For the PolyPrev Sexualities, the team held a stand on campus for 3 days from 12 to 14 November 2019 in the CM hall to inform students on campus about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

The staff recruited for the occasion had an arsenal of drinks, snacks, flyers and even cuddly toys to attract the attention of the passers-by and to be able to exchange with them.

Partners

The “Big 5”

The aim was to raise awareness of the 5 most common STIs, explain their symptoms and modes of transmission.

For these STIs (details below), you should know that the Point Santé offers screening (charged)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Description

To put it simply, if left unchecked by medication, HIV gradually renders the immune system ineffective. This makes the body extremely vulnerable to other infections and diseases, even those that are normally harmless.

Main transmission modes

  • Contact with blood or sexual fluids

NOT transmitted by:

  • Contact with saliva
  • Contact with blood/sexual fluid free surfaces (e.g. toilet seat)

Signs / symptoms

  • This is the problem, the symptoms can be very diverse as it is the entire immune system that is impacted.
  • So after risky sex –> get tested as soon as possible.

Screening at the Health Point, how does it work?

An initial blood test is carried out with a small drop of blood. The result is almost immediate (a few minutes). If positive, more tests will be planned to confirm the result.

Syphilis

Description

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that causes lesions on the skin and mucous membranes and can affect many organs including the brain.

Main transmission modes

  • Direct contact with an infected area.

NOT transmitted by:

  • Any type of contact with a clearly uninfected area

Signs / symptoms

  • Appearances on the skin (small pinkish areas, whitish fluid)
  • May be accompanied by symptoms similar to a cold (fever, headache, etc.)

Screening at the Health Point, how does it work?

An initial blood test is carried out with a small drop of blood. The result is almost immediate (a few minutes). If positive, more tests will be planned to confirm the result.

Gonorrhea

Description

Gonorrhoea (or gonorrhoea) is one of the most common STIs in the world. It is caused by bacteria. It causes painful burning sensations when urinating and/or in the anus. In the long term, it can lead to chronic inflammation and infertility.

Main transmission modes

  • Contact with sexual fluids or fluids from infected areas and mucous membranes (mouth, anal, vaginal)

Not transmitted by:

  • Any other contact than those mentioned above (e.g. saliva)

Signs / symptoms

  • Pain during visits to the toilet
  • Abnormal discharge

Screening at the Health Point, how does it work?

A urine test is sent to a laboratory, the results are usually announced at another appointment.

Chlamydia

Description

Chlamydia is a bacterium consisting of several strains that can cause different kinds of infections. It causes pain during sexual intercourse and urination.

Main transmission modes

  • Contact with sexual fluids or fluids from infected areas and mucous membranes (mouth, anal, vaginal)

Not transmitted by:

  • Any other contact than those mentioned above (e.g. saliva)

Signs / symptoms

  • Pain during urination
  • Abnormal discharge
  • Slight abnormal bleeding

Screening at the Health Point, how does it work?

A urine test is sent to a laboratory, the results are usually announced at another appointment.

Hepatitis

Description

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viruses or other external factors. The main forms are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Causes weight loss, liver pain, urinary tract, eye and skin infections. Can be lethal if untreated.

Main transmission modes

  • Contact with blood or sexual fluids
  • Contact with secretions from the genitals
  • Through saliva
  • Water or food contaminated with faeces

NOT transmitted by:

  • ._.’

Signs / symptoms

  • Can manifest as acute diarrhoea (nausea, fever, headache, …)
  • Repeated pain and various infections

Screening at the Health Point, how does it work?

Test with a drop of blood