The Better2Know Blog

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, aka PID, is an infection of the fallopian tubes, uterus and other reproductive organs. It is a common complication that results from some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. Left untreated, PID may result in serious consequences, which include: ectopic pregnancy, in which the foetus is in the fallopian tube or somewhere else outside the womb; infertility; chronic pelvic pain; and formation of abscesses.

Genital herpes is a common STD which is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two strains – HSV I and HSV II. Both can affect the genitals and anal area and can cause cold sores in the mouth and nose.

Genital herpes is transmitted through cracked skin or in moist areas such as the mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina, rectum and urethra. It is impossible to get herpes from hugging or sharing towels, clothing or cups and plates.

This STD can lie dormant for long periods and during this time it is not infectious. Some people with no symptoms of genital herpes can still shed the virus from their skin or mucous membranes. This is called viral shedding. However, the risk of passing or catching the infection this way is very low.

Many people who have genital herpes do not have any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, it can be weeks, months or years after the date of infection. Symptoms can include flu-like illness such as fever and aching and also stinging and tingling in the genital area. Fluid-filled blisters can appear at the infected sites. These can burst after a day or two which can be very painful.

Treatment is usually prescribed for the first episode of genital herpes to relieve pain and discomfort and to prevent the infection from spreading. However, recurring episodes are usually milder and may clear up faster without the need for medication. If no treatment is given, a flare up of genital herpes will clear up by itself. Cold sore medication will not treat genital herpes.

It is important to use a condom to prevent the virus being spread between sexual partners.

If you are worried about STD’s or feel that you may have contracted one, it is vital that you get tested straight away. Better2know has private STD testing clinics all over the UK, offering 100% confidential results quickly and effectively; results can usually be given on the same day or within 48 hours, which is a lot faster than a local GP clinic that could take up to 2 weeks.

STD testing at a Better2know clinic is 100% anonymous and confidential and you do not even have to give us your real name. We do not keep any medical records on you and do not share your results with any third party.

With over 350 STD and HIV testing clinics throughout the UK including, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. Better2know can give you that peace of mind fast and efficiently, meaning that you can carry on with your life quicker.

New figures released by local health bosses in England have shown that the Chlamydia screening program has failed to reach its target of testing 17% of 15–24 year olds. Chlamydia is now the UK’s most common sexually transmitted disease (STD), with over 120,000 new cases diagnosed last year.

The government’s target for Chlamydia screening is 17%, but in some areas as little as 5% of young people were tested; this is far below the 35% many health experts predict is needed to prevent the disease from spreading.

This is the second year in a row that local health trusts have failed to meet the 17% target, and it is now estimated that up to one in ten 15-24 year olds has the disease, double that of a decade ago.

Simon Blake from the sexual health charity Brook said that the new screening figures were unsatisfactory, stating that: “We’re really worried about Chlamydia, if you only test 14% of young people, even if they are treated, the chances are there will be re-infection throughout the population. So we have to get 35% tested to get it under control.”

Anyone who has any symptoms of Chlamydia or feels that they may have contracted the disease is urged to take a STD test straight away.

A recent study conducted in America has concluded that people who use condoms are 30% less likely to contract Genital Herpes. The infection is caused by the Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) virus and can lead to infections or complications during pregnancy.

The study combined data from 6 separate studies on the rate of HSV infections and condom use that included a total of 5,384 people. All of the participants were free from the infection at the start of the studies and during the follow-up, a year later 415 individuals had contracted the virus.

Individuals who reported that they always used a condom were 30% less likely to contract the virus, while the risk of infection increased with the number of unprotected sex acts. The study concluded that condoms are only partially effective in preventing the virus, as it can be spread by skin-to-skin contact and even when there are no visible sign of infection.

Even though condoms do give some protection against the virus, experts still maintain that if you are worried about the virus or have regular unprotected sex, then you should have a STD test.

A recent report by the Health Protection Agency has shown that the number of STD cases in the UK is still rising. It showed that the rate of Chlamydia rose from 121,791 (2007) to over 123,000 last year; this is 10,000 more than in 2006.

This latest news came despite a nationwide campaign to prevent the spread of the sexually transmitted disease. The report also shows that the number of diagnosed cases of genital herpes and genital warts continue to increase. Genital wart cases rose by nearly 3% (92,525), with the rate of genital herpes infections up by 10% to 2,524.

There was some good news in the report, as syphilis cases showed a 4% fall and the number of new gonorrhoea cases dropped by 11%.

Young people aged between 16 and 24 are still considered to be a high risk of catching an STD, with Dr Gwenda Hughes stating: “Our data clearly show that considerable numbers of people, especially those under 25, are getting infected with an STI.”

Adding that, “Early detection is vital for both men and women. Without treatment Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to complications and permanent damage such as infertility.”

A recent study conducted by the Health Protection Agency has reported that diagnosed cases of syphilis in the UK have risen ten-fold throughout the last decade; mainly affecting gay men.

Syphilis had became a rare sexually transmitted disease in the UK by the late 90’s through a combination of new antibiotics and syphilis awareness campaigns, with diagnosed cases of just 301 in 1997. This figure has jumped ten-fold with 3762 Syphilis cases diagnosed in 2007.

Of all of the syphilis cases diagnosed over the last decade, 73% of the cases (approximately 9560) affected gay men, with a third of them also infected with HIV. However in 2007, 68% of new syphilis cases were diagnosed in heterosexuals, with the rate of congenital syphilis also rising from 136 in 1999 to 448 in 2007.

Up to 6,000 patients may be at risk of contracting Hepatitis C, following the arrest of a medical technician. Kirsten Diane Parker, 26, is accused of swapping her dirty needles for new ones filled with painkillers, which were meant for patients.

Parker, who was addicted to painkillers, tested positive for Hepatitis C and worked at the Rose Medical Centre in Denver and the Colorado Springs Audubon Ambulatory Surgery between October of last year and June 2009. 6,000 patients who had surgery at the medical centres during that time have been urged to get tested for hepatitis C, with 10 cases already been linked to former Rose patients.

Parker told detectives that she carried used syringes filled with saline in her pocket and swapped them for syringes filled with Fentanyl from operating tables. Fentanyl is a narcotic that is 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine.

A 20 year US law that has banned HIV positive people from visiting American is to be removed thanks to a HIV positive Briton, who accused the US government of discrimination during a major health conference.

Paul Thorn, who campaigns for access to treatment for HIV sufferers, should have spoken at the Pacific health summit in the US last month, but was refused a visa after stating that he had HIV on his visa application.

Instead of attending, Mr Thorn sent a statement that was read out in his place, accusing the US of discrimination and having a HIV policy rooted in fear. The statement went on to say that the US had no right of calling itself the world leader in the fight to eradicate the disease.

Politicians took up Mr Thorn’s case, lobbying the US government to rethink its HIV policy and last week the government decided to bring the ban to an end, stating that it was time to: “remove HIV as a communicable disease of public health significance”.

The removal of the ban is likely to be in place before the end of the year.

Somerset’s local NHS service has been giving its residents free STD tests at the Glastonbury Festival. Any festival-goers who lived in the county were given the Chlamydia screening tests for free, while people from other areas were given information and advice about their local screening program.

Chlamydia is the most common and fastest growing sexually transmitted disease in the world, and with the Glastonbury Festival attracting over 200,000 people during the week, Somerset NHS used it to promote awareness about the infection.

Sarah Dove, the screening service manager for Somerset NHS said that the disease was particularly dangerous because: “Unfortunately the disease has no symptoms in 70 per cent of women and 50 per cent of men, so they may not even know they have it, and, if left untreated, Chlamydia can cause major infertility problems.”

Adding that, “We want to reach as many young people from Somerset as possible to inform them of the risks of Chlamydia.”

Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 were eligible for the test, which is free and totally confidential. People can also choose how they want to receive their results, either by text or email, by phone or through a letter.

Yesterday, drug manufacturers were locked in discussions with the US Food and Drug Administration to allow males be vaccinated against HPV in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus. The drug manufacturers argued that the HPV vaccine was not only highly beneficial to females, but would be effective and safe for males to use, as well as helping to prevent the disease from spreading.

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in both the US and the UK and is the single biggest cause of cervical cancer in women. Recent surveys conducted in the US found the HPV, which also causes genital warts, was accountable for 70% of cervical cancer cases.

It is estimated that up to 25% of females aged between 9 and 26 in the US have already received the vaccine, which prevents types 16 and 18 HPV (most common cause of cervical cancer) and 2 types of HPB that cause genital warts.

Medical professionals are welcoming the news, with many of them believing that the vaccine should be given to both sexes. The side effects of giving the vaccine to males are said to be minimal, and will mostly be confined to soreness at the injection site.

Carolyn Moore from Planned Parenthood said that: “There are women who aren’t going to get it so if we can prevent men from spreading it, that would help a lot in preventing cervical cancer”.

Adding that, “Men and boys would receive the direct benefit of preventing genital warts for themselves as well”.

A new study released yesterday has shown that the infection rate of HIV in South Africa has levelled off at 10.9% for individuals aged two and over. The study also seems to suggest that the rate of new HIV cases in children and teenagers is falling.

The study, which was conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council warned that although the figure were looking promising, the overall outlook remained dire, as South Africa has the biggest HIV-positive population in the world, at 5.5 million.

Women are still most affected by the HIV virus in South Africa, with 33% of 20 – 34 year olds carrying the infection.

Olive Shisana, who led the study, which tested over 20,000 people, said that the results were, “promising findings of a changing pattern of HIV infection among children and youth”.

Adding that, “The good news is that the change in HIV prevalence in children is most likely attributable to the successful implementation of several HIV-prevention interventions”.

The study showed that HIV prevalence had fallen in children aged between 2 and 14 from 5.6% in 2002 to 2.5% last year, and that there was also a fall in new HIV cases amongst 15 – 19 year olds.

The use of condoms has also dramatically increased, with 87% of men between 15 and 24 saying that they used a condom during their last sexual encounter, up from 57% in 2002. The percentage of women using condoms for the same age group also rose from 46% in 2002 to 73% in 2008.

Pregnant women are just as susceptible to STDs as anyone else who is sexually active. However, the consequences of contracting an STD or carrying an asymptomatic STD while pregnant are considerably more dangerous both for the woman and for her unborn child. Women, particularly when they are pregnant, need to be aware of the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and learn how to protect themselves against them.

There are many different types of tests available to detect Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). The most likely is a physical examination. The nurse will check your genitalia, or other body parts which may have been infected, for signs of infection.

For genital warts, the signs of infection are visible warts on the cervix, vulva or vaginal wall. This can also be diagnosed through biopsy. Treatments include cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (heating), creams or liquids.

A urine test or a swab sample from the urethra should diagnose Chlamydia, of which there are often no visible symptoms. Treatment is by antibiotics which should clear the infection if the course is completed.

Similarly, detection of gonorrhea is via a cell sample from cervix, urethra, rectum or throat. Treatment is also a full course of antibiotics.

The diagnosis of syphilis will be made using a urine sample, blood sample, cell sample of infected area or physical examination. Antibiotics, in tablet or injection form, are used to treat it.

Trichomoniasis is diagnosed through a physical examination when a cell sample is taken or it can be detected through a routine smear test. Treatment is via antibiotics.

HIV testing is done through a sample of blood being examined for HIV antibodies. If these antibodies are detected then the result is HIV positive. A second test should be carried out in order to confirm this result. There is no cure for HIV but drug treatments will be prescribed including antiretroviral drugs which prolong life and inhibit AIDS development.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection and is usually spread during sexual contact, but can also be passed on through intravenous drug use and from an infected pregnant mother to her child. There are three stages in syphilis, which are: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary, and symptoms can be hard to recognise.

Primary Syphilis is the first stage and symptoms can appear between 10 days and three months, but this varies depending on the individual. The most common symptom of syphilis is the appearance of a painless sore, which usually develops on the genitals or rectum, but can also appear on the tongue or lips; these are called chancre. The chancre will usually disappear in a few weeks, and if left untreated, the infection will move onto the secondary stage.

Secondary Syphilis has a range of symptoms that are non-specific and can often be hard to recognise, ranging from, a non-itchy rash covering certain parts of your body such as your hands and feet, tiredness, headaches and swollen lymph glands. These symptoms can disappear in a matter of weeks or can come and go over the course of months.

Tertiary Syphilis will often lay dormant for long periods of time, from years to even decades after the initial stages and can have serious symptoms depending on the part of the body the infection spreads to. Tertiary Syphilis can be extremely dangerous and cause, strokes, paralysis, blindness, deafness and even heart disease.

Since the end of the Second World War, the rate of syphilis fell due to new antibiotics, but over the past decade the number of diagnosed case has increased: there were nearly 2700 new cases of syphilis in the UK during 2008.

Scientists in London have been given a £2 million grant to develop a self-monitoring device for HIV sufferers. The device itself will be similar to the blood-testing devices used by diabetics and will monitor HIV levels, alerting the user about impending flare ups or if they need to see a doctor.

NHS consultant Dr Ann-Maria Goretti said that it will be particularly useful if: “patients neglect to take their treatments or need prompting to see their GP, the device will provide a simple way of letting them know”.

And added that: “It will really empower HIV patients to keep a close eye on their health and their treatments.”

As well as monitoring sufferer’s condition and reducing regular visits to the doctor, this new device can be a benefit to developing countries, where there is a genuine need for fast and affordable ways to monitor HIV patients.

Chlamydia is now the most common sexually transmitted disease in the UK and is particularly dangerous because many people do not even know they have it, with around 50% of men and 70% of women displaying no symptoms of the infection.

Many of the symptoms of Chlamydia are non-specific, but can include: cystitis; vaginal discharge or abdominal pain in women; and urethral discharge from the penis or swollen testes in men.

If Chlamydia is not treated it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, which can lead to infertility, and in some cases Epididymitis in males, which can also cause infertility.

Because Chlamydia often has no or non-specific symptoms it is advisable to have an STD test if you feel that you are at risk of the infection. This can be done at your local GP clinic, but the results can often take up to 2 weeks and be put on your medical records. However, there are many private STD testing clinics in the UK that are 100% anonymous and confidential, with results given within 2 days.

In a rare number of situations, the infection caused by the herpes simplex virus can spread to additional areas of the body. This happens on occasions where the sores/blisters get infected by germs or bacteria. It is important to remember not to scratch or rub affected areas and then touch other areas of your body. It is actually best not to bother the areas at all, but if you do remember to thoroughly wash your hands straightaway.

As a rule, people tend to think that the herpes simplex virus is much more serious than it really is which can cause emotional stress. In these circumstances it is recommended that you talk with a health professional. Seeking counsel can be very helpful for you and will increase your understanding about the nature of the virus. It is good to know that genital herpes cannot damage the uterus, nor will it cause infertility. Additionally the herpes virus is not a contributing factor to cervical cancer.

Testing for simplex herpes virus can be done easily by a doctor or nurse. They simply swab the area to get a sample of the blistered area to send to the laboratory for testing. Additional screenings can be done at the same time for other sexually transmitted diseases and most STD clinics allow you to maintain anonymity.

There are several treatments and tips that can help you to ease the pain of outbreaks as well as control them; you may read more about this on the Genital Herpes Treatment page.

The strains of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that have an effect on the skin can be passed from one person to another when an infected person has skin contact with another. HPV that affects the throat and mouth is passed from person to person through kissing. The type of HPV that affects the genital area is spread during intimate, skin to skin contact during sexual intercourse.

A person can have genital HPV for many years without showing any signs or symptoms. Therefore, it is not unlikely for a partner in a lasting relationship to find that they have the virus following medical exams, such as routine cervical screenings.

There have been many cases where a partner may become concerned with whether or not their significant other has been unfaithful after finding that they have the Human Papilloma Virus. Discovering that you have this virus should not lead you to this conclusion. There is no way to determine how long a person has had the virus, and medical professionals will tell you that you could have had the virus for weeks, months, or even years.

As is the case with any STD, the best method for prevention is to practice safe sex. Use a condom, know your partner well, or practice abstinence. It is also important, especially for women, to have regular screenings. The type of HPV that most people are aware of is the strain that affects the cervix. Should cervical HPV go untreated it can develop into cancer, so it is very important that you are tested regularly for this virus.

Millions of people have been stricken with and killed by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) over the past centuries. In more recent data, studies have shown that STD cases and deaths have shown no signs of slowing down, being a cause of alarm for many worldwide health authorities. Furthermore, in developing nations, such as those in Africa, South America, and some parts of Asia, STDs continue to be a pressing problem. Death rates caused by STDs in these regions are high because of limited access to medical aid, as well as the locals’ lack of awareness on STDs.

The two biggest STD concerns that afflict millions across the globe are HIV and AIDS. HIV is defined as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and when the infection progresses in the body, it develops into a serious disease known as AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It has been estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that more than 25 million people have died from HIV or AIDS since the virus was isolated by scientists in 1981. At present, there are approximately 33 million people with AIDS or HIV worldwide. What is even more alarming is that every year, there are newly infected individuals, and more than half of those are from the ages 25 and below group.

STD symptoms, particularly those of HIV, can be similar to other conditions. Medical sources say that on the initial stage of infection, it is very difficult to diagnose whether a patient has HIV or not, just by looking at the symptoms, which can range from fatigue, headaches, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and the like. The best way to be truly sure if someone has HIV is to take an HIV test. There are HIV tests in London that can help determine the level of infection, and hopefully indicate if the disease can be treated at that stage. However, it is important to note that HIV testing can be done only after a certain incubation period upon infection, which can be anywhere from three to six months. Within this range, the virus may not be easily detected by tests.

If you are unsure whether or not you have acquired an STD, or may have HIV or AIDS, the smartest thing to do is to consult a health practitioner. Rest assured that your medical professional will treat your issue with utmost discretion. In line with the prevention of STDs, health centers greatly encourage the practice of safe sex, as well as to take STD tests whenever possible.

There are several treatments as well as tips for those that have herpes outbreaks. Doctors may prescribe painkillers to help reduce the pain caused by the blisters or when urinating. There are ointments that can be purchased at pharmacies that can help to reduce itching and pain. The downsides to these ointments are that some find that they have an allergic reaction to them and they may make things worse. It may be wise to test a natural area of the skin prior to applying to blisters. Sometimes icing down the area with an ice pack (or ice wrapped in a towel) may help to sooth the pain. You should not place ice directly on the affected areas.

Drinking plenty of water can help problems during urination. Avoid the use of harsh soaps or bubble baths and clean the area with a soft cloth and warm water, and gently pat dry. Some have found that drying with a hairdryer (on its lowest setting) is more comforting than using a towel. Once an episode has cleared up, it is suggested to use a lubricant as sexual activity can cause a reoccurrence.

The use of antiviral medication may be necessary in some cases. These medications do not eradicate the virus for the body, as once you are infected you will always be a carrier. What the medication does do is stop the virus from growing and can help to keep outbreaks under control. There are several antiviral medications on the market such as Aciclovir, Famciclovir, and Valaciclovir. These medications are most helpful to those experiencing their first outbreak of symptoms as they reduce the length of time as well as the severity experienced. Normally a five day regimen is prescribed; however, if symptoms are persistent you may be on the medication longer.

As far as reoccurrences are concerned, medication may not be necessary for treatment. The reasoning behind this is that sequential outbreaks are not as harsh as the initial outbreak and only last about three days. Should this not be the case for an individual, antiviral medications are prescribed.

Sexually transmitted diseases may be caused by various agents, whether they are bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. Among the most common STDs caused by bacteria are Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, which the World Health Organization (WHO) reports afflict millions of new victims every year. Mentioned here are other bacterial STDs, as well as additional information on them.

World AIDS Day is celebrated globally every first of December. Since 1988, this event hopes to increase the awareness for STDs such as HIV and AIDS, which has claimed the lives of millions over the past decades. Like HIV and AIDS, there are also other sexually transmitted diseases that are caused by viruses, and the quest of finding cures for these conditions continues to challenge medical researchers worldwide. Here are some other common viral STDs, including information on STD symptoms, as well as diagnoses and possible forms of treatment.

A lot of people who have become infected with syphilis can go symptom free for years and years, but this does not eliminate the risk of them experiencing complications later on in life if the condition goes untreated. There are three different stages of syphilis: primary, secondary, and tertiary. The disease is passed by people that are in the primary or secondary stage of the disease (where sores are present). However, a person may be unaware of that they are infected and pass the condition along to their partner(s) through sexual intercourse.

Primary stage syphilis is where the infected individual develops single or multiple sores called chancres. From the time of infection symptoms tend to appear within ten to ninety days. These sores are characterized as being small, round, painless, and firm. In general chancres appear at the site where the infection entered the body. The sore remains for three to six weeks and heals on its own. But, if one does not receive treatment the infection will move onto the next stage.

Secondary stage syphilis is marked by skin rashes and lesions of the mucous membranes. Typically, it will start out with the development of a rash in one or more areas of the body. Generally, the rash does not cause irritation or itchiness. These rashes can manifest themselves while primary stage sores are still present or weeks after they have diminished. The rashes that afflict those with secondary syphilis generally are red, rough, or red-brown spots that appear on the palms of your hands or on the bottoms of your feet. Rashes that show up on different parts of the body will have different characteristics and may look similar to rashes caused by other conditions. In many cases the rashes may be very minor and go unnoticed.

Other symptoms that may arise from secondary stage syphilis are: fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, unexplained weight loss, achy muscles, chronic fatigue, sore throats, or hair loss (usually patches at a time). The body will resolve the complications of secondary stage syphilis, but if the infection is not treated it will progress to the tertiary stage of the disease.

The tertiary stage, also known as the late or latent stage, of syphilis occurs once the primary and secondary symptoms have cleared up. At this stage a person will continue to carry the infection while there will be no signs or symptoms. Late stage syphilis occurs in approximately fifteen percent of individuals that have not received treatment and can manifest ten to twenty years after being initially infected. The effects of this stage of the disease are damage to organs such as the eyes, brain, nervous system, liver, bones, and joints. This damage will cause symptoms such as poor coordination and impaired movement, paralysis, loss of sight, loss of feeling, and dementia. The damage caused to the body can be severe enough to result in death.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) have been plaguing mankind for centuries. With millions of people stricken per year, the incidence of such conditions continues to cause alarm for many countries as well as international organizations. It has been found by researchers that people in developing countries, particularly in Africa and South America, are more prone to acquiring STDs. In line with this, treatments are not easy to obtain in such nations because of limited access to updated medical facilities.

Among the most concerning STDs that continues to afflict millions is HIV, also known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus. First identified and isolated in 1981, this disease, along with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is said to have caused the deaths of more than 25 million people across the globe, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). As of the year 2007, more than 33 million people are estimated to have HIV, and of these statistics, more than half of them are of people aged 25 years old and below, as the WHO states. When the HIV infection is left untreated, symptoms can escalate and develop into AIDS. Despite the attempt for better cures, the number of people with AIDS and HIV worldwide continues to increase.

Because of such concerns, most health facilities and institutions in the United States and around the world recommend STD testing as well as the HIV test for patients who may be prone to these diseases. Because some STD symptoms may be similar to other non-STD related conditions, it is best to have such tests taken, in order for treatment or preventive care to be duly administered. For people who are interested in STD testing, there are many STD clinics that provide such services. While these facilities intend to keep results of tests private, the patient concerned has the choice to grant these STD clinics permission to share the results with research organizations to aid the search for better STD treatments. It is important to note that HIV testing, AIDS testing, or tests for other STDs is highly encouraged for expectant mothers, as this can help avoid the transfer of the disease to the unborn child.

In line with the increasing stats on HIV and AIDS, many medical researches continue to pursue more effective means of alleviating the symptoms of HIV, AIDS, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases. In the end, mankind can expect the absolute cure that will eliminate these illnesses from society. At present, information and prevention are the best means to avoid getting infected.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) may be acquired through various modes. Whether it is through direct sexual contact from different partners, transferred via blood, or through non-sterile surgical and medical equipment, anyone is at risk of getting such a disease. One of the best ways of preventing STDs is to make well-informed choices with regards to sexual practices and to undergo STD testing to be sure of one’s condition.

The most effective way to avoid transmitting Syphilis or any STD is to practise abstinence or be in a monogamous relationship where both partners are known to be free of any STDs or STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

When you are worried that you may have contracted an STD, it is important that you get an STD test quickly. Waiting for your results can be stressful for both you and your sexual partner and that is why many people are now choosing private STD testing clinics, as opposed to their local GP.

Gay men are being warned about the risk of contracting HIV as figures show a higher rate of new diagnoses. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) nearly 40% of the 7,370 cases of HIV in 2008 were in gay men; double the number of a decade ago.

Recent studies into sexual behaviour have suggested that there are still high numbers of gay men that engage in unprotected sex, but new diagnoses of HIV within the gay community has fallen slightly over the past few years.

HIV expert at the HPA, Dr Barry Evans said: “Gay men continue to be the group in the UK most at risk of acquiring HIV”.

Adding that, “Safe sex is the best way to protect against HIV infection.”

The figures show that overall new diagnoses had fallen from 7,660 in 2007, and that cases affecting gay men was also down from 3,050 to 2,830, but the HPA was still concerned about the number of late diagnoses, with around 20% of gay men’s diagnoses coming beyond the point when treatment should of started; this greatly increases the chance of death within the first year.

A recent study by disease experts has found that one in four TB deaths are HIV related, nearly double that as previously thought. The World Health Organization says that the co-infection is still a major challenge and that HIV and TB services should join together to treat the conditions in tandem.

Tuberculosis kills more people with HIV than any other disease, but only 1% of people with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus were screened for Tuberculosis in 2008. It is estimated that in 2007 there was 1.37 million new cases of TB in HIV sufferers worldwide and over 450,000 deaths.

Director of the World Health Organization, Dr Margaret Chan said: “These findings point to an urgent need to find, prevent and treat TB in people living with HIV and to test for HIV in all patients with TB”.

And added that: “Countries can only do that through stronger collaborative programmes and stronger health systems that address both diseases.”

According to the Health Protection Agency, UK cases of TB have increase 2% since 2007 rising to 8,679 cases in 2008. London still has the most new diagnoses of TB with 3,415 reported cases in 2008, about 39% of the total for the whole of the UK.