoms for the second stage of syphilis include a rash, flu-like illness and patchy hair loss – which will last for a few weeks.
In the third stage, which occurs after several years, people with syphilis may experience heart problems, paralysis and blindness.
The infection can be treated with a course of antibiotics – which are normally taken for two to four weeks.
What else?
Other less common STIs – which you may want to get tested for – include HIV, trichomoniasis, pubic lice (crabs) or scabies (mites).
If you’ve got any concerns it’s important to make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can.
MORE ON SEX
Dr Grainger added: “We know that sometimes it can be difficult to get an appointment to see a healthcare practitioner face to face. If you think you could have caught an STI, or are noticing symptoms, then you can check by using a home STI test kit.
“It’s important that you do not have unprotected sex if you think you may be at risk of having an STI before you have either received a clear test result or treatment if you are diagnosed with an STI.
“And it’s also worth women remembering to take a home pregnancy test three weeks after any unprotected sex whether you took emergency contraception afterwards or not.”