Health encyclopaedia

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Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be passed on through sexual contact.  STIs can often be passed on during intimate physical contact as well as full sexual intercourse, including sexual foreplay, anal, and oral sex.

STIs are on the increase in England.  Particularly sharp increases have been reported in the number of cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital warts.  Over 600,000 STI diagnoses were made in genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics in 2000, an increase of 33% since 1995 .  The Public Health Laboratory Service also reported that cases of infectious syphilis had more than doubled between 2001 and 2002.  However, these increases are thought to reflect not only a rise in transmission of STIs within the population, but also higher acceptance of GUM clinics, heightened awareness of STIs, and more reliable diagnostic techniques.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Prevention

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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