Sexually transmitted infections, Urinary tract infections and Too much information’s

Sexually transmitted infections and urinary tract infections are more common than one may think and a person with female genitalia will likely experience the latter at some point in their lives. But how do we prevent them, treat them, and talk about them? This article will be separated into three sections:

• STIs: what are they? How do we prevent them? How do we treat them?
• UTIs: what are they? How do we prevent them? How do we treat them?
• TMIs: the bits of advice and discussion sometimes you don’t want to share or ask about. There should be no shame or embarrassment discussing these topics, however your body is personal and sometimes discussing it with others may be more information than you’re comfortable with sharing and that’s okay too.

All health-related information is sourced from / aligns with information from NHS websites and World Health Organisation, studies and documents. Links provided at the bottom.

STIs

What are they?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that you can get from engaging in sexual activity. Importantly, this can be any sexual activity not just penetrative intercourse, for example STIs can be transmitted by receiving or giving oral sex.

STI symptoms include but are not limited to (from NHS):

1. an unusual discharge (green / yellow) from the vagina, penis or anus
2. pain when peeing
3. lumps or skin growths around the genitals or anus
4. rashes
5. unusual vaginal bleeding
6. itchy genitals or anus
7. blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
8. warts around your genitals or anus
9. warts in your mouth or throat (rare)

However, it is also important to note that STIs can sometimes be symptomless, but this does not mean you cannot transmit them or that they should go untreated.

Common STIs (option to click on each to read more about it specifically):

1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhoea
3. Syphilis
4. Trichomoniasis
5. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
6. Genital herpes
7. Genital warts
8. Pubic lice (“crabs”)
9. Scabies
10. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

How do we prevent getting STIs?

The only form of birth control effective in preventing STIs are condoms or dental dams (oral condoms). Other forms of birth control such as the pill, implant, and inter-uterine devices (IUDs) act to prevent pregnancy but not STIs.

As well as using condoms it’s important to be STI tested between sexual partners and also ask your sexual partners to be tested. Tests can be done at your nearest sexual healrg clinic, or you can order kits free of charge online if you live in the UK. STI tests consist of a blood withdrawal or finger prick to test for HIV and syphilis whereas other infections can be tested by painless genital swabs or urine samples.

How are STIs treated?

The bacterial infections: chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis and the parasitic infection: trichomoniasis, are mostly treatable and curable by antibiotics.

The viral infections: herpes and HIV can be controlled and monitored by antivirals although not cured.

Genital warts sometimes heal on their own however its important to still seen a doctor who may recommend treatment such as creams or ointments, cryotherapy and surgical removal if needed. It is also important to see a doctor in case it is a different skin problem needed alterative treatment.

Pubic lice and scabies can be treated by over-the-counter creams from a pharmacy, however it is recommended to still see a doctor first.

HPV has no direct treatment itself and are usually cleared alone after two years, however there are treatments for side effects of HPV such as genital warts or cervical issues.

The earlier on the infections are identified the quicker they can be treated and the easier their management or recovery, making it very important to partake in regular testing if you or your partner have multiple sexual partners.

UTIs

What are they?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) happen when unwanted bacteria travel up the urethra to the bladder causing an infection in the urinary system.

UTI Symptoms (from NHS)

1. Issues or pain when urinating (peeing)
2. Feeling the urgency to pee often even if little comes out
3. Fever
4. Chills
5. Cloudy, foul smelling, dark urine
6. Blood in urine
7. Pain in flank (side of body between ribs and hip), abdomen, pelvic area or lower back
8. Pain during sex

Types of UTIs:

1. Urethritis – urethra infection
2. Cystitis – bladder infection
3. Pyelonephritis – kidney infection

UTIs in the urethra aren’t dangerous when treated properly, however they may become dangerous if untreated as the infection can spread to the kidneys which requires more serious treatment as your kidneys are vital organs which filter water and waste from the blood.

UTI tests and treatment:

UTIs can usually be diagnosed by a non-invasive urine sample and are treated with antibiotics, different antibiotics are given targeting the type of UTI.

Why are vagina owners more likely to get UTIs?

Anatomy

There are a few reasons for this, the first one is anatomical, the structure of the body. If you have a vagina your urethra opening is closer to the anus (bum hole) than those with penises. One of the main causes of UTIs is ‘cross-contamination’ of the bacteria in the anus with the urethra causing the infection. Because these holes are so close together, this may even happen from wiping back to front after you pee, so it is very important to wipe front to back (towards the bum) after peeing to prevent spread of bacteria.

Sexual activity

Sexual activity can also cause bacteria to spread, to prevent this make sure you and your sexual partner(s) hands are clean and if they have a penis its important that’s clean too! If even they are not visibly dirty, that does not mean they are clean as bacteria and microorganisms cannot be seen by the human eye and we get them on our hands every time we touch something. Therefore, it is very important that anything going near your urethra (which is right next to the vagina) is clean, including fingers penises and toys whether you’re with a partner or by yourself. It is also important to use lubricant specifically for sex and if you’re extra sensitive opt for water-based lubricants. Using oils and other non-sex specific lubricants can attract bacteria and are more likely to cause infection.

Periods

Pads and tampons can also collect bacteria throughout the day so its important to change your pad and tampon regularly. You should change your pad and tampon every 3-4 hours but also every time you pee to avoid spread of bacteria. Your tampon string can also collect bacteria if you don’t change it when you use the toilet.

How do we prevent getting UTIs?

As you may have noticed a common theme with contracting UTIs is hygiene, this does not mean if you contract a UTI you are unhygienic or ‘dirty’, they are easy to contract even to the cleanest people. However, having good hygiene makes it less likely to get one and has many other health benefits.

A few hygiene tips:

1. Washing regularly
2. Wiping front to back after peeing
3. Don’t stay in wet clothes for long periods of time, after you’ve gone swimming or gotten stuck in the rain change out of your wet underwear or swimwear as soon as possible. Bacteria thrives in wet environments.
4. Regularly changing your tampons and pads, or using a clean menstrual cup during your period
5. Make sure you and your partner are clean before engaging in any sexual activity
6. PEE AFTER SEX, always pee after any kind of sex, your pee will help wash out any bacteria that may have gotten into your urethra during sex and prevents it from travelling up further and causing infection.

Final UTI prevention tip:

Drink lots of water, there are many benefits are staying hydrated, for your skin, energy levels and overall health but drinking lots of water also helps you expel unwanted bacteria from your urinary tract when you pee and help your kidneys work better and stay healthy.

TMIs

There tends to be a stigma around infections such as STIs and UTIs. Having one of these infections does not make you 'dirty', the same way having a throat infection or an ear infection don't mean you're less clean. When going to a doctor they will treat you as they treat any other infection so there is no need to worry about being judged, you're likely to be one of the many infections the treat that day, you can also go to a local sexual health clinic for advice.

If you are diagnosed with an STI, it is important to tell any sexual partners about it so they can get tested and treated if needed, it may be awkward but it's more important for everyone to be healthy, awkwardness is temporary!

Testing between partners also helps avid awkwardness as if an STI is contracted you can locate who gave it to you.

One of the most common causes of UTIs is from not peeing after sex, try not to get distracted by cuddling or other post sex activities as you will thank yourself a few days later for quickly running to the toilet for a pee. If you find you are particularly susceptible to UTIs it can also help to shower after sex to rinse the vaginal area.

Does pubic hair prevent STIs?

There have been a few studies about if pubic hair can help prevent STIs, although hair can help prevent bacteria from entering the body the most recent study (2019) found there to be no association between pubic hair and STIs. Click here to read more about the study.

So finally, remember to communicate with your partner, use proctection, stay safe and have fun!