Burst Health STD

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can affect both men and women, often without causing noticeable symptoms, yet they can still be transmitted. Left untreated, both infections can lead to serious complications, including reduced fertility. Chlamydia can infect the urethra, cervix, rectum, anus, throat, and eyes, while gonorrhoea commonly affects the genitals, rectum, and throat, particularly in young adults aged 15–24.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact. The disease starts as a painless sore — typically on your genitals, rectum or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores.

Hepatitis may be caused by infection, viruses, chemicals, alcohol, drug use and other factors. Chronic hepatitis means ongoing inflammation of the liver, irrespective of the underlying cause. There are various forms of viral hepatitis which include: - Anyone can be infected if they come in direct contact with the hepatitis A virus through food, drinks or objects contaminated by the faeces of an infected person. - Hepatitis B virus is spread when blood, semen, vaginal secretions or other body fluids from someone infected with hepatitis B enter the bloodstream of someone who is not infected with hepatitis B. - Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that is spread when blood from a person with hepatitis C enters another person’s bloodstream. In Australia, the most common way it is transmitted is through sharing unsterile injecting drug equipment.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types I and II are common viral infections that can be transmitted through oral or sexual contact, often without causing noticeable symptoms. Herpes serology tests detect antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2, indicating past or current infection. HSV-1 commonly causes oral herpes but can also infect the genitals, while HSV-2 most often affects the genital area. Both infections are lifelong and can reactivate periodically, with transmission possible even in the absence of symptoms.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child, and it may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. HIV serology tests detect antibodies (and sometimes antigens) to identify infection. If left untreated, HIV can progressively weaken the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and increased susceptibility to serious infections and cancers. Early diagnosis and treatment allow most people living with HIV to maintain long-term health and significantly reduce transmission risk.