Burning desire

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be caught from an infected partner through vaginal, anal or oral intercourse, or passed from an infected mother to her unborn child. The incubation period is 10 days to three months, but treatment with penicillin can prevent transmission of the disease.

How do you know if you have it?

The first sign of syphilis is the appearance of painless, but infectious sores anywhere on the body. If the infection remains untreated during the next two years, the following symptoms progress:

•  A non-itchy rash covers the body in patches

•  A flu-like illness ensues

•  Fatigue

•  Loss of appetite

•  Swollen glands

•  White patches on the tongue and roof of mouth

•  Patchy hair loss

•  Left untreated, the infection can lead to brain damage, heart failure and can cause miscarriages, stillbirths and congenital defects

Will it affect my chances of having children?

No, not if you get prompt treatment.

Gonorrhoea

A bacterial infection that sometimes spreads via the bloodstream. Transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner, gonorrhoea can be effectively treated with antibiotics. It is possible to be infected with the disease and have no symptoms.

How do you know that you have it?

•  Men may experience a discharge from the urethra

•  Symptoms in women include painful urination and yellow, bloody vaginal discharge

•  Men and women can experience anal discharge and pain during anal sex

Will it affect my chances of having children?

No, not if you get prompt treatment.