Prevention Tips for Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Conversations about sexual health and education may often be avoided and uneasy to discuss. However, seeing how the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) rates in Singapore have been increasing since 2014, it has become important more so than ever, for everyone to be more aware about the dangers that come with unprotected sex or poor sexual hygiene.

Did you know that some STDs may not show any sign or symptom, and it is also possible for individuals to be infected with more than one STD or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? With that said, here are some common STDs in Singapore, and how you can spot and prevent them.

Common STDs in Singapore

Chlamydia

Chlamydia has the highest incidence rate in Singapore, with a 51.7 per cent incident rate per 100,000 population, and it can infect both men and women. Chlamydia is spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person.

Common symptoms include watery, milky genital discharge, and painful urination. It can have a more serious implication on females such as causing permanent damage to the reproductive system and potentially, fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is the second most common STI in Singapore. This infection is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that tends to grow and multiply in warm and moist areas of the body such as the urethra, anus, female reproductive tract, vagina, and even including the eyes and throat.

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea include thick white genital discharge and painful urination. They usually occur within two to 14 days after exposure. Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to infertility as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease in women, and epididymitis in men.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a highly contagious STD that commonly spreads through sexual contact with an infected individual. The bacteria can also spread through cuts on the skin, and mucous membranes. Infected individuals could overlook the symptoms because early stage of this infection usually presents itself as a small painless ulcer in the genitals that resolves after three to six weeks even without treatment. The syphilis bacteria can also remain dormant in the body for a long period of time before becoming active again. Syphilis occurs in four stages and may cause long-term complications such as arthritis, brain damage, and blindness.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are soft growths caused by strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is transmitted through close genital contact. This means that you can get and pass on warts if your genital touches someone even if you did not have penetrative sex.
HPV is one of the most common STI that can infect both men and women. Genital warts may often be overlooked as the growths may be too small to notice. However, HPV infection is especially dangerous for women because certain high-risk strains of HPV can cause cervical and vulva cancer, which is the 10th most common cancer among women in Singapore. Even if there are no warts present, HPV can still be infectious if the virus is active.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a STI caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types of HSVs that can be spread from skin-to-skin and sexual contact. Genital herpes caused by HSV Type II is highly contagious because the virus can lie dormant in the body and reactivate several times in a person’s lifetime.

Infected individuals are the most contagious when there is flare up of the condition. Engaging in sexual activities during this period increases risk of transmission. While medication can help to ease symptoms and reduce the risk of infecting others, there is no known cure for genital herpes. Genital herpes increases individual’s risk of contracting other STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and AIDS. This infection can be passed on to newborns during childbirth and result in brain damage, blindness and even death.

HIV / AIDS

Approximately 300 to 400 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection* are diagnosed every year in Singapore. HIV infection weakens the body’s immune system by destroying white blood cells that keeps us protected against other bacteria and viruses, hence increasing exposure and the severity of other common diseases as well as risk of cancers.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) occurs at the end of a HIV infection, and is usually fatal due to complications from several conditions. Once HIV enters the cells’ DNA, it becomes a lifelong condition with no known cure to date. However, with proper treatment and therapy, HIV can still be managed with a prolonged life expectancy. While unprotected sexual activities are usually the main cause for the spread of HIV, this STI can also be transmitted via sharing of needles or piercing instruments (e.g. tattoo or acupuncture), receiving of infected blood or blood products (e.g. organs or plasmas) as well as through pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

Symptoms of STDs

While most STDs and STIs may often go unnoticed, there are some identifiable symptoms to ascertain if you have contracted any of the mentioned sexual diseases. Do visit a doctor should you be in doubt of any of the following conditions.

CHLAMYDIA	GONORRHOEA	SYPHILIS
Painful urination Lower belly pain Pelvic discomfort Pain during sexual engagements Abnormal vaginal / penis discharge Unusual vaginal bleeding (females) / bleeding around the anus (males)	Increase frequency of urination Painful urination Pelvic discomfort Pain during sexual engagements Abnormal vaginal / penis discharge Heavier menstruation or spotting (females) Persistent sore throat Fever	Sores around genital and anal area in the early stages Skin rashes Swollen lymph nodes Fever
GENITAL WARTS	GENITAL HERPES	HIV/ AIDS
Painful blisters around genital area Growth of warts in other areas such as plantar warts, flat warts and common warts may also indicate HPV infection	Itching or tingling sensation around genital or anal area Painful blisters or sores around genital area or any other area that came in contact with infected areas such as mouth, lips or face Headaches Backaches Swollen lymph glands	Flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle aches Sore throat Mouth ulcers Rashes Chills Night sweats Fatigue Swollen lymph nodes

Preventing STDs

Thankfully, many STDs are curable and can be prevented with effort. Here are some ways you can practise to stay safe and avoid STDs.

Abstinence or Protection

Abstinence may sound prudish, but it is one of the safest ways to stay protected against STDs. There is no shame in saying ‘no’. Abstaining from casual sex and limiting of sexual partners also help to reduce the risk of contracting and prevent the spread of STDs or STIs. While abstinence may not be for everyone, using condoms correctly is another responsible way to help to lower the risk of transmission of such sexual diseases. However, it is not guaranteed that condoms can prevent STDs. While it may help to lessen the risk of infection, you may still contract herpes and HPV through skin-to-skin contact.

Maintain Good Sexual Hygiene

Sexual hygiene is also essential in ensuring bacteria and infections does not fester in your body. Always wash before and after sexual engagements to stay clean. Do not share towels and undergarments as they may contain body fluids that carry viruses. Fostering good personal hygiene and care habits can also help to prevent other common infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Get Screened Regularly

As most STDs and STIs are often missed due to unnoticeable or lack of symptoms, as well as inactive viruses, it is even more vital to be tested regularly. Detecting STDs and STIs early and learning how to properly manage these conditions play a big role in preventing further health complications. Ensuring neither you nor your partner has an STD through regular screening before engaging in any sexual activity is another reliable way to remain safe.

It is also important to note that there is no one single test that can test for all STDs because different screening have different procedures. Consult a healthcare provider to access the right test for your health needs. You may also discuss with a doctor if you are looking to test for a specific STI.

Vaccination

One common STD that can be easily prevented through vaccination is HPV. The HPV vaccine helps in reducing your risk of contracting HPV, as well as HPV-related conditions such as genital warts and cervical cancers. The HPV vaccination is suitable for all males and females between the age of nine to 45 years old, with the vaccination recommended for females aged nine to 26 years old under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule in Singapore. Always consult a doctor should you be in doubt of your vaccination eligibility.

While most STDs are not life-threatening, they can develop other health complications when left untreated. Keeping yourself protected and getting screened regularly can help to ensure you stay in the pink of health.

With that said, getting an STD or STI is also not the end of the world because many of them are curable and treatable. Early detection and proper management is key to recovery and can also help prevent re-infection. Take the first step in keeping you and your loved ones protected from STDs and STIs with regular screening.