Genital warts

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses, where some types are sexually transmitted and can cause genital warts or cancer of the mouth, pharynx, labia, cervix or penis.

Many people can go with the virus for a long time without symptoms, but when the virus is active, genital warts or cell changes can form in the deeper layers of the skin. Over a long period of time, this can develop into cancer if left untreated. Cell changes cause symptoms such as coloured discharge such as odour, small bleeding from the vagina, bleeding after intercourse or during physical activity, and pain/discomfort from the abdomen or lower back.

It provides good and long-lasting protection against infection by the types of HPV viruses that cause cervical and penile cancer, and therefore helps to prevent the development of these types of cancer.

It is common to get a little ache in the arm where the vaccine was put, some experience that the skin here becomes a little red and warm. Others may have a rash, headache, mild cold symptoms, stomach cramps or nausea. These are common side effects, completely harmless and short-lived.

It is not too late, even those who are older and have made their sexual debut have a good and long-lasting effect of the vaccine, even if they have previously had an infection with HPV.

Everyone can take the vaccine regardless of age, but it is included in the childhood vaccination program as it is considered beneficial to be vaccinated and protected before making a sexual debut.

Gardasil-9 and Cervarix are both vaccines that protect against human papillomavirus (HPV), but they contain different combinations of HPV strains and are developed by different manufacturers.

Gardasil-9 protects against nine different types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. These HPV types are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, as well as other HPV-related diseases such as genital warts and certain cancers of the genital organs.

Cervarix only protects against the two most common cancer-causing HPV types, 16 and 18, which together cause approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases.

Both vaccines are recommended to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, but Gardasil-9 provides broader protection against a greater number of HPV types, including those responsible for genital warts. The choice between Gardasil-9 and Cervarix may depend on availability, individual health needs and doctor's recommendations.

It may be a good idea to check the latest recommendations from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health regarding the HPV vaccine in Norway to keep you up to date.

The HPV vaccine is given as injections, usually in two or three doses depending on the age of the person being vaccinated.

Without a vaccine, the risk of HPV infection is present, and it can lead to cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

To reduce the risk of HPV infection without the vaccine, you should practice safe sex, use a condom, and avoid sexual activity with people who are infected with HPV.

Days after possible time of infection*:

Gonorrhea: 14 days

Mycoplasma: 14 days

HIV: 12 weeks

Syphilis: 12 weeks

Chlamydia: 14 days

*This applies if you have no symptoms. In the event of symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

It can be dangerous to go with it untreated for a long time, as the infection can spread in the abdomen, up to the kidneys and further into the bloodstream and cause a serious infection. It can also lead to infertility in both men and women.

Fungal infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease as it is not sexually transmitted. STDs are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact.

If you have new or more sexual partners and have had unprotected intercourse, it is a good idea to get tested afterwards to avoid having an untreated infection and spread this further.

Absolutely! One is obliged to inform those who may be infected about the disease, so that they can also be tested and treated.

In some cases, it may take some time for the symptoms to subside, as the mucous membranes are irritated. But if you still have discharge, blood, pain etc, contact a doctor again so you can check the answer to the tests and assure you have received the right treatment. In some cases, a control sample is needed 2 weeks after the first treatment.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are both sexually transmitted infections caused by different bacteria. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, while gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The symptoms may be similar, but the two infections require different types of treatment.

Some common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV/AIDS.

Symptoms of STDs can vary, but common indications include painful urination, abnormal discharge from the urethra or vagina, sores or blisters in the genital area, itching or irritation, and general flu-like symptoms. Testing is the surest way to confirm the presence of an STD.

Yes, it is possible to get STDs in the mouth through oral sex, including infections such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and HPV.

Sometimes mild infections, such as chlamydia, can go away on their own, but this is not guaranteed. Untreated, STDs can lead to serious complications and spread to others. It is therefore important to seek medical help and treatment if you suspect an infection.

The three most common sexually transmitted diseases in Norway are chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The infection can pass through several stages and can cause a wide range of symptoms such as sores on the genitals, rashes, and in later stages serious complications such as damage to internal organs, the nervous system and the brain. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, especially in the early stages, but early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious health problems.

Both gonorrhea and chlamydia are serious sexually transmitted infections that can cause significant health problems if left untreated. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can both lead to complications such as pelvic infections, infertility and an increased risk of pregnancy complications. The difference lies in the specific bacteria that cause the infection and the treatment methods. While chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These infections are treated with different types of antibiotics. It is important to see a doctor for proper testing and treatment if you suspect a sexually transmitted disease.

The symptoms of mycoplasma can vary, but common symptoms include:

Painful urination
Abnormal discharge from the urethra or vagina
Pain in the lower abdomen
Itching or irritation in the genital area
Increased need to urinate
In women, it can also cause pain during intercourse and bleeding between menstrual periods.

Note that many people with mycoplasma can be asymptomatic, meaning they do not experience any symptoms. It is therefore important to seek medical help and testing if you suspect an infection.

Unfortunately, you are not immune after having a chlamydia infection in the past. This is an infection you can get several times, and it is therefore important to check if you are at risk of infection (see section on "Who should be tested" above).

No, unfortunately it does not. Use a condom and test yourself when changing partners.

You can have the infection for a long time without noticing it, and this can lead to complications as described in the section "Complications", in the worst case lead to serious infection and sterility. You can then also spread the infection further if you have unprotected intercourse.

It is not certain that you have been infected even if your partner has chlamydia, about 1 in 5 is assumed to be infected during sexual intercourse with someone who has known the infection. It is therefore recommended that you also get tested (at the earliest 14 days after the possible time of infection) so that you only receive treatment if you need it.

The safest way is to use a condom when having sex with a new partner. If you have had unprotected intercourse and are anxious about infection, it is advisable to test yourself no earlier than 14 days after the possible time of infection. In this way, a possible infection is detected early before complications develop.

Chlamydia can be asymptomatic in many people, but common symptoms include painful urination, discharge from the urethra or vagina, as well as pain in the lower abdomen. Testing is the surest way to know if you have chlamydia.

Yes, it is possible to have chlamydia without noticing symptoms. Many people with chlamydia experience no symptoms, which makes testing important, especially for those who are sexually active.

Chlamydia usually does not cause ulcers. It is more likely to cause symptoms such as painful urination, abnormal discharge and abdominal pain.

Yes, chlamydia is relatively common in Norway. Several thousand cases of chlamydia infection are registered annually, and the incidence has been increasing in recent years. It is therefore important to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions, including regular testing for sexually transmitted infections.

The likelihood of getting infected with chlamydia depends on several factors, including sexual behavior, use of contraception and hygiene practices. The risk increases with unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners.

Chlamydia causes infection in the urinary tract and can also affect the genitals and in some cases other parts of the body. Untreated chlamydial infection can lead to serious complications such as pelvic infections, infertility, and an increased risk of pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancy. In men it can lead to inflammation of the epididymis, and in women it can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes and uterus.

Nausea is not a common symptom of chlamydia. Typical symptoms include painful urination, abnormal discharge, and pain in the lower abdomen. However, chlamydia infection can cause general flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue and body aches in some individuals. If you experience nausea or other unusual symptoms, it is important to contact a healthcare professional for advice and testing.

Untreated chlamydia infection can persist in the body for months or even years without causing symptoms. However, chlamydia can lead to serious complications over time, including pelvic infections, infertility and an increased risk of pregnancy complications. It is therefore important to seek medical help and treatment as soon as possible if you suspect a chlamydia infection.

In Norway, chlamydia is a relatively common sexually transmitted infection. The number of cases of chlamydia has been increasing in recent years, and several thousand cases are registered annually. The incidence of chlamydia can vary depending on the region and population, but in general it is a significant health challenge that requires attention and preventive measures. Regular testing is recommended for sexually active people to detect and treat the infection early.

You book an appointment with a doctor or a home test, and will receive treatment.

Treatment for gonorrhea is free.

Yes, the doctor responsible for your diagnosis and treatment is required by law to carry out infection detection. If you do not wish to tell your partner, your doctor will do this.

Yes, untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications such as reduced fertility and chronic pain, but early detection and treatment give good prognoses.

Yes, and that is not unusual. When you are tested for gonorrhea, you will always be tested for chlamydia as well.

Pregnant women are treated for gonorrhea in the same way as non-pregnant women. Before the water breaks and birth, the chance of infecting the child is small. If, on the other hand, the mother is infected during childbirth, this can give the child eye catarrh caused by gonococci. This needs to be addressed.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms can vary, but common signs include painful urination, abnormal discharge from the urethra or vagina, and in some cases pain or swelling of the testicles in men. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, including pelvic infections in women, infertility in both men and women, and the spread of the infection to other parts of the body. It is important to seek medical help for testing and treatment if gonorrhea is suspected.

Symptoms of gonorrhea may include painful urination, abnormal discharge from the urethra or vagina, and in some cases pain or swelling of the testicles in men. In women, symptoms may also include pain in the pelvic area and abnormal vaginal bleeding. It is important to remember that many people with gonorrhea experience no symptoms, so regular testing is important, especially for those who are sexually active.

Infection is transmitted through direct contact between the mucous membranes of an infected and a healthy person during sexual intercourse, both vaginally and anal, or during oral sex. You can be infected indirectly via fingers when touching the genitals, or via sex toys.

If you were to have an ongoing outbreak at birth, there is a high probability (30-50%) that you will infect the child. Neonatal herpes infection can be serious and will require treatment in a specialist health service. The risk of infecting children with latent disease is low and requires no follow-up beyond usual prenatal care.

You will not infect your partner as long as you do not have an outbreak.

The doctor will take a sample for PCR from the wound fluid. This will confirm or deny the diagnosis.

If the doctor finds it likely that you have herpes, he will start treatment before the test results exist unless there is a good reason not to.

In addition to consultation with a doctor, tablet treatment will cost approx. NOK 500.

Yes. The herpes virus lies in the sores and will spread to the partner through physical contact.

Yes.

5-10 days, depending on the intensity of the outbreak.

This means that the person in question is infected with herpes, but as of now does not have an ongoing outbreak.

40% of women will have recurrent outbreaks in the first year. The figure is somewhat lower for men.

Herpes virus can be secreted and transmitted even outside of an outbreak, especially just before the outbreak. As a rule of thumb, you are considered contagious from the time you start to feel itching and tingling in your skin until the sores have healed. Therefore, avoid intercourse and oral sex while you have an outbreak to reduce the risk of transmission.

The herpes virus can be transmitted through direct skin contact, mucous membranes and saliva. Most people get oral herpes already as children when they share food and drink with parents or other children, which can lead to HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection via saliva. The risk of infection also increases during an active outbreak with sores or blisters.

Yes, it is possible to get herpes even if you have not previously had symptoms or been diagnosed with the infection. Many people infected with the herpes virus experience no or very mild symptoms, and some may be infected without realizing it. It is also possible to get a first infection with the herpes virus long after you have been exposed to the virus.

Yes, stress can trigger outbreaks of herpes in people who are already infected with the virus. Stress can weaken the immune system, and this can cause the herpes virus to be reactivated, resulting in an outbreak of sores or blisters. However, it is important to note that stress does not usually cause the first infection with the herpes virus, but can contribute to repeated outbreaks in people who are already infected.