Page 236 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Growing Up: A No-Nonsense Guide to Puberty and Adolescence

234 SEX

Bacterial and parasitic STIs SEE ALSO
‹
‹ 224–225 Sex
230–231 Safer sex
If someone has a sexually transmitted infection (STI, also ‹ 232–233 Contraception
known as a sexually transmitted disease), it can be spread Viral STIs 236–237 ›
by vaginal, oral, or anal sex. STIs can have a variety of causes,
among them bacterial and parasitic infections.
GOOD T O KNO W
STI testing What to expect
Not all STIs cause symptoms, and it’s possible to have one without An STI screening might involve a blood or urine test,
knowing it. If a teen has had unprotected sex or is concerned they a sample from the urethra or the vagina, or a genital
may have an STI, they should visit a doctor or sexual health clinic examination. You’ll also be asked some questions:
to be tested. This is sometimes called “getting screened”. Clinics
are confidential and available to everyone of all genders or ages. • Why do you think you might have an STI?
For some tests, the results are instantaneous; others might take a few • When did you last have sex and have you ever
weeks to come through. If a teen tests positive for an STI, they will be had unprotected sex?
given treatment, and should tell their partner and any previous partners.
• What symptoms do you have, if any?

Bacterial STIs

Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in air, water, on objects, and in the body.
Bacteria can benefit the human body – for example, by aiding digestion – but some types can cause harm.

Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment

Chlamydia Chlamydia can be caused by Mostly there are no symptoms, but there could be pain Diagnosis is A course of
unprotected vaginal, anal, or when urinating; discharge from the vagina, penis, or made by a antibiotics is
oral sex, or sexual contact, rectum; pain in the abdomen; bleeding during or after urine test or by the usual
including sharing sex toys. sex; bleeding between periods; pain and swelling in taking a swab treatment.
the testicles. If left untreated, chlamydia can cause from the
potentially serious problems, including infertility. affected area.

Gonorrhoea Gonorrhoea can be spread Symptoms include pain or a burning sensation when A urine test or Gonorrhoea
by unprotected vaginal, urinating; discharge from the vagina or penis; pain or swab from the is usually
anal, or oral sex, or sharing tenderness in the lower abdomen or testicles; pain affected area treated with
sex toys. during or after sex, and bleeding during or after sex or can indicate antibiotics.
between periods; or heavy periods. Some people have gonorrhoea.
no symptoms, however. It can cause serious long-term
health problems if left untreated, including infertility.

Syphilis It can be spread through Some people have no symptoms, but others may A blood test is Antibiotic
unprotected vaginal, anal, or experience small painless sores or ulcers on the vagina, conducted. injections
oral sex; sexual contact, penis, around the anus, or in the mouth; blotchy red are given to
including sharing sex toys, rash on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet; treat syphilis.
or skin-to-skin contact with small skin growths; white patches in the mouth;
syphilitic sore or rash. tiredness, headaches, joint pains, a high temperature,
and swollen glands in neck, groin, or armpits. Syphilis
can spread to the brain or other parts of the body if it’s
not treated, causing serious, long-term problems.

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