 |
Health Monitoring Information |
|
Some men who have sex with men and women worry that their sexual activities may lead to health problems for themselves and their sexual partners. They may not understand the specific risks involved in certain sexual practices This pamphlet suggests some simple strategies to maintain sexual health and prevent long term infection with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you are in doubt and need more information ring the Gammaline Counselling Service on (03) 98990509 or 1800 807 660.
Did you know?
Undetected Genital Infections in Women
Some STD infections in women may remain undetected and can have long term consequences. If untreated these STDs may cause painful infections of the reproductive organs that can result in permanent infertility. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is one of the consequences of undetected infections.
Some STD infections can be transmitted from mother to child either during pregnancy or at birth. This can expose children to the risk of infections such as Herpes, Hepatitis B and Syphilis. Undetected infection with genital warts (Human Papilloma Virus) may eventually lead to the development of cervical cancer in some women.
Undetected Genital Infections in Men
Some STD infections in men may remain undetected and can cause continuing
infections of the urethra and reproductive organs. This can result in infertility.
Unless STD infections are treated, all sexual partners are at risk of being
infected and reinfected during sexual activity.
Maintaining Sexual Health
Safe sex practices, protected sex and an understanding of the potential risk of certain sexual practices can help you to decide your approach to sexual health. Simple procedures such as regular examination, blood tests and swab tests will establish if you have been infected with an STD. Routine testing at regular intervals will ensure that you are not carrying an infection which may be passed on to a sexual partner. Vaccines against Hepatitis A and B which can protect you from infection with these viruses are available through your STD clinic or general practitioner.
A commitment to protecting your own sexual health and the sexual
health of all of your partners will assist you to maintain a healthy sexual
lifestyle.
What is Sexual Health Monitoring?
Sexual Health Monitoring is a way in which sexually active people can ensure that they have not come into contact with any sexually transmitted disease which may cause long term ill health.
Why is Sexual Health Monitoring necessary?
If we are sexually active with a number of people or if we are in a relationship with one partner and that partner has other sexual partners, then we run the risk of being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. We can then pass these diseases on to others. Infection with these diseases may not be noticed since they do not always cause pain or discharge. Some of these infections can cause serious disease if they are not detected and treated.
Why do bisexually active men need to consider Sexual Health Monitoring?
Many bisexually active men have a regular female partner or partners who may be unaware that the man is bisexual. They may not understand the need to be aware of STDs or the need to have check ups to ensure that they have not been infected with these diseases. Women are at particular risk with some infections such as Chlamydia and Venereal Warts (Human Papilloma Virus) both of which can severely affect women's health in the long term if left untreated.
What if I use condoms, do I still need regular sexual health checks?
Condoms will prevent the transmission of most sexually transmitted diseases. However some diseases such as venereal warts caused by the Human Papilloma Virus can be transmitted simply through intimate contact and may not be prevented by condom use. Other non-penetrative activities can also transmit disease. Rimming (contact between the mouth or tongue and the anus) can result in transmission of Hepatitis A and B.
How Can I Best Prevent Disease Transmission?
The use of condoms in sexual activities
will help prevent the transmission of many diseases. Consider vaccination
where this is available. Never have unprotected sex if you have a STD or
feel that you may have been exposed to infection.
How often should I test?
This will depend on the frequency and type of sexual activity which is involved. You should consult a doctor whenever you have pain, discharge, unusual lumps or ulceration on the penis or in the genital area. If a sexual partner reports that they are infected, you will also need to test. Routine testing at six monthly intervals is recommended.
Are there vaccination programs for STDs?
Vaccination is available against Hepatitis A and B and it is recommended for people who are sexually active. The hepatitis viruses can cause severe illness, and even death in some cases so it is better to be protected against infection. Ask your doctor for further information about these vaccines.
Should my female sexual partner also test?
If you have a female partner, or partners, then it would be wise
to encourage regular pap smear tests to ensure that they are not infected
with genital warts (Human Papilloma Virus). This infection can be difficult
to detect since the virus may be present even when there is no obvious
evidence of warts. Testing should also occur if you receive a positive
diagnosis of any STD infection to ensure that your partner or partners
have not been infected.
What if my sexual partners do not have any symptoms?
They may still be infected and the long term effects of the infection could have a great impact on their health in the future.
What do I do if I feel I may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease?
If you feel that your sexual practices with men or women may have placed you at risk of infection with a sexually transmitted disease, adopt safe sex practices with all your sexual partners until you have had a sexual health check. If you have already had sexual relations with your other partners, you will need to inform them of any test results which indicate that they may have been exposed to infection.
What if I do not usually practice safe sex with my regular female partner?
If you are unable to adopt safe sex practices with your regular partner and you feel that you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease then do not have further sex with any partner until you have had a sexual health check.
Do I have to inform my female partner if I am infected with an STD?
You should inform all of your sexual partners, male and female that you are infected. This will enable them to test for infection and obtain treatment where necessary. Apart from the long term health consequences for your sexual partners, there is a possibilty that you will be constantly reinfected with the disease following treatment. The AIDS /STD Unit has contact tracers who may be able to assist you with partner notification.