STIs

An STI (also referred to as an STD) is an infection spread by having unprotected sex or genital contact with an individual infected with an STI. They can be spread via multiple forms of sexual activity, including anal, vaginal and oral, and are often asymptomatic.

There are three types of sexually transmitted infections: bacterial, viral and parasitic.

Bacterial and parasitic

The distinction is important because bacterial and parasitic STIs are curable, while viral STIs are incurable. A bacterial STI, like chlamydia, can be cleared completely with a simple and immediate course of antibiotics. Parasitic STIs, such as crabs, are generally mild in nature and can be treated with a course of antibiotics or creams.

Viral

Viral STIs are incurable and can only be controlled with medication. A viral STI, like genital herpes, will require antiviral medication on an as-needed basis to control and alleviate outbreaks. These infections are chronic and symptoms are usually mild and infrequent.

The two most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK are chlamydia and genital warts, though cases of genital herpes, gonorrhoea and syphilis are also increasing. It is very likely that one of the causes of the increasing number of STI diagnoses in the UK is the fact that many people are misinformed about STIs, as misconceptions about symptoms, causes and treatments are rife. For example, some people mistakenly believe you cannot contract a sexually transmitted infection through oral sex.

As the name suggests, STIs are spread through sexual contact. This does not just mean vaginal penetration; any form of sexual activity without protection can put you at risk of contracting an STI. In some cases, such as with genital herpes, skin-to-skin contact is all that is needed to spread the infection. Sharing sex toys with an infected partner also places you at risk. Factors that could increase your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection are engaging in sexual activity at a young age, having unprotected sex, and having multiple sexual partners.

Though some sexually transmitted infections do present symptoms, it is important to understand that the majority of sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic. This makes it even more vital to take an STI test if you have engaged in any form of unprotected sex, as it is entirely possible to be infected without displaying any symptoms at all. You should not assume that being symptom-free means you are uninfected.

If you do experience symptoms, they are likely to occur around the genital area, such as itching or a rash. They can include:

• Sores or blisters
• Weight loss
• Loose stools
• Skin rash
• Itching near the penis or vagina
• Pain during urination, or an increased need to urinate
• Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus

The course of treatment that you will require will depend on the particular sexually transmitted infection that you have contracted. Bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia, mycoplasma genitalium, ureaplasma urealyticum, non-specific urethritis and gonorrhoea, will require a course of antibiotics, often in just a single dose. These bacterial STIs can be completely cured using a prescribed course of antibiotics.

Viral STIs, like genital herpes and genital warts, will require antiviral medications to control outbreaks when they occur. Unlike bacterial STIs, viral STIs can't be cured, but can be effectively treated and managed using prescription antiviral medications.

For all cases of STIs your prescription will depend on which STI you have, as well as the severity of the infection. Even if symptoms have disappeared halfway through your course of treatment, it is advised that you complete the course. This ensures that you have the best chance possible of subduing and eliminating your STI.

You can follow the relevant links on this page to the sexually transmitted infection you are infected with to find out which treatment you require.

There are a number of methods that can be followed in order to effectively prevent genital STIs. These are as follows:

• Wearing a condom every time you have sex can significantly lower the chances
• Limiting the number of sexual partners you have can also help
• Looking out for the early signs and symptoms of STIs in yourself and your partner
• Avoiding alcohol or drugs prior to sex can help to lower the chances of you forgetting to use a condom

Getting checked regularly for STIs can also help to avoid giving the infection to someone else during sex. You can get tested for STIs at a sexual health clinic, GUM clinic or at certain GP surgeries.

Sexually transmitted infections are fairly common, and whilst most does have any unpleasant symptoms, you still want to treat the infection as soon as possible. At OnlineClinic, you can order various highly effective medications used in the treatment of eight STIs (genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, non-specific urethritis, ureaplasma urealyticum, mycoplasma genitalium, trichomonas vaginalis). To order medication in the UK, you must first complete a quick consultation, in order to be issued a prescription. You can buy STI treatments here through an online consultation to avoid booking and attending an appointment in person, especially when you're short on time. We provide this through a free, no obligation consultation, reviewed by one of our doctors before ordering the correct treatment and dosage for you. Treatment is always discreetly packaged and can be delivered the very next day.