Chlamydia, Lice and Gonorrhoea

Sorting out symptoms and what they may mean If you think you have an STI, you might wonder what kind of STI it is. The symptom chart opposite matches a range of symptoms commonly associated with sexually transmitted infections. By relating your symptoms with the chart, you should get an indication which STI you could have. Some symptoms can indicate other illnesses or medical problems. All the more reason to see someone as soon as possible. The chart is for guidance only and you should not attempt to diagnose or treat yourself. Always consult a doctor. Almost all STIs require a test at a sexual health clinic to determine whether or not you have a STI. Chlamydia Chlamydia is a bacterial infection which you get from unprotected fucking, fingering, rimming, deep kissing and oral sex. Symptoms show themselves one to three weeks after infection. It affects the penis, anus and the throat but can also spread to the bladder and the prostate gland. The body develops an allergic reaction to untreated chalamydia causing an acute form of athrirtis in the joints where it cause permanent damage. It is easily treated with antibiotics although you should go back to the clinic to check that it has cleared up. Crabs Pubic lice Pubic lice are small insects no more than 3mm across and under the microscope look very much like crabs, hence the nickname. They can be seen with the naked eye particularly when they've eaten your blood and are bloated. Crabs have a long sharp hollow nose which they use to pierce the skin and draw up a tasty meal . They live in hair anywhere on the body but you will usually find them first in the groin and chest areas. They move around like Tarzan, holding tightly onto a hair with their claws and swinging to the next. They can easily be passed on though close physical contact including shared bedding, towels and clothing. You don't only get crabs through sex, so be careful before you point that finger! They are sometimes passed on through day-to-day social contact with friends, flatmates or anyone with whom you share your home. Crabs are easily treated with a special lotion, available from any chemist, or free, from a clinic. Even after effective treatment you can still feel itchy for a few days and - believing the crabs still there - some people re-treat themselves which can cause skin irritation. All bedding and clothes that have come into contact with you should be washed at no less than a 600 c wash. Gonorrhoea Gonorrhoea is a highly infectious bacterial infection which you get from unprotected fucking, fingering, rimming, deep kissing, and oral sex. Left untreated the infection can spread to the prostate gland, bladder, the balls and joints and cause permanent damage. Blindness has be known and in some cases, death. A course of antibiotics is usually prescribed. This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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