The United Kingdom has witnessed a terrifying rise in sexual infections over many years. Some say they have reached a peak as highly infectious sexual infections, Syphilis, and gonorrhoea have reached an alarming level. Gonorrhea has increased by almost 50 per cent compared to last year’s cases. Likewise, syphilis cases have increased by 15%. According to the UK Health Security Agency, this rise has been detected due to the enormous growth in testing campaigns. And it also urges medical providers to increase the screening process to control this transmission. STD Testing is in high demand also to this trend. This includes HPV testing, which is designed for the detection of highly dangerous sexual infections. 

The officials also confirmed that the age group of 15 to 24 is hit hardest by this contagious wave of sexual infections. Moreover, officials demand awareness of screening processes among young individuals through which they can prevent the further spread of these serious infections. 

As the news also becomes viral, it raises the interest and concerns of all people regarding these sexual infections. Gonorrhea and Syphilis have hit record levels. Knowing about them and their transmission will help prevent their transfer:

What is Gonorrhea? Is it a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

Gonorrhea is a common STD that affects sexually active individuals. While it is a treatable condition, it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. This infection targets the moist and wet places of the Human body, like the areas of 

  • Genitals, 
  • Throat, 
  • Rectum, 
  • Urethra, 
  • Eyes, 
  • The entire female reproductive tract. 

This disease is common for all, but young people between the age of 15-24 are most prone to this contagious infection. Bacteria named Neisseria gonorrhoea cause this condition that spreads through sexual contact. A pregnant mother can also gift this infection to her newborn baby.

Beware of leaving this condition without treatment, as it can lead to serious health issues and problems such as infertility. Regular STD testing is the only way to stay updated with your health status. While it will help to reveal every thread of your health status, it also helps to guide you to get suitable medicine for treatment.

What is Syphilis? Can an STD Exam detect it?

Syphilis is a very old disease that people started to think has vanished and become the disease of the past. But, the sudden comeback of this sexual infection has threatened the world. In 2018, its outbreak started, and now, in 2023, it is seated at the 2nd position of the most common STD in the UK, which has infected almost 8,692 people in the country. 

Treponema pallidum, named bacteria, causes this infection. Its transmission is very simple and easy. Suppose you come in contact with a sore or blood of a syphilis-infected person. There are high chances of getting this condition. So next time you notice a sore on the genital, mouth, or eye of a person, beware of touching it. Moreover, if your sexual partner is diagnosed with this condition, it would be better to prevent sexual contact until the disease disappears. By conducting an STD investigation, this condition can be detected easily.

How do I know that I have Gonorrhea? Can STD sampling Help? 

The most dangerous thing about having gonorrhoea is that this disease barely shows any symptoms. Moreover, in some cases, it offers some very common and mild symptoms that are not detectable, or people don’t pay attention to them. This is common in most of the sexual infections. Like in HPV, the condition does not pose any visible symptoms that lead to the growth of the disease to its serious levels. Thus, regular HPV testing is vital. 

Symptoms felt by women with gonorrhoea are:

  • Sensation or feeling of burning or pain during urination
  • A sudden increase in vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding in between periods. 

Symptoms in men suffering from gonorrhoea are: 

  • An unusual discharge from the penis, which may be yellow, green, or white
  • Burning sensation while urination
  • Swelling or pain in testicles

Rectal infection of gonorrhoea includes similar symptoms in men and women, and those are: 

  • Anal itching
  • discharge
  • bleeding
  • painful bowel movement
  • soreness

However, STD monitoring is highly recommended for sexually active people, but the arrival of any of the above-given symptoms increases its significance. If you are experiencing any of them, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare professional. 

How do I detect Syphilis in my Body? What are its Symptoms?

After inheriting this infection, you do not feel symptoms for up to 7 days. It can stay dormant from 10 days to 3 months. It would be distressing to know that, but unfortunately, this is the truth. 

Syphilis has four stages. The first stage is primary Syphilis, in which men can develop a sore on the penis, and women can witness a sore around the vaginal area. The second stage is secondary Syphilis, where the infection spreads to the bloodline. This is an alarming situation that can cause serious health issues. Moreover, the common sign of the second stage is rashes. The next stage is the latent stage, which produces no symptoms. If you don’t treat your Syphilis, it will lead to the last, tertiary stage. This stage can impact your brain, spinal cord, heart, and other organs. It is necessary to detect and treat Syphilis early as it can become fatal in the last stages. 

How to Avoid These Sexual Infections? Can we get help from STD Testing? 

The spread of sexual infections can be avoided by taking various steps which can help to reduce the intensity of these conditions. Some of the ways to lessen their transmission are: 

  • Avoid unprotected sex. 
  • Regular monitoring for sexual diseases. 
  • Healthy conversations about sexual health and check-ups with sexual partners can also help. 
  • Avoiding relationships with multiple partners. 
  • Use HPV testing to prevent human papillomavirus infection. 

Conclusion for HPV 

In the rise of STDs in the UK, gonorrhoea and Syphilis top the chart. People are stressed about their sexual health and want to prevent these contagious conditions. If you’re going to avoid these diseases, then make a habit of regular STD monitoring, which will help update you on the status of your sexual health. Besides the above-mentioned sexual infections, HPV is one of the major concerns among females. Regular HPV testing can prevent this condition and help stop its spread. Don’t delay to treat your anxiety and stress regarding your sexual health.