Sexual Health Advice - Patient Information Leaflets
The webpages and PDF leaflets provide an overview of the type of genitourinary conditions the Lambda Sexual Health Clinic (also referred to as GUM clinic or clap clinic) can treat.
You can find out more about the following infections by using the menu on the right hand side of this page or you can download a PDF version or a Text-only Version of the webpages.
The PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. Download
Acrobat Reader 
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection of the vagina. It is
caused by germs and at least 1 in 10 women will have bacterial vaginosis at some time in their life. The cause of bacterial vaginosis is not known,
but it is likely to occur when the pH (acid/alkali balance) of the vagina
is altered. Men do NOT get bacterial vaginosis. Up to half of the women have no symptoms,
so many women may not know that bacterial vaginosis is present. Bacterial Vaginosis PDF file or Text-only Version
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly acquired sexually transmitted infection (STI).
It is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trochamatis.
The bacteria lives inside the cervix (neck of womb),
the urethra (tube from where urine comes out), the rectum (back passage) and
sometimes the throat and eyes. Commonly there are no symptoms, or they may
be so minor that one may not know that the infection exists. One can be infected with Chlamydia
for months, even years, without realising it. You can also easily pass it
on to others without realising. Chlamydia PDF file or Text-only Version
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is an infection of the genitals (commonly
at the end of penis in men and around the vulva and
vagina in women) and surrounding area of skin. It is caused by a virus called herpes
simplex. The buttocks and anus may also be affected. There are two
types of herpes simplex virus: Type 1 which usually causes cold sores around the mouth (present in up to half of the cases
of genital herpes) and Type 2 which usually causes herpes around the genital
areas. Type 2 can sometimes cause cold sores. Genital Herpes PDF file or Text-only Version
Genital warts
Genital warts (usually called anogenital warts) are small
warty lumps that are found around the genitals and/or the anus (back passage). They are caused by
a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over 90 different types
of this virus. Most anogenital warts are caused by the common types; 6 or 11. 'Common
warts' found on hands and feet are caused by a different type of HPV. Genital Warts PDF file or Text-only Version
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is another common sexually transmitted infection caused by a germ called gonococcus.
This germ lives inside the cervix (neck of womb), the urethra (tube which joins to the bladder and where urine comes out from), the rectum (the back
passage), the throat and occasionally the eyes. Gonorrhoea PDF file or Text-only Version
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis is caused by inflammation / infection of the liver with many causes such as excessive alcohol use and several different viruses.
One important virus that causes hepatitis is hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B PDF file or Text-only Version
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis is caused by inflammation / infection of the liver with many causes such as excessive alcohol use and several different viruses.
One important virus that causes hepatitis is hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C PDF file or Text-only Version
HIV and AIDS
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus which destroys specific immune CD4 T-cells which are an important body's defence against disease. Acquiring HIV means that the body can no longer fight off certain infections and diseases.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by a range of infections and illnesses because of the body's immune system having been weakened by HIV infection.
HIV-AIDS PDF file or Text-only Version
Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU)
Gonococcal urethritis is caused by a germ called gonorrhoea which is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). A separate gonorrhoea leaflet or web page describes gonorrhoea
in more detail. Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is due to causes other than
gonorrhoea and sometimes called non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). Some
men have both gonococcal and non-specific urethritis at the same time. Non-specific Urethritis PDF file or Text-only Version
Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are tiny insects about 1 - 2 mm long which are usually grey or brown in colour. They have a crab like appearance and hence often known as 'crabs'. They lay eggs (nits) which appear as brown dots fixed to hair.
Pubic lice commonly affect the pubic hair but may also affect hair
around the anus, body hair, chest, beards, underarm hair, eyelashes
and eyebrows. As scalp hair is a different type of hair it is infested by a different kind of louse (head louse). Pubic Lice PDF file or Text-only Version
PSA test for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer can present very similarly to benign prostatic enlargement. Prostate cancer is a common cancer in older men where approximately over 20,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK. About 80% of prostate cancer cases occur in men over the age of 65, being rare in men under 50. Unlike many other cancers, prostate cancer is often present for many years without knowing that it is there as in many cases the cancer is slow growing. By the age of 80 years, more than half of all men will have some cancer cells in their prostate gland – but only 1 in 30 of these men will actually die from prostate cancer.
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a protein made by the
prostate gland which can be tested by a blood test. PSA test PDF file or Text-only Version
Scabies
Scabies is caused by a tiny insect (mite). They are smaller than a pinhead (about 0.4 mm long).
Scabies PDF file or Text-only Version
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
A sexual transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that can be passed
from one person to another during vaginal
sex, anal sex, or oral sex. You do not have to have lots of sexual partners
to get an STI. Passing on an STI is equally possibly by men and women. Sexually Transmitted Infections PDF file or Text-only Version
Syphilis
Syphilis is a disease caused by a bacterium called Treponema
Pallidum through sexual contact. Syphilis can be passed on or be present without knowing you have the infection
because symptoms can be mild or unrecognisable. Syphilis PDF file or Text-only Version
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection called Candida Albicans. Normally candida can commonly live harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut and
vagina. The body's immune system and other harmless bacteria usually stop candida
from thriving. However, occasionally skin conditions change and candida infection can thrive particularly in a warm, moist,
airless part of the body. Hence, the vagina is the most common site
for candida infection but candida can also be present in the groin, mouth, and nappy area in babies. Thrush PDF file or Test-only Version
Trichomonas vaginalis
Tricohomonas vaginalis, is an infection caused by
a tiny parasite which infects the genital area i.e. vagina, urethra and
sometimes the prostate gland in men. The infection tends to be localised and so does not tend to be as serious as other sexually transmitted
infections. Trichomonas vaginalis PDF file or Text-only Version
