Guide to STIs, BBVs and Other Infections -
Woman to Woman
The following are some of the main sexually transmissible infections, blood-borne viruses and other infections that women who have sex with women may be at risk of. It is a good idea for anyone who is sexually active (especially with different partners) to have regular sexual health checks. If you notice any unusual symptoms visit a sexual health clinic, FPWA or doctor. Some STIs are easily cured with antibiotics if detected early, but can have long-term consequences if left untreated. While other STIs can’t be cured, treatments are available to ease symptoms.
Always using dams (latex squares held over the vaginal or anal area during oral sex) reduces the risk of getting or passing on an infection.
Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs)
An STI is an infection that can be passed on through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Most STIs are transmitted through an exchange of body fluids, but some can be passed on through skin to skin genital contact.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea: Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are transmitted through an exchange of body fluids (vaginal fluids and blood) during unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sexual activity. Caused by bacteria, they can infect the vagina/cervix, urethra, anus or throat. Most women with chlamydia or gonorrhoea have no symptoms at all. If symptoms are present they may include unusual vaginal discharge, spotting, a burning sensation when peeing, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Both can be cured with antibiotics and all sexual partners need to be tested and treated. If left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is an infection of the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. PID is caused by many different bacteria but commonly chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Symptoms can be mild to severe and include abdominal and back pain, fever, nausea, painful sex, abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge, although some women may have no symptoms at all. If detected early, PID can be cured with antibiotics.
Genital Warts: Also known as HPV (human papilloma virus), this virus can cause warts on the vagina, vulva, cervix or anus. HPV is probably the most common STI, with some reports suggesting 70% of all sexually active people aged 19 to 25 may have the virus at some time. Most people don't develop warts even though they have the virus. HPV can be transmitted through skin to skin contact or body fluids. The major concern with the virus is its link with cancer of the cervix. A Pap smear every two years is essential for all sexually active women to monitor effects of the virus on their cervix – this includes women who have never had sex with men. Treatments for visible warts are available but may not prevent warts reoccurring. There is no cure for the virus itself, but a free cervical cancer vaccine is available for young women – talk to a doctor or FPWA clinician for more details.
Genital Herpes: Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is passed on through skin to skin contact with a person who has the virus. Type 1 generally infects the mouth (causing cold sores), while type 2 generally infects the genital area (causing genital herpes). Transmission can occur even when herpes sores are not visible, which is why the infection is so easily spread, and some people are not aware that if a person with a cold sore engages in oral sex, the infection can spread to their partner’s genital area. In women outbreaks can be anywhere in the genital area, but commonly occur around the vagina, urethra, cervix or anal area, and may be associated with an unusual vaginal discharge. The first symptom is often an itching or tingling sensation, after which a small cluster of blisters appears. With the first ‘episode’, people may have flu-like symptoms with fever, headaches and muscle aches and pain. Sometimes people are asymptomatic (have no symptoms) and are therefore unaware that they may be transmitting the virus. There is no cure for herpes. Treatment is focused on easing the symptoms and reducing further outbreaks.
Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a tiny parasite that likes moist areas of the genitals. It is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids and skin to skin contact. The small number of women who experience symptoms may notice a foamy discharge or unpleasant vaginal odour, pain when peeing, vaginal itching and irritation. Trichomoniasis can be cured with antibiotics and all sexual partners need to be tested and treated.
Blood-Borne Viruses (BBVs)
Blood-borne viruses are passed on through blood to blood contact.
HIV/AIDS: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus which attacks the body's immune system and can lead to the later stage of infection known as AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The virus is spread through direct contact with body fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids and breast milk. High-risk activities include sharing injecting drug equipment and unsafe sex. While early HIV symptoms can include a flu-like illness, similar to glandular fever, with swollen glands in the neck, armpits and groin, and headaches, fever and a rash, symptoms may take many years to become noticeable. The only way to tell if you have HIV is to have a blood test.
Hepatitis: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A, B and C are the three major viruses that cause hepatitis. Symptoms, if they occur, range from mild to severe and can include yellowing of the skin and eyes, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain and extreme tiredness. There is no cure for hepatitis, but a vaccine is available for hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and vaginal fluids and can be passed on through unprotected sexual activity.
Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with infected blood. It is rarely transmitted through sexual activity but there is still a risk involved, particularly if the skin is broken or if a woman has her period.
Syphilis: Syphilis is caused by bacteria. A painless sore usually appears on or near the genital area or mouth soon after infection. This generally heals within 2-3 weeks but if left untreated, the infection moves into its secondary stage. Symptoms at this time can include a rash (especially on the hands and feet), swollen glands and hair loss. A person is highly infectious during this stage, which can last up to two years. Syphilis is transmitted through body fluids during unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex, or direct contact with open sores. If left untreated, damage can occur to the brain, nervous system and circulatory system. The only way to tell if you have syphilis is to have a blood test. In its early stages syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.
Other Infections
Yeast Infection (Thrush): Also known as candidiasis, the infection is caused by a yeast overgrowth that changes the normal ‘balance’ of the vagina. Symptoms include burning, itching, a thick white discharge with a cottage cheese appearance and possibly a yeasty odour. Treatment is via anti-fungal creams, suppositories or anti-fungal tablets. Some women find their symptoms can be relieved by sitting in a warm salty bath or by using cold compresses. Persistent thrush problems should be investigated as they may be indicative of other infections.
Pubic Lice (Crabs): Crabs are lice that attach to pubic hairs. They can be transmitted during sexual activity and by close genital contact. Crabs cannot live more than 24 hours without human contact, but can be spread by infected bed-linen, towels and clothes. Symptoms include itching, but finding the lice themselves is the best way of knowing that you have them. Treatments are available from pharmacies. Sexual partners for the last 30 days should also be treated and all clothing and bedding washed in hot water.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): BV is caused by a change in the normal (good) vaginal bacteria which results in an abundance of other (bad-smelling) bacteria. The reasons for this are not well understood, however multiple sexual partners and vaginal douching appear to contribute to the problem. Symptoms include a grey to yellowish vaginal discharge and sometimes a fishy odour and a vaginal/vulval irritation. Treatment is with antibiotics.
Allergic Vaginitis: This condition affects the vagina and the vulva and is caused by skin contact with irritants such as latex, lubricants, soap, detergents, toys etc. It can often be mistaken for a yeast infection (thrush) or herpes. Symptoms include redness, a painful or irritated or itching vulva and increased vaginal discharge. Treatment is the same as for thrush.
A note about sex toys
Many people don’t realise that toys can pass on STIs, BBVs and other infections. The best way to keep your toys safe and clean is to cover them with a condom every time you use them. Use a new condom each time, and replace it when you switch between the vagina, anus or mouth, and if you share a toy with a partner.
Practising safe sex reduces the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
Page last updated Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:42
