STI Symptoms: Getting Aware About Sexual Transmitted Infections in the UK

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are generally caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses when a person gets in sexual contact with an infected person. Bacteria or viruses that cause STIs can typically get transmitted by engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex.

There are several common sexually transmitted infections you might have heard of, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Pubic Lice, and Scabies, among others. 

Many STIs, like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, do not often show symptoms, which means you can unknowingly infect your sexual partner during sex if you have an STI.

That’s why it is crucial for you to be aware of the common STIs and their symptoms. We are going to list down some of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) along with their symptoms to promote not only the awareness of STI symptoms but also the essential knowledge for early detection and treatment of such STIs. 

Let us explore various popular STIs in the UK and their associated symptoms. 

Scabies Symptoms

Human scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, which are tiny mites that can burrow into the skin to let the individual experience intense itching and rashes. In this condition, you can notice pimple-like rashes anywhere on your body. The symptoms of scabies usually appear after 4 to 6 weeks of parasitic infestation. Here are some common symptoms of scabies you may experience:

• Severe itching

• Rashes in infants and children on the palm, soles of the feet, and scalp. 

• Itchy lines or rashes on the fingers, wrists, arms, legs, and hands.

• Bumps or Papules on male genitalia and female breasts

Medications for the treatment of Scabies:

• Permethrin Cream is a widely prescribed topical treatment for scabies, effectively combating the infestation caused by mites by disrupting their nervous system.
• Eurax Cream is also utilized for scabies treatment, providing relief by alleviating itching and eradicating mites through its active ingredient, crotamiton.

Chlamydia Symptoms

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK. It can be passed on from one person to another through unprotected sexual intercourse or sex without using a condom. Chlamydia can often spread among sexually active teenagers and adults. The symptoms of Chlamydia are as follows:

• Painful urination

• Unusual vaginal discharge or pus-like discharge from the penis

• Causing pain or swelling in the testicles

• Abdominal pain

• Burning or itchiness 

Medications for the treatment of Chlamydia:

• Azithromycin and Doxycycline are antibiotics often prescribed for chlamydia, effectively combating the bacterial infection by inhibiting the growth of the responsible microorganisms.

Syphilis Symptoms

Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is often caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This STD spreads from one individual to another through direct contact with Chancres, a syphilitic sore. Chancres can occur around the genital areas, including the penis, vagina, rectum, or anus. The symptoms of Syphilis are:

• Round, firm sores around the anus, rectum, or mouth

• Non-itchy rash of browning or red spots on the palm of the hands or foot soles

• Swollen lymph nodes 

• Hair loss

• Headaches 

Genital Herpes Symptoms

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is the primary cause of Genital Herpes and it can often be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual intercourse. You may experience the below symptoms 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus.

• Pain or itchiness around the genital areas

• Small bumps or blisters around the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth

• Painful ulcers that may ooze or bleed

• Pain while urinating 

Medications for the treatment of Genital Herpes:

• Aciclovir tablets are frequently prescribed for genital herpes, functioning as an antiviral medication that helps manage and alleviate symptoms by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus.
• Instillagel Syringe is a medical lubricant commonly employed for urological and gynaecological procedures, providing topical anaesthesia and facilitating smooth catheterization.
  

Genital Warts Symptoms

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts that differ in size and appearance. This STI looks like small, skin-coloured bumps that can be easily identified with your eyes. The symptoms of genital warts may include:

• Small bumps or swelling in the genital area

• A cauliflower-like shape formed by a few warts

• Itching or discomfort in your genital area

• Bleeding during sex

Medications for the treatment of Genital Warts:

• Warticon Cream is a treatment for genital warts, containing podophyllotoxin, which effectively targets and reduces the growth of warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Gonorrhea Symptoms

Gonorrhoea, or as some people call it, “The Clap”, is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. This common STI is spread through unprotected sex (Vaginal, Oral, or Anal Sex). The symptoms of Gonorrhea involve the following,

• Burning when you pee

• Creamy or greenish vaginal discharge

• White, yellow, or green pus-like discharge from the penis tip

• Painful vaginal sexual intercourse

• Pain or swelling in testicles

• Painful bowel movements

Medications for the treatment of Gonorrhea:

• The combination of Cefixime and Azithromycin is a dual antibiotic Gonorrhea tablets commonly prescribed for treating gonorrhea, addressing the infection by targeting the bacteria responsible through a synergistic approach.

HIV Symptoms 

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is one of the most serious and severe sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can target the immune system of the patient’s body, leading to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The virus can be spread to another person through infected blood or sexual fluids like semen and vaginal discharge. The symptoms of HIV may include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Weight loss

• Muscle aches 

• Joint Pain

• Rashes

• Sore throat

• Swollen lymph glands 

• Oral yeast infection (thrush)

• Shingles (herpes zoster)

• Diarrhea

Medications for the treatment of HIV:

• PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a preventive medication for HIV treatment, involving the use of antiretroviral drugs by individuals at high risk of contracting the virus to significantly reduce the chances of HIV infection.

Trichomoniasis Symptoms

Trichomoniasis is a common and treatable sexually transmitted disease caused by a protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. More than 70% of the people infected with Trichomoniasis do not have any signs or symptoms. However, some people may experience the below symptoms of Trichomoniasis STD.

• Itching or irritation in the penis

• Burning sensation after urinating or ejaculation

• White discharge from the penis

• White and yellowish discharge from the vagina

Medications for the treatment of Trichomoniasis:

• Metronidazole 400mg is an antibiotic for trichomoniasis, effectively treating the infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis by disrupting its DNA synthesis and inhibiting its growth.

Pubic Lice Symptoms

Public lice or Crabs can be referred to as small insects that live on your pubic hair around the penis or vagina. Sexual intercourse or skin-to-skin contact can lead you to experience pubic lice. The symptoms of pubic lice are as follows:

• Itchiness in the infected areas

• Visible lice or their eggs (nits) in the pubic hair

• Blue spots or small, red bumps in the infected areas

Medications for the treatment of Pubic Lice:

• Lyclear Dermal Cream is a treatment for pubic lice, containing permethrin to effectively eliminate the parasitic infestation by disrupting the nervous system of the lice.

Ureaplasma Symptoms

Ureaplasma is a type of infection that can cause urethritis or other genital infections. It comes under commensal infections or, as some people may call it, harmless infections in the body. The symptoms of Ureaplasma include the following:

• Causing pain during urination

• Wetness sensation at the penis tip

• Unusual or unpleasant discharge

• Urethral discomfort

• Lower abdominal pain

Medications for the treatment of Ureaplasma:

• Doxycycline capsules are commonly prescribed for Ureaplasma treatment, aiding in managing bacterial infection by inhibiting the growth of Ureaplasma organisms and alleviating associated symptoms.

Conclusion

We hope that the above information related to numerous STIs and their symptoms will help you maintain optimal sexual health. Being an innovative and leading online pharmacy, Farmeci is here to provide you with effective STD treatment courses and medication for STIs like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Genital Warts, and more. Taking the right medication can efficiently treat sexually transmitted infections while practising safe sex, and regular STI screening can help in the prevention of STIs and early detection. If you suspect you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, we suggest consulting with a professional healthcare provider for prompt testing and appropriate care.