{"id":6067,"date":"2018-01-21T14:35:42","date_gmt":"2018-01-21T14:35:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aidsconcern.org.hk\/?page_id=6067"},"modified":"2021-08-14T15:15:40","modified_gmt":"2021-08-14T07:15:40","slug":"about-sti","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aidsconcern.org.hk\/en\/help-and-support\/prevention\/about-sti\/","title":{"rendered":"Symptoms and Prevention of Common STIs"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” equal_height=”yes” disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1626849240250{padding-top: 80px !important;padding-bottom: 80px !important;}” min_height=”600″][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs style=”engage_boxed” shape=”square” alignment=”center” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”Syphilis” tab_id=”1516819540166-48f81bda-52170825-daeb”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]1.What is it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. The first symptom is a painless, round, red sore that appears 10-90 days after infection anywhere you have had sex. Many people have syphilis and do not know they have it and can pass it on to other partners without knowing it. Syphilis is easy to treat and cure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2.How do you get Syphilis?<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can get syphilis by having sex with someone who has it, this means having oral, anal or vaginal contact. You can get syphilis when your mouth, genitals, or another part of your body touches a syphilis sore (called a chancre) on a person who has the disease. If you are pregnant you can pass the disease on to your baby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3.How soon will symptoms appear?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The average time between infection and the start of the first symptom is 21 days, but this can range from 10 to 90 days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

4.<\/strong>What are the symptoms?<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the primary stage you may have one or more painless sores on the genitals or in the mouth. This sore lasts for 3 to 6 weeks and heals on its own. If you do not get treatment it will progress to the next stage. During the secondary stage you might have a red or brown non itchy rash on your hands and feet, or other parts of your body. Other symptoms may include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, hair loss, swollen glands and feeling tired. These symptoms will go away on their own and if not treated will progress to the latent stage. In this stage you have no symptoms and the disease can remain hidden for many years. The tertiary phase is the final stage and is extremely serious. Symptoms of this stage may involve difficulty moving your limbs, paralysis, numbness, blindness, and heart disease.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5.Testing and treatment. <\/strong><\/p>\n

You can get a blood test to determine if you have the disease. You should be tested immediately if you have any symptoms, if your partner has syphilis or symptoms, or if you are pregnant. Syphilis is treated with shots of the antibiotic penicillin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

6.How can I reduce my risk of getting Syphilis?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The best way to prevent syphilis is not to have sex, or to only have sex with someone who is not infected and who only has sex with you. Avoid sex with anyone if you see an unusual sore. Condoms can reduce your risk of getting the disease if used correctly and every time but a condom only protects the area it covers. Getting a blood test once a year is recommended as you may have syphilis and not know it.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Gonorrhea” tab_id=”1516819540186-b9ce80ae-423a0825-daeb”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]1.What is it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It affects the reproductive tract, and can also affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum. The infection is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person involving the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth. It is a very common infection, especially among young people aged 15-24 years.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2.How do you get Gonorrhea?<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can get gonorrhea by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea. A\u00a0pregnant woman with gonorrhea can give the infection to her baby during childbirth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3.How soon will symptoms appear?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The time\u00a0from exposure to the bacteria until symptoms develop, is usually 2 to 5 days. On some occasions symptoms may not develop for up to 30 days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

4.What are the symptoms?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some men and women with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms in men can include: a burning sensation when urinating; a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis; painful or swollen testicles (although this is less common). Symptoms in women can include: a painful or burning sensation when urinating; increased vaginal discharge; vaginal bleeding between periods. Rectal infections may either cause no symptoms or cause symptoms in both men and women that may include: discharge; anal itching; soreness; bleeding; painful bowel movements.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5.Testing and treatment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most of the time urine can be used to test for gonorrhea. However, if you have had oral and\/or anal sex, swabs may be used to collect samples from your throat and\/or rectum. In some cases a swab may be used to collect a sample from the urethra or cervix. Gonorrhea is usually treated using dual therapy which means 2 different antibiotics are administered.<\/p>\n

6.How can I reduce my risk of getting Gonorrhea? <\/strong><\/p>\n

If you are sexually active you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting gonorrhea:<\/p>\n