Syphilis and Hepatitis
Click on the links below to find out more about symptoms, how and when to test, and further information.
Syphilis
Syphilis
What is it?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be spread during sex, through contact with sores and rashes and can be passed on during pregnancy to an unborn baby. Syphilis can cause serious brain, heart and nerve problems if left untreated, and can even cause death.
Symptoms
Between 10 days to 3 months after becoming infected you may develop a painless sore at the site of infection (usually on the genital, rectum or in the mouth, however the sore may develop anywhere on the body).A few weeks after the sore disappears you may develop a rash, often on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. You may feel generally unwell.
It is important to remember that syphilis may have no symptoms in the early stages, so regular check-ups are important
When should I test?
- It can take up to 3 months for Syphilis to show in a test.
- If you have no symptoms and just want to test you should leave it 3 months after sexual contact to test.
- If you have symptoms, you should contact the clinic to discuss on 01225 826855.
How is it tested?
Syphilis is tested by taking a venous blood sample from your arm.
How is it treated?
Syphilis is usually treated with an antibiotic injection into the muscle.Where can I test?
- In the BANES area you can test at our clinic, you need to call our booking line to book.
- In Bristol - at Yuno Sexual Health or order a postal kit.
- In the Wiltshire area - order a postal kit.
- In the Swindon area - Swish Services.
Where can I read more about Syphilis?
Please see our useful links page.Hepatitis A, B, C
Hepatitis A, B, C
Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver. Hepatitis A lives in faeces, hepatitis B can be spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A
What is it?
Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver. Hepatitis A lives in faeces and can be spread through water or food contaminated with faeces, oral or anal sex and rimming.
Symptoms
Most children, and some adults, may have mild symptoms or no symptoms. Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include:- a high temperature
- flu-like symptoms
- feeling sick or being sick
- pain in your upper tummy
- diarrhoea or constipation
- pale yellow or pale grey poo
- dark brown pee
- itchy skin – you may also have a raised rash (hives)
- yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
When should I test?
- It can take up to 3 months for Hepatitis to show in a test.
- If you have no symptoms and just want to test you should leave it 3 months after sexual contact to test.
- If you have symptoms, you should contact the clinic to discuss on 01225 826855.
How is it tested?
Hepatitis is tested by taking a venous blood sample from your arm.
Is there a Vaccine?
We may offer a Hepatitis A vaccination if we consider you to be at high risk of acquiring Hepatitis A. To reduce your risk of hepatitis A through sex you should:- Change condoms between oral and anal sex.
- Wash your hands after sexual contact.
- Use protection for rimming, fisting and fingering.
Where can I test?
- In the BANES area you can test at our clinic, you need to call our booking line to book.
- In Bristol - at Yuno Sexual Health or order a postal kit.
- In the Wiltshire area - order a postal kit.
- In the Swindon area - Swish Services.
Where can I read more about Hepatitis A?
Please see our useful links page.Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B
What is it?
Hepatitis B can be spread through infected blood, semen and vaginal fluids. It can also be passed onto a baby during pregnancy or birth.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hepatitis B infection include:- Fever
- Tiredness
- Pain in the upper tummy
- Feeling or being sick
- Itchy patches of skin
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes
When should I test?
- It can take up to 3 months for Hepatitis to show in a test.
- If you have no symptoms and just want to test you should leave it 3 months after sexual contact to test.
- If you have symptoms, you should contact the clinic to discuss on 01225 826855.
How is it treated?
Hepatitis B infection usually lasts for 1-3 months and most people show only mild or no symptoms. It usually clears up by itself with no treatment.If the infections lasts longer than 6 months it is known as chronic hepatitis B, which is usually treated with antiviral medications and require regular check-ups with liver specialists
Is there a Vaccine?
We may offer a Hepatitis B vaccination if we consider you to be at high risk of acquiring Hepatitis B.
Where can I test?
- In the BANES area you can test at our clinic, you need to call our booking line to book.
- In Bristol - at Yuno Sexual Health or order a postal kit.
- In the Wiltshire area - order a postal kit.
- In the Swindon area - Swish Services.
Where can I read more about Hepatitis B?
Please see our useful links page.Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C
What is it?
Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact. It can be transmitted through sharing unsterilized needles, sharing razors/toothbrushes, and in some cases through unprotected sex.
Symptoms
Many people with hepatitis C don't have any symptoms and are unaware they have the infection.
When should I test?
- It can take up to 3 months for Hepatitis to show in a test.
- If you have no symptoms and just want to test you should leave it 3 months after sexual contact to test.
- If you have symptoms, you should contact the clinic to discuss on 01225 826855.
How is it tested?
Hepatitis is tested by taking a venous blood sample from your arm.
How is it treated?
Your doctor will give you tablets to take for up to 12 weeks, although some medications only need to be taken for 8 weeks. You need to take all your tablets otherwise the drugs may not work properly and you could still have the disease.There are at least 6 types of hepatitis C and the doctor will give you the tablets suitable for your condition. Most people do not experience side effects.
The drugs work for around 9 out of 10 people. Blood tests will show whether or not the virus is still present. You will have one blood test after your last treatment and another 12 or 24 weeks after that. Your nurse or doctor will advise you about how to avoid reinfection.
If the medication doesn't work for you, speak to your healthcare professional about other treatment options.
Is there a Vaccine?
There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, however you will be offered a test if you are thought to be at a greater risk.
Where can I test?
- In the BANES area you can test at our clinic, you need to call our booking line to book.
- In Bristol - at Yuno Sexual Health or order a postal kit.
- In the Wiltshire area - order a postal kit.
- In the Swindon area - Swish Services.
