23.1 STIs in the UK

Question 1

What is classed as sex with regard to STIs?

Answer 1

Any type of genital contact, not necessarily penetration.

Question 2

Which STIs are screened for in sexual health tests?

Answer 2

• HIV
• Hep A/B/C
• Chalmydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis

Question 3

Which STIs are increasing in prevalence in Wales?

Answer 3

• Syphilis (76% increase in young people in Wales from 2018-19)
• Herpes
• Gonorrhoea
• Hepatitis C

Question 4

Which demographic are at the highest risk of STIs?

Answer 4

Gay men

Question 5

Why is it important to test for STIs?

Answer 5

• Many are asymptomatic (chlamydia: 50% of men have no sypmtoms, 75% of women)
• Effective treatment is available, so it is important to diagnose and treat and to inform partners to prevent spread
• Serious health consequences if left untreated:
• Chlaymdia and gonorrhoea: pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, reactive arthritis, neonatal conjunctivitis
• Syphillis: internal organ damage, blindness, deafness, neurological problems, death
• HIV: immunosuppression, eventually causes AIDS

Question 6

What types of people are tested for hepatitis?

Answer 6

• Men with male sexual partners
• High risk areas of the world (e.g. China)
• Sex workers
• Prisoners
• People who have injected drugs

Question 7

When would it be appropriate to enquire about a patient’s sexual history as a dentist? How should you go about this?

Answer 7

• May be appropriate if they have oral symptoms
• Have good communication, non-judgemental, use term partner instead of wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend
• Ask if they have ever had tests for STIs/HIV