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 of the webpages.
The PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. Download Acrobat Reader pdf document

Bacterial Vaginosis
Chlamydia
Genital Herpes
Genital Warts
Gonorrhoea
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
HIV and AIDS
Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU)
Pubic Lice
PSA Test for Prostate Cancer
Scabies
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STis)
Syphilis
Trush
Trichomonas Vaginalis

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a very common condition of the vagina. It is caused by an overgrowth of various bacteria (germs). At least 1 in 10 women will have bacterial vaginosis at some time in their life. The cause of bacterial vaginosis is not really understood, but it is likely to occur when the pH (acid/alkali balance) of the vagina is altered in women. Men do NOT get bacterial vaginosis. Up to half of women have no symptoms, so you may not know you have bacterial vaginosis. Download PDF file pdf document

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. It is an infection caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trochamatis. The bacteria can live inside the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb), the urethra (tube where urine comes out), the rectum (back passage) and sometimes the throat and eyes. Often there are no symptoms, or they may be so mild you do not know you have it. You can be infected with Chlamydia for months, even years, without realising it. You can also easily pass it on to others without realising. Download PDF filepdf document

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is an infection of the genitals (penis in men, vulva and vagina in women) and surrounding area of skin. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The buttocks and anus may also be affected. There are two types of herpes simplex virus: Type 1 herpes simplex virus is the usual cause of cold sores around the mouth. It also causes up to half of the cases of genital herpes. Type 2 herpes simplex virus usually only causes genital herpes. It can sometimes cause cold sores. Download PDF file pdf document

Genital Warts

Genital warts (usually called anogenital warts) are small lumps that develop on the genitals and/or around the anus (back passage). They are caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over 90 types of this virus. Most anogenital warts are caused by types 6 or 11. 'Common warts' that many people have on their hands and feet are caused by a different type of HPV. Download PDF file pdf document

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is an infection caused by a bacterium (germ) called the gonococcus. The bacterium usually lives inside the cells of the cervix (entrance to the womb), the urethra (tube where urine comes out), the rectum (the back passage), the throat and occasionally the eyes. Download PDF file pdf document

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B means inflammation of the liver. There are many causes of hepatitis. For example, alcohol excess and several different viruses can cause hepatitis. One virus that causes hepatitis is called the hepatitis B virus. Download PDF file pdf document

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C means inflammation of the liver. There are many causes of hepatitis. For example, alcohol excess and various infections. Several different viruses can infect the liver and cause hepatitis. One type of virus which causes hepatitis is called the hepatitis C virus.
Download PDF filepdf document

HIV and AIDS

HIV and AIDS stand for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a retrovirus. HIV destroys specific cells in the body called CD4 T-cells. These cells are part of the body's immune system (the body's defence against disease) so it can no longer fight off certain infection and diseases.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. This is a term which covers the range of infections and illnesses which can result from a 'weakened' immune system caused by HIV.

Note: when you are first infected with HIV you do not have AIDS. There is usually a time lag of several years between first being infected with HIV, and then developing infections and other AIDS related problems. Download PDF file pdf document

Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU)

Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU) or Gonococcal urethritis is caused by a bacterium (germ) called gonorrhoea. This is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI). A separate leaflet or webpage describes gonorrhoea in more detail. Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is due to causes other than gonorrhoea. This is sometimes called non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). Some men have both gonococcal and non-specific urethritis at the same time. Download PDF file pdf document

Pubic Lice

Pubic Lice are tiny insects about 1 - 2 mm long. They are grey or brown in colour. They have a crab like appearance, so are often known as 'crabs'. They lay eggs which are known as 'nits'. These appear as brown dots fixed to the hair.

They commonly affect the pubic hair. However, they may also affect hair around the anus, underarm hair, beards, chest, and body hair. Eyelashes and eyebrows are occasionally affected. Scalp hair is a different type of hair, and is not usually affected. A different kind of louse called the head louse usually infests scalp hair. Download PDF file pdf document

PSA Test for Prostate Cancer

The symptom of prostate cancer can be similar to benign prostatic enlargement. Prostate cancer is a common cancer in older men. Every year in the UK about 22,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. About 8 in 10 cases occur in men over the age of 65. It is rare in men under 50. Unlike many other cancers, prostate cancer is often present for years without realising it. This is because in many cases the cancer is slow growing and can take many years to cause any symptoms. By the age of 80, more than half of all men will have some cancer cells in their prostate - but only 1 in 30 of them will actually die from it.

PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen which is a protein made by the prostate which naturally leaks in to the bloodstream. PSA test for prostate cancer is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in your blood. Download PDF file pdf document

Scabies

Scabies is caused by a mite (a tiny insect). They are about 0.4 mm long i.e. smaller than a pinhead. The eggs hatch into mites after a few days. Download PDF file pdf document

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

A sexual transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that can be passed from person to person when having sex. You can get a sexually transmitted infection by having vaginal sex, anal sex, or oral sex. You do not need to have lots of sexual partners to get an STI. Both men and women can get and pass on STIs. Download PDF file pdf document

Syphilis

Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. It is easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact. You can pass syphilis on without knowing you have the infection because symptoms can be mild and you may not notice or recognise them. Download PDF file pdf document

Trush

Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast called candida. Small numbers of candida commonly live harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina. The immune system and the harmless bacteria usually stop candida from thriving. However, occasionally conditions change and the yeast increases rapidly causing symptoms. The conditions candida likes best are warm, moist, airless parts of the body. This is why the vagina is the most common site for candida infection. Other areas of the body which are prone to candida infection include the groin, the mouth, and the nappy area in babies. Download PDF file pdf document

Trichomonas Vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis, sometimes called TV, is an infection caused by a tiny parasite. It can infect the genital area i.e. vagina, urethra and sometimes the prostate gland in men. The infection does not usually go further into the body and so does not tend to be as serious as other sexually transmitted infections. Download PDF file pdf document

GUM Clinic :: Sexual Health Clinic :: Sexually Transmitted Diseases