Troubling new stats show some sexually transmitted infections are stored on the rise across Australia.
Chlamydia quite possibly the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection within australia and it’s highly infectious.
But may very well not even realise you’re infected, as it is often an STI that often shows no symptoms.
The number of individuals being they’ve chlamydia is increasing – and new national statistics in the Kirby Institute’s annual surveillance report show other STIs will be rising, including gonorrhoea and syphilis.
Kathleen McNamee of Family Planning Victoria says such as are a reminder that anyone is promiscuous person and younger than 30 should get screened every year.
“These STIs are treatable only to find they can lead to complications if they are not diagnosed and treated,” she says.
Common STIs – and approaches to treat them
Chlamydia
In 2019, there was 100,775 notifications of chlamydia. Just over half were in ladies and it was at their peak in people aged 15 to 29.
“Chlamydia is most often picked up by using a screening test – a urine test or a vaginal swab for girls,” explains Kathleen.
“Women can get irregular bleeding, especially after sex, as well as people can get discharge or even a stinging sensation when passing urine. Chlamydia might also cause pelvic pain.”
Treatment for chlamydia
A single dose of antibiotics. Sexual partners must also be tested and treated. Condoms reduce the risk of infection.
Gonorrhoea
Cases of gonorrhoea rose 16 %, with 23,875 cases reported in 2019.
About three-quarters of cases were in men, with just over half in 15 to 29-year-olds.
It is most often spread through sex without condoms and may also infect the urethra, the cervix, anus and throat.
“Men purchase a pus-like discharge and pain urinating. It’s often without symptoms for young girls but it can lead to discharge, irregular bleeding or bleeding after sex and pelvic pain,” says Kathleen.
Treatment for gonorrhoea:
Antibiotics. Sexual partners also need to be tested.
Syphilis
Syphilis is one of the fastest rising STIs around australia, with people aged 25 to 29 using the highest rate of infection and better men than women being diagnosed.
In history 10 years, reports of syphilis have risen by 233 per cent.
Syphilis is a infection transmitted through unprotected sex and throughout skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. Condoms lower the risk.
“The first stage is really an ulcer or sore – sometimes unnoticed – round the anus, genitals or maybe your mouth. That sore goes away completely but the syphilis doesn’t disappear,” says Kathleen.
Other the signs of syphilis include skin rashes, fever, swelling of glands in the groin and armpits, a genital rash and feeling tired.
Treatment for syphilis
Penicillin or another medication, assuming you have a penicillin allergy.
Written by Sarah Marinos.
