Sexual Health In Leeds
As a private GP in Leeds we know that sexual health is a very private and personal matter for most of us but it is still something that each sexually active individual should seek to check regularly. At The Leeds Clinic we provide a private STI Clinic.
We offer a completely private and confidential sexual health clinic offering private screening to test against a range of sexually transmitted infections (STI) or diseases.
Sexual Health
As a private GP we know that sexual health is a very private and personal matter for most of us but it is still something that each sexually active individual should seek to check regularly. At The Leeds Clinic we provide a private STI Clinic.
We offer a completely private and confidential sexual health clinic offering private screening to test against a range of sexually transmitted infections (STI) or diseases.
Sexual Health
Basic Screen
Sexual Health
Standard Screen
Sexual Health
Comprehensive Screen
Consultation – confidential consultation with an experienced doctor. The doctor will take a comprehensive history and examine if needed. They will then discuss best possible course of action. If additional test is require the doctor will discuss these and the costs
Sexual Health Clinic in Leeds
The sexual health clinic in Leeds can help If you think you have an STI the earlier you’re tested the sooner you can be treated if needed.
Our range of STI screens and tests are designed with your sexual health concerns in mind.
It is important to make sure you are healthy, with regular checks because some sexually transmitted diseases can cause infertility or serious illness if left untreated. Tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are relatively straightforward and painless.
STIs are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral) or genital contact. They are fairly common in the UK, with around a half a million new cases recorded per year from UK sex medicine clinics.
STI Facts
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection which affects the cervix and the urethra in women and the urethra in men. Chlamydia is the most common STI and, quite often, there are no outward symptoms to indicate that anything is wrong. Chlamydia can, if left untreated, cause very unwelcome complications.
People with Chlamydia quite often display absolutely no symptoms. Around 70% of women and 50% of men infected with Chlamydia have no obvious symptoms. This is why Chlamydia is often described as the “silent disease”.
If left untreated, Chlamydia infections can develop into to serious reproductive and general health problems. Like the disease itself, the damage that Chlamydia causes is often “silent.”
In up to 40 percent of women, untreated infections can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues and lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and an ectopic pregnancy. Women infected with Chlamydia are up to five times more likely to become infected with HIV, if exposed.
Where symptoms are present, these can include the following.
Men
- Burning sensation when passing urine
- Discharge from the urethra
- Pain in the testicles
Women
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation when passing urine
- Bleeding between periods
- Abdominal pain
- Pain during intercourse
Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and can sometimes cause infertility in women.
In pregnant women, there is some evidence that untreated Chlamydia infections can lead to premature births. Babies born to infected mothers can get Chlamydia infections in their eyes and their respiratory tracts. Chlamydia is the most frequent cause of pneumonia and conjunctivitis in newborn babies.
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that can affect the urethra, vagina, rectum, throat and eyes. If left untreated, Gonorrhoea can spread to the blood and joints, causing serious health problems. Gonorrhoea is passed through sexual contact.
MEN
Around 95% of men will develop symptoms with gonorrhoea within 2 – 7 days. It can take up to 30 days for symptoms to appear but this is unusual. Given that 95% of men develop symptoms, this means that 5% will have the infection and show no noticeable outward signs. Where symptoms do develop, they include:
- Discharge from the urethra
- Pain on urination
- Burning sensation in the urethra
WOMEN
Only around 50% of women infected with Gonorrhoea will have noticeable symptoms so half of those infected may not know that there is anything wrong. Where symptoms do develop, they include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Painful urination
- Burning sensation or irritation in the vagina and urethra.
Both men and women can have Gonorrhoea in other parts of the body other than the genitals. Other symptoms include:
- Red and painful eyes if the gonorrhoea has infected the eyes
- Sore throat in the case of pharyngeal Gonorrhoea
- Anal discharge and itching where the infection is in the rectum.
Trichomonas Vaginalis is a small organism called a protozoan. This type of organism is very similar to a bacterium. The Trichomonas protozoan can infect the vagina and urethra in a woman and the urethra and occasionally the prostate gland in men. Trichomonas is normally passed by sexual contact.
Women
- An unusual discharge, which can be a greenish-yellow colour. The discharge can sometimes be rather frothy with a fishy odour.
- Pain when passing urine.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Sometimes there will be a pain in the groin area, although this is less common.
- The vulva and vagina may itch and there may be a general feeling of discomfort.
Men
- A discharge from the urethra is common.
- It may be painful when passing urine.
- A rise in the frequency of urinations caused by the irritation of the infection.
It is important to remember that 50% of both men and women experience absolutely no symptoms at all of a Trichomonas infection. Even if you do not have symptoms, this will not prevent you from transmitting the infection to someone else.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus attacks our immune system to make us more susceptible to infections and disease. HIV is acquired through coming into contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen or vaginal secretions. In the UK, HIV continues to be on the rise and it could affect anyone who does not practise safer sex. You can protect yourself from contracting HIV by using a condom.
Most people who get HIV will have some symptoms within a few weeks of acquiring the virus. It is important to point out that not all people recently infected will have noticeable symptoms so do not use lack of symptoms as an excuse not to be tested! The initial symptoms usually include severe flu-like symptoms accompanied by a sore throat and a rash on the chest. After a few weeks the symptoms will go and there may be no further symptoms for many years.
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema Pallidum. Syphilis is passed through sexual contact or by sharing sex toys.
Syphilis has three stages unless there is medical intervention to prevent the progression.
PRIMARY
The first symptom is a lesion called a chancre that appears as an infected sore on the penis, vagina or around the mouth. This is called the primary stage and the sore is highly infectious so the Syphilis can be passed very easily if someone comes into contact with the chancre. The chancre will eventually disappear after a few weeks.
SECONDARY
A secondary phase of the infection will develop where you have a rash and possibly a sore throat. During this secondary phase you are still infectious.
LATENT
The next phase is the latent phase where you remain infectious for around one year. After that you are no longer infectious but the Syphilis is doing terrible damage to your body. Without intervention, the Syphilis will enter the tertiary phase.
TERTIARY
Syphilis can unleash systemic damage upon your body and you may experience dementia, stroke or blindness. Syphilis can ultimately be fata
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema Pallidum. Syphilis is passed through sexual contact or by sharing sex toys.
Syphilis has three stages unless there is medical intervention to prevent the progression.
PRIMARY
The first symptom is a lesion called a chancre that appears as an infected sore on the penis, vagina or around the mouth. This is called the primary stage and the sore is highly infectious so the Syphilis can be passed very easily if someone comes into contact with the chancre. The chancre will eventually disappear after a few weeks.
SECONDARY
A secondary phase of the infection will develop where you have a rash and possibly a sore throat. During this secondary phase you are still infectious.
LATENT
The next phase is the latent phase where you remain infectious for around one year. After that you are no longer infectious but the Syphilis is doing terrible damage to your body. Without intervention, the Syphilis will enter the tertiary phase.
TERTIARY
Syphilis can unleash systemic damage upon your body and you may experience dementia, stroke or blindness. Syphilis can ultimately be fata
Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver. The liver becomes inflamed and cannot function properly.
Many people will experience symptoms in the acute phase of the virus but some people experience no noticeable symptoms whatsoever or only mild flu-like symptoms. Where patients have obvious symptoms, these include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Light coloured stools
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that affects the liver, causing inflammation. This can prevent the liver from functioning properly. Hepatitis C has six different types; these different types are known as genotypes and are numbered 1 – 6. It is important to ascertain the particular genotype if Hepatitis C is detected as the different types may require a different treatment approach.
Most people will have absolutely no symptoms or symptoms so mild that they are not detected during the acute phase. This does not mean that these people are not infectious during the acute phase – they are. Around 20% of people with Hepatitis C will clear the infection within six months but 80% will go on to develop chronic Hepatitis C. Where symptoms are present in the chronic phase, these could include:
- Nausea
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint aches
- Concentration and memory impairment
About 30% of people with chronic Hepatitis C can develop cirrhosis of the liver over a long period of time. A small number of infected people will develop liver cancer.
Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes: HSV1 and HSV2. Herpes can affect any mucous membrane but the most common infection sites are the genital area, buttocks, thighs and around the mouth. Herpes can be passed through sexual contact so it is categorised as an STI. Unlike other STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, herpes does not have a cure. Symptoms can be managed through medication (if required) and there are precautions that that can be taken to prevent transmission to sexual partners.
There is no absolute pattern as far as symptoms are concerned. Most people will have a primary herpes episode within 7 – 14 days of becoming infected. The primary episode is usually the most severe and will normally include painful blisters, a general feeling of being unwell, fever, pain or irritation when passing urine (especially in women). Women may also have an unusual vaginal discharge.
Some people infected with herpes will never have symptoms and sometimes the primary episode is months or years after infection. A primary episode does not always imply a recent infection.
Recurrent episodes are usually less severe and comprise a tingling sensation and sometimes painful, watery blisters.
Cold sores around the mouth are caused by the herpes virus.
FAQ's
Most women have a menstrual cycle that can be regular, or irregular. If you are regular, your period could range from every two weeks to several months – this can be normal. You should not bleed after sex, or in between your periods. If you do, you should see a doctor to check possible causes. These may include:
• Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia
• Hormonal problems
• Effects of hormonal contraception
• Problems with the cervix (neck of the womb)
• Problems inside the womb
Causes of bleeding after sex or in between periods include:
• Gonorrhoea
• Chlamydia
If you have itching around your genitals, possible causes include:
• Thrush (yeast infection)
• Trichomoniasis
• Scabies
• Crabs (pubic lice)
• Herpes
• Eczema and other skin conditions
The genital area is covered by skin in both men and women. This area of skin contains lots of glands and is also covered in hair, so it is not uncommon to get lumps and bumps in this area – just as you might in any other area where there is skin, e.g. blocked hair follicle, blocked gland.
In men, there are parts of the genitals where it is normal to have lumps. Some men have small round lumps the size of a pin-head just under the head of their penis (helmet) which are called ‘penile papules’. These are normal.
In women, there are parts of the vagina where it is also normal to have lumps. Many women who examine their vaginas for the first time, may see or feel lumps that may seem worrying. These are likely to be a normal part of the vagina called ‘vulval papillae’ or could just be part of the opening to the vagina. If you are unsure or worried, we can take a look for you.
While there are lumps and bumps that are perfectly normal, you should also keep an eye out for anything unusual.
Sexually transmitted conditions that cause lumps on the genitals include:
• Genital warts
• Molluscum Contagiosum
• Scabies
If you are worried, come and see us. We will check to see if you have a sexually transmitted condition (STI), and then offer you appropriate treatment.
The testicles should not be painful. Some men experience very severe pain as well as redness and swelling of the scrotum. This may be because of a sexually transmitted infection, but can also be due to a condition called ‘torsion of the testicles’. If you have any pain, redness and swelling, you should see a doctor urgently to find out if it is torsion (as this requires an urgent operation).
If you experience any sort of pain in your testicles, mild or chronic, you should see your doctor to exclude infection or other causes.
If you have blisters or ulcers on your genital area, you may have an infection called herpes. This can also present as an itch, or small cuts, on the genital area. Genital ulcers can also be caused by syphilis.
If you are concerned, we would advise that you come to the clinic so we can take a look.
It is not normal for anything other than urine or semen to come out of your penis. If you have a discharge, which can vary from clear or grey to bright green, then you may have an infection.
Commonest causes of discharge from the penis include:
• Gonorrhoea
• Chlamydia
• Non-specific urethritis (NSU)
• Trichomoniasis
Many women experience pain just before and at the beginning of their period (period pains). This usually eases as you get older.
It is not normal to experience pelvic pain or pain low down in your tummy. If you do have this sort of pain, or deep pain during intercourse, it might relate to a problem with a sexually transmitted infection.
If you experience any of these symptoms, or abnormal vaginal discharge, you should come for a check-up. We can then check if you have any sexually transmitted infections.
Possible causes of lower abdominal pain include:
• Gonorrhoea
• Chlamydia
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
It is important for men to regularly examine their testicles to get a good idea of what is normal – then it’s easier to notice if something has changed. The testicle feels like a hard-boiled egg – smooth, firm and oval. Around the back and over the top is a structure called the ‘epididymis’ which feels a bit like a worm or cord. It is very common to get small lumps in this area, they might feel a bit like small grapes, they are called ‘epididymal cysts’. These are nothing to worry about.
If you discover a lump interrupting the smooth surface of your testicle, or any other lumps, it is really important to see a doctor to get it checked out. Cancer in the testicles can occur in young men, as well as older men, and if detected early can be treated very successfully.
Sexually transmitted infections can cause pain, discharge or bleeding from the bottom (anus) but usually as a result of direct exposure. If you haven’t had anal sex, then your symptoms are unlikely to be caused by an STI.
Causes of discharge, pain and bleeding from the anus includes:
• Gonorrhoea
• Chlamydia
• Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
• Herpes
• Anal fissure
• Haemorrhoids
If you are worried, come to the clinic and we can do some tests and give you any appropriate treatment.
It is normal to have vaginal discharge. It usually varies in colour and consistency throughout your menstrual cycle.
However, if your discharge changes, you may have an infection. Symptoms to look out for include:
• Increased discharge
• Strong smell, sometimes fishy
• Change in colour and/or consistency
• Itching around the outside and inside the vagina
• Bleeding in between your period
• Tummy pain and/or pain during intercourse
• Soreness outside the vagina
Infections that can cause an abnormal vaginal discharge include:
• Thrush (yeast infection)
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)
• Gonorrhoea
• Chlamydia
• Herpes
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