Non Sexually Transmitted Infections

What is it?

Monkeypox is a rare illness caused by a virus. It can spread from animals to humans and can also spread from person to person.

How is it passed on?

Monkeypox spreads from person to person through close contact with someone who has a monkeypox rash, including through face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. We do not yet know how long people with monkeypox can pass the virus on to others. Generally they are considered infectious until all of their spots have crusted over, the scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed underneath.

Environments can become contaminated with the monkeypox virus, for example when a person with symptoms touches clothing, bedding, towels, objects, electronics and surfaces. Someone else who touches these items can then pick up the virus.  It is also possible to become infected from breathing in skin flakes or virus from clothing, bedding or towels. This is known as fomite transmission.

Ulcers, spots or sores in the mouth can be infectious, meaning the virus can spread through direct contact with the mouth and droplets from breathing. We do not know yet how easily monkeypox passes through the air and research is ongoing.

The virus can also spread from someone who is pregnant to their unborn child, after birth through skin-to-skin contact, or from a parent to a child during close contact.

Although infections without any symptoms have been reported, it is not clear whether people without symptoms can spread the disease or whether it can spread through other bodily fluids.  Pieces of DNA (genetic material) from the monkeypox virus have been found in semen, but it is not yet known whether infection can spread through semen, vaginal fluids, amniotic fluids, breastmilk or blood. Research is underway to find out more about whether people can spread monkeypox through the exchange of these fluids during and after symptomatic infection.

What are the symptoms?

Monkeypox can cause a range of signs and symptoms.  While most people have mild symptoms, occasionally some may need hospital care. Those at higher risk for becoming severely unwell include people who are pregnant, children and people with a low or suppressed immune system.

The most common symptoms of monkey pox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. This is followed or accompanied by a rash which can last for two to three weeks. The rash can be found on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, eyes, mouth, throat, groin, around the genitals or the back passage. The number of spots can range from one to several thousand. They begin flat, then fill with liquid before they crust over, dry up and fall off, with a fresh layer of skin forming underneath.

Symptoms typically last two to three weeks and usually go away on their own or with supportive care, such as medication for pain or fever. People can pass the virus on to others and therefore need to isolate until all of the spots have crusted over, the scabs fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed underneath.

Anyone who has symptoms that could be monkeypox or who has been in contact with someone who has monkeypox should contact Luton Sexual Health on 01582 497070

How to test for it?

Testing is available from your local sexual health clinic. Call your clinic for an assessment with a sexual health consultant.  Please DO NOT walk-in. Monkeypox is an infectious disease. The contact details for the local sexual health clinics are stated below.

What is the treatment?

People with monkeypox should follow the advice of their health care provider. Symptoms normally resolve on their own without the need for treatment. If needed, medication for pain (analgesics) and fever (antipyretics) can be used to relieve some symptoms.  It is important for anyone with monkeypox to stay hydrated, eat well, and get enough sleep. People who are self-isolating should take care of their mental health by doing things they find relaxing and enjoyable, staying connected to loved ones by phone or computer, exercising if they feel well enough and can do so while isolating, and asking for support with their mental health if they need it.

What is it?

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection that causes clusters of skin papules (spots) called mollusca.

How is it passed on?

There are several ways it can spread:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact
• Indirect contact via shared towels or other items
• Spread to another area on your body by scratching or shaving
• Sexual transmission

What are the symptoms?

Molluscum causes clusters of small round papules (spots). The papules range in size from 1 to 6 mm and may be white, pink or brown. They often have a waxy, shiny look with a small central pit. 

The spots are not painful, but can be itchy.

How to test for it?

Molluscum is diagnosed by its characteristic appearance, we do not do a test.

What is the treatment?

Molluscum is generally a harmless condition that normally gets better in a few months without any specific treatment.

However, it’s common for the condition to spread around the body, so it can take up to 18 months or more for the condition to clear completely.

What is it?

Bacterial Vaginosis is a common cause of vaginal discharge in women. It is not a sexually transmitted infection.

How is it passed on?

BV only affects women. It can be passed between female partners but not men.

The following can make you more likely to develop BV:

• Bubble baths, scented shower gel or soaps
• Vaginal deodorant
• Douching (cleaning out the vagina)
• Antiseptic liquids in the bath
• Use strong detergents to wash your underwear
• Semen in the vagina after unprotected sex
• Having a IUD fitted
• Smoking

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of BV in an increase in vaginal discharge, which has a fishy smell.

How to test for it?

BV is diagnosed by examination. Sometimes as a sample of vaginal discharge will be looked at under a microscope in clinic to diagnose BV.

What is the treatment?

BV may settle by itself but it is usually treated with antibiotics. Sometimes you may be given a cream or gel to use instead.

Lactic acid gels which restore the normal pH balance of the vagina can be used to prevent or treat BV – these can be bought over the counter without a prescription.

What is it?

Thrush is a very common, harmless yeast infection that can affect many women and some men. This yeast lives in all of our bodies but is usually kept in check by naturally occurring bacteria. It is not a sexually transmitted infection.

How is it passed on?

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection.

Possible causes are:

• Taking antibiotics
• Having sex with someone who has thrush
• A reaction to some perfumed soaps, vaginal cleansing products
• Synthetic or tight underwear

What are the symptoms?

Women might notice:

• Itching, soreness and redness around the vulva, vagina and anus
• Vaginal discharge may become thick, like cottage cheese
• Passing urine and having sex can be painful

Men might notice:

• Irritation, burning or itching under the foreskin or around the tip of the penis
• Redness of the genital skin or a spotty rash on the tip of the penis
• Discharge under the foreskin, or swelling

How to test for it?

Thrush is usually diagnosed by examination only. Sometimes a sample may be taken to look at under the microscope.

What is the treatment?

The following may help to treat thrush and improve symptoms:

• An anti-fungal cream or vaginal pessaries (e.g. Clotrimazole) or anti-fungal tablets taken by mouth (Fluconazole). These are available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
• Avoid using perfumed soaps and toiletries in the genital area
• Avoid synthetic or tight underwear. Use cotton underwear instead
• For some women, using sanitary pads instead of tampons during menstruation (periods)
• If your symptoms continue after following this advice visit your GP