The ten most common STIs in the UK are genital warts, chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhoea, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, pubic lice, syphilis and trichomonas. A brief description of these can be found on the patient.co.uk website. These all have different routes of transfer and so it is important to get regularly checked (every 3 months).

• Genital warts: genital warts are lumps that appear around the genitals and/or anus. Most people who are infected by the causative agent (HPV; Human Papillomavairus) don’t show visible warts and therefore can be a carrier of the infection without knowing. The treatment includes either applying chemicals to the warts or freezing them.
• Chlamydia: chlamydia can cause a variety of symptoms, including discharge from the genitals. This is another disease where the symptoms often don’t show. However, the infection can still be transmitted and the infection can develop into something more severe if untreated (e.g. pelvic infection, and infertility in women). The treatment is usually a short course of antibiotics.
• Genital Herpes: genital herpes can stay with you for life once caught but may also not show any major symptoms. Genital herpes can be considered akin to having cold sores on the genitals. If symptoms do appear they range from soreness to numerous painful blisters on the vulva or penis and the areas around it. The symptoms will often appear in episodes, with the first lasting around 2-3 weeks though this may be shorter. Successive episodes will often be less severe than the first. The treatment for this is antiviral medication to ease symptoms.
• Gonorrhoea: gonorrhoea is an infection which has some similar symptoms to chlamydia (discharge from the genitals), but the bacteria that causes it is different. Sometimes symptoms don’t appear, but those infected will still be able to pass on the infection. The treatment is usually a short course of antibiotics.
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): HIV is a virus that attacks the cells of the immune system. It is when the immune system becomes so weak that it can easily be infected by germs, bacteria and viruses that would normally have been attacked by the immune system, that someone with HIV is said to have AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). There is no cure for this, though the length of life can be extended considerably by using antiretrovirals for the rest of the person’s life. The treatment also causes many side effects so an HIV+ person would need to be monitored for the rest of their lives. People that may have recently come into contact with HIV (e.g. through unprotected sex with an HIV+ or HIV unknown person) can be treated with PEP. PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is the same course of medicine that is taken as an HIV+ person but for a shorter term (28 days). It can be prescribed at GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinics (such as the Sandyford) as well as A&E if the GUM clinic hours don’t suit.PEP is more effective the earlier it is taken and therefore should be taken as soon as possible after the sex in question. It is much less effective after three days, after (72 hours).
• Hepatitis B: hepatitis B is a virus which attacks the liver. The initial infection can cause symptoms but doesn’t always and lasts for a short period of time. After this, some will develop a chronic infection that is persistent. The virus can still be passed on in both stages and in the long-term can cause serious liver problems. If needed, antiviral may be prescribed to reduce the severity of these later stage symptoms.
• Hepatitis C: as with hepatitis B, it mainly attacks the liver. While this virus is often passed by sharing needles, it can still be passed through sexual contact. Some people can clear the infection naturally. However others may, after many years, develop cirrhosis and some liver cancer. Treatment doesn’t always work, but has been found to work in about half of those taking it.
• Pubic lice: pubic lice, sometimes also called crabs, are small insects (about 1-2 mm long) that lay eggs which hatch after seven days. They attach to hairs and are hard to wash off with normal cleaning. They are passed on through close contact such as sex. The main symptom is itching. However, they can also present without symptoms. Treatment is usually with a lotion or cream.
• Syphilis:  syphilis is an STI that recently came back to prominence though it was previously uncommon. If untreated, it can spread via the bloodstream and cause various problems to other organs. Treatment is usually a short course of antibiotics.
• Trichomonas: trichomonas infections are not necessarily as serious as other STIs but can cause very unpleasant symptoms such as discharge from the genitals. The treatment is usually a course of antibiotics.