Student Times with www.studenthealth.co.uk

answers your health and wellbeing questions – including all those embarrassing questions you were too afraid to ask...

Chlamydia re infection

Question: In 2000, I was diagnosted with Chlamydia. I was treated and have been twice re-tested. Much to my pleasure, both tests came back with negative results, so I sort of put it out of my mind. My boyfriend was also tested, but never recieved his results. He has been my only partner, and we are still together. Recently, about a month now, my vaginal discharge has been abnormal. It has been much thicker, and now a beige, or maybe even faint yellow color. Should I worry???

RESPONSE
There could be several causes of a change in your vaginal discharge, but if your boyfriend was never treated, then it is essential that you are re-investigated for chlamydia. The tests that are available now are generally more accurate. I would advise that you go to your local genitourinary clinic as soon as possible.

Is female Anal Sex dangerous?

Q. I wondered if there are any dangers for a female taking part in regular anal sex with her boyfriend?

RESPONSE
The main risk is that the sphincter (the ring of muscle that helps to control the passage of wind and faeces) may become rather lax over time. Make sure that you are relaxed, that your partner uses plenty of lubrication and you should practice safer sex precautions too, of course. Stronger condoms are recommended for anal sex.

HAVE I GOT PUBIC LICE?

Q.I have had an itch for a long time in my pubic region. Have tried stuff for lice and for skin irritation but to no avail. Please help i have no sex life!!

RESPONSE
PUBIC LICE is not the only cause of itching in the pubic region, however you should consider whether or not you have treated yourself correctly. If you have had pubic lice for a long time then you should be able to see the lice moving around in the hair. Pubic lice is most commonly a sexually transmitted infection. It can also be spread by close contact without full sexual intercourse.

The insect (Phthirus pubis) has claws and resembles a crab. It uses the claws to grip onto the pubic hair. The lice can also be found on other any body hair eg the armpits, chest, beard, thighs and even the eyelashes.

The louse burrows into the skin causing itching and redness. You can see the pinhead size lice moving in the hair.

Treatment is by lotions used to treat head lice or scabies. You can buy preparations over the counter such as Malathion – ask the pharmacist. If you feel embarrassed just ask for head lice treatment. Make sure you apply the lotion to all of your body hair except for your eyelids and scalp. Repeat the treatment in one week.

If you notice lice in the eyelashes, then remove them with tweezers, alternatively apply Vaseline to the eyelids twice daily for 3 weeks.

You should also wash your clothes, bedding and towels in temperatures over 60 deg C.

All sexual partners and anyone who may have had close skin contact with you should also be treated, whether or not they have symptoms. You should also consider that you may be at risk from other sexually transmitted infections and see your local GUC for a sexual health check up. Condoms do not protect you against pubic lice.

Some other causes of pubic skin irritaiton could be scabies, eczema, fungal infections. You could go to your local genitourinary clinic for a completely confidential consultation.