There are many different types of HPV. Those that cause genital warts are usually 'low-risk' types and cause no
further complications, but some 'high-risk' types are
linked with cervical and anal cancer. It is common for someone to have
several types of the virus, including high-risk types. A 'pap' smear of
the cervix or anus, done at the GUM clinic, can discover if you have cell
changes indicative of cancer. There is evidence that people infected with
HIV and high-risk types of HPV may be more prone to developing cancer.
See
Q&A, PN 82
Gonorrhoea
page 7 of 8
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What is it? Gonorrhoea, also known as 'the clap',
is a curable infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
It can infect many different parts of your body including the urethras
of men and women, the uterine cervical canal and tubes, the rectum, the
eye (causing conjunctivitis), and the mouth and throat.
How is it transmitted?
You can contract gonorrhoea without penetrative sex, but if penetration
or body
fluids are exchanged the risk of infection may increase.
Gonorrhoea can be passed from mother to newborn as the infant passes through
the birth canal. This may result in infections of the eyes or blood.
What are the symptoms?
Most men develop symptoms within two to five days after infection, though
this time can be as short as one day or as long as 30 days. Women often
do not develop symptoms, but if they do, will within 10 days after infection.
Early symptoms are often mild.
Men might experience a discharge from the penis. There is sometimes a
burning sensation or pain when peeing or a need to pee more often than
usual. Women might experience discharge from the
vagina, pain during sex or when peeing. Abnormal vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain in women may indicate that pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has developed.
