conditions involving the brain, heart or nervous system, which can be life threatening.
How is it transmitted? You contract syphilis by coming
into direct contact with the sores or rash, which can be inside the vagina
or rectum.
How is it treated? It is treated with a series of penicillin injections;
other treatment is available if you are allergic to penicillin.
Why worry about syphilis? If left untreated, syphilis can evolve
to the tertiary stage. It is harder to treat the longer it is left, and
could eventually become incurable.
page 6 of 7
contents
of issue 84
back
issues
the
gazette
recipes
small
ads
contacting
us
weblinks
Thrush
What is it? Thrush is a fungal infection commonly
caused by candida. Candida is a yeast that normally occurs in the mouth,
vagina and intestines without causing any problems.
How is it transmitted? You contract thrush by coming
into direct contact with infected body parts. during unprotected sex and
by sharing sex toys.
What are the symptoms? In both women and men, thrush is often asymptomatic
(no symptoms). However, symptoms are more common in women. If you have
thrush in your vagina it may be swollen and sore and you may have abnormal
discharge; it may be painful to urinate. Men, especially uncirumcised
men, can get irritation around the head of the penis. It can occur for
both women and men in many other parts of the body, eg anus, mouth and
throat.
How is it treated? Treatment consists of anti-fungal agents that
can be administered in the form of creams, shampoos or tablets.
Why worry about thrush? In women, untreated thrush can lead to
painful swelling of the vulva and vagina.
Trichomoniasis
What is it? It is an infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis,
a single-celled organism larger than a bacterium, usually of the vagina
and sometimes the urethra.
How is it transmitted? It is transmitted by direct contact with body fluids and body parts, through unprotected sex and by sharing sex toys. It is rare among gay men.
