U by Kotex

when things aren't so normal

Help! It doesn't feel right down there.

Signs of a vaginal problem may be¹:

• Itching, irritation or soreness around the vaginal opening
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Increased or unusual discharge
• Swelling of the labia
• Abnormal bleeding
• Uncomfortable or painful sex
• An unpleasant odour

If you are experiencing any of the above problems, see a doctor.

STIs and STI check ups²

Some STIs are merely irritating, others increase your risk of cancer and infertility and some such as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) can kill you.

And don't think you can't get STIs from oral sex, because you can! Always play it safe and use condoms. And if you are having anal sex, make sure you use a condom and water based lubricant.

With the number of people contracting an STI on the rise every year (especially among those under 25) it's vital you get an STI check-up if you've had unprotected sex.

Following is a rundown on STIs to stay clear. The info is courtesy of Marie Stopes International, the sexual health experts...

Or if you'd like a quick snapshot of everything in one tidy little fact sheet.

Download the STI fact sheet

AIDS and HIV

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which damages the body's immune system. HIV can be passed on by having sex without a condom with someone who has HIV.

HIV is passed on through bodily fluids and blood. This can happen through sex, injecting drugs or from mothers to their unborn children. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) itself is a disease that usually occurs several years after getting HIV with a whole range of different symptoms.

You can't. The only way to tell if you have HIV is to have a blood test, which can be done confidentially.

At present there is no cure for HIV or AIDS but new combination therapies mean improved management of the illness.

Chlamydia

This is the most common STI among young guys and girls in Australia. It's caused by a bacteria which, if left untreated, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (a disease which infects your pelvic region and can lead to infertility in women and in men).

You can get Chlamydia by having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who is infected with the Chlamydia bacteria. While not as common, it can also be spread by oral sex.

In 15 - 20% of cases there will be symptoms five to ten days after infection (look for a discharge and pain). However, MOST people do not get any symptoms. The only way you can really tell if you have it is to be tested. A simple urine test or swab of the cervix, can easily be carried out at your local sexual health clinic or at a GPs. Wear a condom to avoid it!

Chlamydia is easily checked and easily treated. Antibiotics after a simple chlamydia test at a sexual health clinic should clear it up.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a disease caused by a bacteria. The danger of this is, if left undiagnosed, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

You can get Gonorrhoea by having unprotected vaginal sex with someone who is infected with the Gonorrhoea bacteria. It can also be transmitted during anal and oral sex.

In five out of every six cases, there are no symptoms. Symptoms to look for are a discharge and a burning sensation when going for a wee.

Antibiotics.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

HPV is not one virus, it is a family containing dozens of virus types. There are around 15 types (called 'high risk') which can cause cervical cancer. In addition, there are a number of types which can cause genital warts. Although genital warts can be visible, most people who have HPV (especially the 'high risk' types) will not have any signs or symptoms. This means that they can unknowingly pass on the virus to others. Cancer of the cervix is serious and can be life threatening. Cervical cancer is the 8th most common cancer in Australian women. When a woman is infected with certain 'high risk' types of HPV, in most cases, her own immune system will fight the virus, like a cold. However, if the virus stays in her system (called persistence), then it may start to cause changes in the cells of the cervix. These may eventually become more serious and develop into cancer.

A new HPV vaccine called Gardisil is now available.

Gardasil is a vaccine that targets four strains of Human Papilloma Virus. These are called HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16 and HPV-18.

HPV-16 and HPV-18 ('high risk' types) account for about 70% of all cervical cancers HPV-6 and HPV-11 ('low risk' types) account for about 90% of genital warts. The vaccine is also approved to help prevent vaginal and vulval cancers, which can also be caused by HPV.

The vaccine will be available for adolescent males 9 to 15 years and females 9-26 years of age. Even if you have already been exposed to HPV, it is very unlikely you will have been infected with all the types that are in the vaccine. You will therefore still be able to benefit from protection against the other types. There is no need to have an HPV test before having the vaccine.

However, since Gardasil cannot protect against all cervical cancers (only around 70%), it is important that women continue to have cervical smears.

Three doses of the vaccine by injection are required and it is important that all stages of treatment are completed.

• first dose – at the date of the first appointment
• second dose – two months after the first dose
• third dose – four months after the second dose

Aluminium (as amorphous aluminium hydroxyphosphate), Sodium chloride, L-histidine, Polysorbate 80, Borax, water.

Studies suggest that Gardasil is:

• 100% effective in preventing cervical cancer caused by HPV types 16 and 18 (which account for around 70% of cervical cancers)
• 99% effective in preventing genital warts.

Marie Stopes International or talk to your GP or health care provider.

Herpes

There are two types of herpes which cause small, painful blisters. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1 which usually causes cold sores and HSV Type II which causes genital sores. HSV Type I is usually located around the mouth and is passed by kissing. HSV Type II is usually in the genital area and passed through sex.

Some people don't notice symptoms but look for small, painful clusters of sores.

Once you have the herpes virus it will always remain in your body but it won't always be active. Not everyone experiences symptoms but for those that do, these may reoccur from time to time. However, there are a number of treatments available so make sure you visit your doctor or sexual health clinic.

A sample may be taken for testing or a doctor may know just by looking. Remember, herpes is highly infectious and during an outbreak you should avoid sex and kissing (if you have cold sores). Outbreaks are treated with medication.

Syphilis

An infection caused by a bacteria which, left untreated, can have very serious consequences.

You can get Syphilis through having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who is infected with the bacteria.

A sore on your genitals, and a rash. If left untreated the symptoms become severe.

Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.

Pubic Lice

Also known as crabs, pubic lice are small insects that are spread through sex and intimate contact (bedding, towels etc).

You'll have severe itching throughout your pubic region.

Usually a doctor will be able to tell if you have pubic lice and will prescribe a lotion to kill them.

Trichomoniasis

This is an infection which affects the vagina, cervix, urethra and bladder.

It is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. There are usually no symptoms of infection.

Look for a greenish-yellow discharge with a strong and offensive smell, itching of the vagina and a burning when urinating. Guys have no symptoms.

A swab will be taken and antibacterial drugs prescribed.

Hepatitis B

This is a serious condition that causes inflammation of the liver caused by a virus passed on through vaginal or anal intercourse.

Usually there are no symptoms but look for unusual tiredness.

There is no effective cure, but it some cases your body fights off the virus and the infection goes away.

Got more questions on STIs or want to arrange an STI check up? Give Marie Stopes International a call on Freecall 1800 003 707. They are available on the phone 24 hours a day. Or jump online to www.mariestopes.com.au.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)³:

What is TSS?

TSS is a rare, but serious disease that has been associated with tampon use. Every tampon package contains information about TSS, and we encourage consumers to read that information to become more informed.

What causes TSS?

TSS is caused by the bacterium called Staphylococcus Aureus, which exists normally in the air. Sometimes strains of this bacterium give off a toxin (poison that gets into the body), probably through the bloodstream. Although the use of tampons increases the risk of TSS, tampons do not cause TSS.

What are the symptoms of TSS?

TSS symptoms appear very quickly and are similar to the flu. They include:

1. Feeling very ill, headache, muscular pains
2. A sudden high fever and chills
3. Vomiting or, diarrhoea
4. Dizziness, fainting, weakness or confusion
5. A rash that looks like a sunburn.

However, not all TSS cases are exactly alike, and not all of these symptoms are always present. Should a consumer experience one or more of these symptoms while menstruating, she should remove the tampon if using one, and consult a doctor / hospital emergency department immediately.

Is TSS curable?

If diagnosed early, TSS can be successfully treated with antibiotics and treatment for shock symptoms. So it is very important to get medical attention immediately if TSS symptoms are present during menstruation. People who receive proper treatment usually recover within three weeks.

Who is at risk of TSS?

The reported risk is higher among teenage girls and women under 30 years of age, but TSS can occur at any age. However, anyone can contact TSS -- there have been some reported cases among men and children. Since TSS is caused by toxins from strains of bacteria, scientists believe that people who are susceptible to TSS simply don't have sufficient antibodies in their blood to neutralize those toxins. Others, who do have enough antibodies, are more resistant to TSS.

Can someone get TSS more than once?

If someone has had TSS, they should consult their doctor prior to using tampons again, as they may not have developed resistance to the toxin and could develop TSS again.

How can chances of getting TSS be reduced?

To reduce the chances of getting TSS:

1. Only use one tampon at a time
2. Do not attempt to "force" the tampon to fit inside the vagina
3. Use the lowest absorbency or size tampon to meet your menstrual flow needs
4. Wash your hands before unwrapping a tampon
5. Do not handle the tampon more than necessary
6. Do not place an unwrapped tampon on any surface prior to insertion
7. Discard any tampon which you have unwrapped but not used immediately
8. Do not forget to remove last tampon used at the end of your period

TSS Information Service

Consumers can be referred to the TSS Information Service for more specific information:

1. 1800 634 250
2. TSS Information Service, PO Box 6463, North Sydney NSW 2060