Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

A non-sexually transmitted infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or activities that disrupt the vagina PH like douching. Treatment for BV is recommended for women with symptoms like abnormal (creamy) discharges, fishy smell or itching. We understand the terrible state these symptoms can put you in and if you are experiencing any of the above, the best thing to do is to visit the clinic, there will be no need to take your partner along.

Chlamydia

A sexually transmitted infection that occurs among men and women, young people between 16years and 29. Chlamydia usually affects the cervix and can cause a woman to bleed in between periods. Other symptoms include burning sensation during pee or sex, itching, watery discharge from the urethral or vagina, foul smell. Chlamydia can go undetected for years and if untreated will result into infertility, pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) , ectopic pregnancies, sperm cell mortality. Note everyone gets the same symptom, some people get no symptom at all.

Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)

Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to serious complications if untreated. There are 5 types of hepatitis A, B, C,D,E. Common ways hepatitis can be transmitted include; Skin to skin contact, blood exposure, contaminated food, unprotected sexual intercourse and from an infected mother to child. Hepatitis can also be caused by an over use of paracetamol and excessive intake of alcohol

Hepatitis symptoms can appear like you have malaria and the common symptoms you get are tiredness, nausea, joint pain, loss of appetite, fever, dark urine and abdominal pain.

Its ok to think you have malaria but if your symptoms persist after a few days you should visit the clinic. Hepatitis vaccine is available at the clinic to help you prevent the disease. Anyone can take it from newborn to adult up to 65years. Boosters doses can also be given after 15 years of your last shot

Hepatitis A Vaccine

This is taken to prevent hepatitis A virus- 2 shot of the vaccine is required across 4- 6 months for a life immunity.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

This is taken to prevent hepatitis B virus – 3 shot will be required across 6 month for a life time immunity.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

An Uncomplicated Vagina candidiasis is not usually acquired by sexual transmission. Most women will experience Candida (also known as yeast infection or thrush) at least once in their life time. Fungi are found in the walls of the vagina, an overgrowth of these will lead to candidiasis or yeast infection.

Causes of candida include :

• Stress
• Hormone imbalance
• Douching
• Unmanaged diabetes
• Compromised immune system
• Over use of antibiotics
• High carb diet
• Some form of contraceptive

How do I know it’s a yeast infection?

Sadly, most vagina infections manifest with the same symptoms and signs. It’s best to take on the vagina swab test to be sure of the actual cause. Common symptoms as shown by women who have the yeast infection include- vulva or vagina itching, Fishy smell, Burning sensation during urination or after sex, redness and soreness

A simple vaginal swab test is done to confirm the cause of the symptoms.

Syphilis (VDRL)

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that progresses in stages, from painless sores to serious health complications if left untreated. Syphilis spreads through unprotected sex, direct contact with syphilitic sores, and from mother to child during pregnancy.

How can I tell I’ve got it?

• Painless sores in the genital area or mouth (men & women)
• Skin rashes on the palms and soles
• Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue
• In later stages, it can affect the brain, heart, and nerves/li>

Early detection is important in the treatment of syphilis.

Pubic lice (crabs)

A common way to get Pubic lice is through sexual activity but it can be non- sexually transmitted as well if you share clothing, bed sheet or towel with an infected person. They are tiny insect resembling tiny crabs found in your genital area. Pubic lice feed on your blood and cause severe itching.

How can I tell I’ve got it?

Individuals with pubic lice will come down with Intense itching on the genitals. Itching can also be on the beards, armpits, legs, chest.

Staphylococcus Infection

Staphylococcus, commonly known as staph infection, is a bacterial infection that can affect different parts of the body, including the skin, urinary tract, and reproductive system. It is NOT a Sexually transmitted infection

Causes:

• Poor hygiene or skin injuries
• Weakened immune system
• Sharing contaminated personal items (e.g., towels, razors)

How can I tell I’ve got it?

• Painful boils or skin abscesses
• Itching, discomfort, or unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Fatigue and fever in severe cases

Trichomoniasis (Trich)

A common parasitic sexually transmitted infections that often causes vaginal discomfort. Many people don’t have symptoms but can still spread it. Men can get Trich too.

Causes:

Trichomoniasis is transmitted through unprotected vaginal sex with an infected partner.

How can I tell I’ve got it?

• Greenish-yellow or frothy discharge
• Strong vaginal odor
• Pain during urination or sex
• Itching or irritation

Don’t ignore unusual symptoms. Book a screening at Pink Clinic today.

Cervicitis

Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, often caused by STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis. Most women with cervicitis experience painful sexual intercourse. Other symptoms are:

• Unusual watery vaginal discharge
• Bleeding between periods
• Burning sensation during sex or while urinating

Causes:

• Unprotected sex
• Bacterial like chlamydia or viral infections like HPV
• Irritants like douching or presence of contraceptive devices

Physical examination and a cervical cancer screening can help with the diagnosis of acute cervicitis.

Herpes

Ever wondered why blisters appears on and off around your genitals, most especially after sex or after your menstrual period? Herpes are viral, highly contagious and a common sexually and non-sexually transmitted infection that causes painful sores around the mouth and genitals (sexually transmitted). There are 2 types of herpes: oral and genital herpes. An individual with a low immunity or an immunocompromised state of health is at a higher risk of getting herpes.

Causes:

• Direct skin contacts with an infected person
• Kissing or sexual activity with someone who has herpes sores
• How do I know I have it?
• Recurring Painful blisters or sores around the genitals or mouth
• Itching or burning before an outbreak
• Flu-like symptoms during the first infection

HIV

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections.

Causes:

• Unprotected sex with an infected person
• Sharing needles
• Transmission from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding

How can I tell I’ve got it?

• Early flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Recurrent mouth and genital infections

Men and women who are sexually active should have themselves checked every 3 months. Our services are very private and confidential, you can get discreet testing at Pink Clinic today.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are tiny skin growths caused by a certain strain of HPV. Warts are sexually transmitted through anal, oral or vaginal sex. Warts develops in clusters, like a cauliflower, they are itchy and bumpy, easy to bleed. They can also appear as a single growth. Unprotected sex, sex with a new partner or multiple partners, skin to skin contact with a partner with a wart can expose you to the infection

How can I tell I’ve got it?

Genital wart is a very common viral infection especially if you have had sex before, most people describe warts as boils for lack of a better description. Warts appears like extra flesh around your pubic, anus, or surrounding skin. However, if you are unsure, the next best thing to do will be to visit the clinic. Vaccines are available at the clinic to protect against genital wart for male and female below 45years.

Gonorrhea

You cannot talk about Sexually transmitted infections without the mention of gonorrhea, A Well-known bacterial infection that is passed on through contact with the genitals and bodily fluids. Gonorrhea affects the urethra, vagina, mouth, throat and eyes during oral, vaginal or anal sex. And can lead to serious reproductive health issues if untreated. E.g infertility for both male and female.

How can I tell I’ve got it?

A lot of individuals get no symptom with gonorrhea however some can experience:

• Painful urination
• Pus like discharge from the tip of the penis
• Pain or swelling from the testes
• Unusual vaginal discharge (yellow, green, or white)
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Bleeding after sex

Adequate screening is able to detect and differentiate gonorrhea from other STIs.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum is sometimes confused with a genital wart, An expert eye is required to physically differentiate both. Molluscum is a viral skin infection that causes a small firm painless bump in any part of the body and the genitals. Molluscum can appear of the face, chest, arms, genitals, lower abdomen. Virus is spread through Direct skin contacts with an infected person, sharing towel, personal clothing or beddings with an infected person, sex with an infected person.

What to do next?

Boosting your immune system is generally essential in managing all viral infections, our Immunity drip at the Pink cliniccan help prevent and manage recurring viral infections.

Electrocautery or bump removal ointment will most likely be the treatment of choice for molluscum depending on the size, numbers and distributions.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

HPV is the most common viral STI, with at least 12-high risk strains causing genital warts and others leading to cervical cancer, throat cancer, penile, vagina and vulva cancer. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sex and can stay dormant in the body for years. Early screening like the HPV DNA or a Pap smear- (Female only) is required to detect HPV virus. Most individuals get no physical symptoms but some HPV strains like genital wart can present like tiny bumps or cauli flower growth in the genital area and surrounding skin.

What to do next?

Did you notice a growth or recurring bump around your genitals, or did your result show HPV positive? do not panic. Not all HPV strains causes cancer and your immunity can fight it off depending on the type. Early treatment and possible vaccination can protect you from HPV causing cancer

Cervical Cancer Screening

are you 21 years and above? Have had sex? This basic screening for cervical cancer is for you. It’s a medical and physical examination that helps you identify abnormal HPV cells in the cervix. An annual screening is help to detect HPV and if you have been vaccinated you can do this once on 3 years.

Pap Smear

This is the advanced form of cervical screening that checks for HPV in the cervix. During this test, the health care provider uses a brush to sweep the opening of the cervix from high up the vagina to be examined for HPV cells.

Get Vaccinated

A full HPV vaccine protect male & female from most strains of HPV including to protect you from vulva, throat, vagina and cervical, penis, scrotal, anal cancer and also genital wart (3 doses across 6 month is required to be secured for life).

Cervical cancer vaccine

Only women can use this from age 9 years to 45 years however, the younger you are the more effective the vaccine is. Cervical cancer vaccine protects you from genital wart and cervical cancer. You will be taking 2 to 3 doses, but doses depend on if you have had sex before and your age.