Experts warn two STIs are spreading faster than ever – here’s how to avoid them

Looking forward to a romantic Valentine’s Day? The good news is that sex and kissing come with numerous health benefits, from improving sleep to managing stress and burning calories. However, the bad news is that some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including .

Here, experts explain how to keep safe – and what to do if you end up with an unexpected surprise on February 14.

Gonorrhoea

is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) spread by unprotected sex. In women, the symptoms include vaginal discharge, pain or burning while urinating, urinating more frequently, changes in periods/bleeding pattern, pain during intercourse, abdominal pain, sore throat and fever, while men may experience frequent urination, penile discharge, penile swelling/redness, swelling or pain in the testicles and/or a persistent sore throat.

“Protect yourself by using a condom and having regular tests for STIs,” advises consultant gynaecologist . “You need to have an STI check whenever you have a new partner, especially if you’re not using condoms or think you were exposed to an STI.” If you’re worried, see your GP or your local sexual health clinic. Find yours .

Syphilis

is another serious STI, which is spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore. The disease progresses in a series of stages, each with distinct symptoms.

“In the primary stage, a painless sore appears at the infection site. The secondary stage presents with a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes,” explains consultant obstetrician gynaecologist Dr Shazia Malik (yourdaye.com/period-pain-clinic).

“If left untreated, syphilis can enter latent and tertiary stages, which could potentially cause severe damage to internal organs.

“Prevention strategies include consistent condom use, regular STI testing, and avoiding sexual contact with someone who has a visible sore. The good news is that syphilis is curable with antibiotics, typically administered through penicillin injections.”

Glandular fever

Dr Megha Pancholi, GP and clinical lead for sexual health at , says: “ is a viral infection primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It’s most common among teenagers and young adults, but it can affect people of any age.

“The virus is spread through saliva, which is why it’s commonly known as the ‘kissing disease’. However, the infection can be transmitted in other ways too, such as by sharing utensils, drinks or toothbrushes with someone who has the virus.

“Common symptoms include having a high temperature, sore throat, swollen glands (in the neck and potentially other areas, such as the armpits), fatigue and headaches.

“A person can be infectious for up to seven weeks before showing any symptoms and may be infectious for several months after being unwell. To help prevent the infection from spreading, wash your hands regularly and don’t share anything that may have your saliva on it, such as utensils.”

There’s no specific treatment. “It usually gets better on its own within two to four weeks, but make sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated with lots of fluids,” says Dr Pancholi. “You can consider using pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol if swallowing is painful, but avoid giving aspirin to someone who is under 16.

“As glandular fever can cause the liver and spleen to swell, avoid alcohol and playing contact sports until fully recovered. These activities can increase the risk of complications.

“If you find it difficult to swallow or breathe, have severe abdominal pain or a persistent high fever, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department urgently.”

Cold sores

“ are caused by the , are very common and can affect anyone,” says Dr Pancholi. “In fact, most adults carry the HSV virus that causes them, even if they’ve never had symptoms.

“Cold sores are typically caused by type 1 (HSV-1) and it causes painful blisters and sores generally located on the lips or around the mouth.

“If you already carry the virus you should avoid potential triggers such as sunbeds or spending extended periods in the sun without SPF lip balm, which can help to reduce the risk of developing cold sores.

“Cold sores will usually clear up within two weeks, but they are very contagious so you should try to avoid spreading the infection to others by washing your hands after touching your sore, not sharing utensils, and not kissing or having oral sex until your symptoms have cleared.

“Over-the-counter antiviral creams can help to speed up the healing process if applied at the first sign of an outbreak. If a cold sore hasn’t healed after two weeks and you’re having frequent outbreaks, contact your GP.”

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

“The virus is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

“If both partners have open sores or bleeding gums, there is a very small risk of transmission through deep or open-mouth kissing, but the risk of getting HIV through kissing is extremely low,” says women’s health GP Dr Elise Dallas from .

“To avoid the virus, practise safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly and engage in regular testing.”

Early symptoms of HIV may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes and it can be treated with antiretroviral therapy.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Spread via skin-to-skin contact like kissing or sex, is very common but unlike other STIs, it can’t be prevented through condom use alone. “HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms, making prevention more challenging,” explains Dr Malik. “However, consistent condom use can still reduce the risk.”

The most effective prevention method is the HPV vaccination, which is recommended for both men and women. “Regular cervical screening is also crucial for the prevention of cervical cancer. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and clear on their own. However, some strains can cause genital warts or lead to abnormal cervical cells, which can be detected through screening.

“Certain high-risk HPV strains can lead to cervical cancer if left undetected, emphasising the importance of regular check-ups. While there’s no cure for HPV, treatments are available for related conditions such as genital warts.”

Meningococcal diseases and strep throat

“Symptoms of , may include high fever, stiff neck, headache and a characteristic rash, while for strep throat, symptoms typically include a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Both conditions can be dangerous if left untreated, leading to severe complications or hospitalisation,” says Dr Dallas.

Both diseases are spread through respiratory droplets, which are small and contain saliva and mucus.

“To reduce the risk of infection, individuals should avoid close contact with infected individuals, practise good hand hygiene, and consider vaccination for meningococcal disease, which is always highly effective.”

Pubic lice

, also known as crabs, are tiny insects that live on body hair, especially pubic hair. “The only way to avoid getting public lice is to avoid having sexual contact or sharing bedding or clothing with anyone you know who has pubic lice until they’ve been treated,” says Dr Patel.

Symptoms include feeling run-down, itching in the genital area, especially at night, white or yellow dots in the area, small bugs in the hair and spots on the skin. If you notice any of these, see your GP or sexual health clinic who will prescribe a medicated shampoo or cream for you.

Hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious complications if left untreated, such as liver cancer or liver cirrhosis. “Hepatitis B is transmitted through sex via blood and other bodily fluids,” says Dr Dallas. “To prevent infection, individuals should avoid unprotected sex, refrain from sharing needles, and ensure their vaccinations are up to date. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and widely recommended.”

Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. And although there is no cure for the disease, regular testing and treatment can minimise the damage. Antiviral medication can help manage chronic hepatitis B.

Chlamydia

is one of the most common bacterial STIs, but it can be difficult to diagnose as up to 70% of female patients will not have any symptoms. “This underscores the importance of regular testing,” says Dr Malik.

“When symptoms do occur, they may include unusual discharge, a burning sensation when urinating and pain during sex. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and reduced fertility.”

Chlamydia is transmitted through unprotected sex, so avoid it by using condoms. Fortunately, it is easily treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline.