Hi guys & girls,

I came across some useful info on the net that I thought I'd share with everyone. I think most of us are savvy enough by now to know what the symptoms are of an STD but I thought I'd share it just in case you come across something a little odd and you're not sure.

Common symptoms in men:
Blisters on or around penis
Spots, bumps or lesions on the penis
Discharge (clear, white, or yellow)
Oozing from the tip of the penis (thick or thin)
Painful urination
Painful ejaculation
Itching on the tip of the penis
Rash on the penis, testicles, or groin

Courtesy of www.stdcheck.com/std-symptoms-men.php

Common symptoms in women:
Discharge (thick or thin, milky white, yellow, or green leakage from the vagina)
Vaginal itching
Vaginal blisters or blisters in the genital area (the region covered by underwear)
Vaginal rash or rash in the genital area
Burning urination
Painful urination
Pain during intercourse

Courtesy of www.stdcheck.com/std-symptoms-women.php

And of course the very serious syphilis which can look alot like measles or a rash on the body similar to chicken pox.

I hope this info helps if you ever come across something strange and you're thinking of backing out of an appointment.

Andy

Thanks Andy. People can also not show any symptoms at all. If you a punter or a working girl it's important to get yourself tested regularly. Not just for our own sake but for the sake of our loved ones.

So true Arwhen, in many cases there are no visible symptoms. I also get tested regularly because I'd rather know what's going on. Yesterday I popped in to the Dischem for an HIV test (took 10 minutes with a pin prick on the finger to get the results) and got the all clear. I also got the HPV vaccination, it's a bit pricey at R800 per injection and you go for one a month for three months and you're covered for life. HPV can cause a variety of nasty infections like warts, cancers and other nasties so if you can get vaccinated against them why not. I'm sure womens clinics might offer the vaccination, maybe worth finding out.

Andy

Marie Stopes list of services include:
Safe abortion, Short and long acting contraceptives, Emergency contraception, Pregnancy tests and scans. Pap smears/cervical cancer screening. HIV counselling and testing.Sti Screening and management of STIs.

Sti screening cover test for all sti's Should you need any treatment that too is available.

Their pricing differs from branch to branch. and if treatment us required then the charge is slightly higher.