What the &*%£ is that?
Some sexual infections are a bit nastier than an itchy rash down below
It's not just this guy's moustache that's nasty. He has syphilis, a notorious sexually transmitted infection that was suffered in
the past by such notables as King Henry the Eighth (and five of his wives), Stalin, Hitler and the painter Van Gogh.
If untreated, the symptoms are horrific: sores, liver problems, tumour-like 'gummas' that can grow all over the body, insanity
and death. Today, it can be easily treated by a course of antibiotics, and if you wear a condom, you're far less likely to pick it up.
Every year, over 2,500 people in Britain are diagnosed with syphilis, and it's increasing. It's gone up 37% since 2003-2004.
Although it's particularly gruesome, Syphilis is still relatively rare. Other sexually transmitted infections are very common.
In 2004, 103,000 people were diagnosed with Chlamydia. While it won't drive you mad or grow huge ulcers on your tongue,
Chlamydia is still a serious infection - some men suffer from painful testicles and nasty stuff coming out of the penis.
For women, it's even more serious - often leaving them unable to have children later in life. However, many men and women
carry the Chlamydia virus without showing any symptoms, so if you've had unprotected sex it's worth getting yourself tested at a
GUM Clinic. If you are infected, it can be cured with a simple course of antibiotics. And if you don't want to be infected in the first
place, always wear a condom.
5 Nasty STIs
Chlamydia
Can cause discharge, painful swollen testicles and irritated eyes. Sometimes has no symptoms. It can be treated with antibiotics.Gonorrhoea
Causes yellow, white or green discharge, pain when you pee and swelling of the testicles. The swelling can spread to the bum and throat. Can also have no symptoms. Treated with antibiotics.Genital Warts
Can take months or even years from the time you’re infected to when symptoms appear. It’s treated with a liquid or cream, or frozen off with liquid nitrogen. Never try to treat genital warts yourself.Genital Herpes
Causes itchy, burning or tingling genitals, small blisters that leave sores, and pain when peeing. Can have no symptoms. Antiviral tablets will help relieve early symptoms, but sores can reappear.Molluscum Conta Giosum
A small white or pink growth that spreads to form wart-like spots that get red, inflamed or itchy. Might clear up without treatment, or you can have them removed.
Abstain from sex during treatment to avoid re-infection