Simple, accurate health tests for the home and the workplace.
What is trichomonas vaginalis? Several different organisms can cause vaginal discharge and irritation (vaginitis). The most common organisms being:- The parasite, trichomonas vaginalis. The bacteria gardnerella vaginalis (bacterial vaginosis). The yeast candida (that causes thrush). Trichomonas Vaginalis (T.V.), ‘trich’ or trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite. T.V. mostly infects […]
What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is not a common infection in the U.K., the majority of the cases of syphilis in the U.K. were contracted in countries where syphilis is still widespread. Syphilis develops in three stages:- Stage 1 – known as the […]
What are pubic lice? Pubic lice also known as crabs are tiny insects which live in coarse body hair. This means they cannot only be found in pubic hair but also in underarm hair, hairy legs, chests and eyelashes. They have also been known to exist in beards and eyebrows. The lice are skin coloured […]
What is pelvic inflammatory disease? Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (P.I.D.) is an infection which occurs when bacteria enters the cervix and spreads upwards into the pelvic organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and the ovaries. Apart from H.I.V., P.I.D. is the most common and serious complication of sexually transmitted diseases. What causes pelvic inflammatory disease? There […]
What are G.U.M. clinics? Your local G.U.M. clinic ( Genito-Urinary Medicine) is an N.H.S. run clinic for all aspects of sexual health. You can find details of your nearest clinic in the phone book under genito-urinary clinic, sexually transmitted diseases (S.T.D.) or venereal diseases (V.D.). You may also find your nearest clinic by visiting the […]
What is gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) often known as the ‘clap’ it is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. The bacterium grows and multiplies quickly in moist, warm areas of the body. Gonorrhoea can infect areas of the body such as the cervix, urethra, anus, rectum or throat. In women […]
What are genital warts? Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (H.P.V.). they are small growth or bumps that can occur around the genitals or anus. H.P.V. is the name of a group of viruses that include more than 100 different types. Each type of H.P.V. has been given a number, the types […]
What is genital herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes, they are known as herpes simplex virus type 1 (H.S.V.1) and type 2 (H.S.V.2). Type 1 most commonly affects the lips and mouth, they usually appear as coldsores. Type 2 generally […]
What is chlamydia? Chlamydia comes from the Greek word meaning ‘to cloak’ and is caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria mainly infect the genitals but it can sometimes infect the throat, eyes and rectum. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in young adults. Chlamydia is very easy to treat with antibiotics […]
What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis is a very common vaginal infection. Bacterial vaginosis isn’t a sexually transmitted infection. However, it does tend to occur in women who have regular sex and multiple partners. The infection does not get passed on to the man, though some evidence shows that women may be able to pass […]
What is urethritis? Urethritis is a bacterial infection that mainly affects men, women can be affected but symptoms are not usually noticeable. It is an inflammation of the tube called the urethra, which carries the urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis. When the exact cause of urethritis is not known it […]
HIV and AIDS HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus it is a virus that attacks the cells in your immune system. As the immune system weakens your body loses its ability to fight infection. At the end of 2015 there was around 101,200 people in the UK living with HIV. Once a person becomes infected […]
