Sexually Transmitted Infections In Malaysia
An active sex life plays an important role but it also carries risks. Engaging in any sexual activity without protection can result in sexually transmitted infections. The sexual health services our clinic offers in KL provides treatment for these issues as well as counselling and other preventative measures.
At Universal Clinic, we are a team of open-minded and knowledgeable sexual health specialists with many years’ experiences in dealing with sexually transmitted infections and offer a multidisciplinary service to screen, test, and treat patients with sexually transmitted infections (STI) and disease (STD).
An active sex life plays an important role but it also carries risks. Engaging in any sexual activity without protection can result in sexually transmitted infections. The sexual health services our clinic offers in KL provides treatment for these issues as well as counselling and other preventative measures.
At Universal Clinic, we are a team of open-minded and knowledgeable sexual health specialists with many years’ experiences in dealing with sexually transmitted infections and offer a multidisciplinary service to screen, test, and treat patients with sexually transmitted infections (STI) and disease (STD).
Why Choose Universal Clinic For Sexually Transmitted Infections Testing And Treatment?
Chlamydia
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted through sexual activity.Most do not exhibit any symptoms, but are still at risk of transmitting chlamydia through sex. We recommend testing for chlamydia on a regular basis if you are sexually active. Chlamydia can be present in the back of your throat, on your penis, in your anus or in your vagina. At Universal Clinic we test for chlamydia with a throat swab, anal swab and first-void urine sample. Make an appointment with us if you think you have been exposed to chlamydia.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted through sexual activity.Most do not exhibit any symptoms, but are still at risk of transmitting chlamydia through sex. We recommend testing for chlamydia on a regular basis if you are sexually active. Chlamydia can be present in the back of your throat, on your penis, in your anus or in your vagina. At Universal Clinic we test for chlamydia with a throat swab, anal swab and first-void urine sample. Make an appointment with us if you think you have been exposed to chlamydia.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea
- urethra (the tube that drains urine from the urinary bladder)
- eyes
- throat
- vagina
- anus
- female reproductive tract such as the fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea
- urethra (the tube that drains urine from the urinary bladder)
- eyes
- throat
- vagina
- anus
- female reproductive tract such as the fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus
Syphilis
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection and a common cause of vaginitis. It is caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the urogenital tract; the most common site of the infection is the vagina and the urethra.
SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN
Symptoms may occur within 5 to 28 days after exposure. Typically, only women experience symptoms, including inflammation of the cervix, urethra, and vagina, with burning and itching sensations. Urination and sexual intercourse may be painful. Vaginal discharge is common, appearing green-yellow colour, and producing a foul smell. Lower abdominal pain might develop.
SYMPTOMS IN MEN
In men, the parasite can be dormant for many years without any signs. Some men may temporarily exhibit symptoms such as a mild discharge, irritation inside the penis, and slight burning after urination and ejaculation.
COMPLICATIONS
Trichomoniasis may in increase the risk of HIV transmission.
Trichomoniasis may cause women premature birth, or birth of a low-weight infant.
Trichomoniasis is associated with increased risk of cervical cancer, and potentially prostate cancer.
DIAGNOSIS
Trichomoniasis testing detects the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite in a sample of urine or body fluid taken from a person’s genitals.
TREATMENT
Antibiotic medications like metronidazole and tinidazole clear up the infection in most people.
Genital Warts
Genital Warts
Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus
Infection with herpes simplex virus, can be due to either herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause infection in or around the mouth (oral herpes).
However, HSV-1 can also be transmitted through oral-genital contact to cause infection in or around the genital area (genital herpes). HSV-2 is almost exclusively transmitted through genital-to-genital contact during sex, causing infection in the genital or anal area (genital herpes).
HSV 1
Mode of transmission:
- Kissing
- Sharing objects such as silverware, lip balm, razor, cutlery, plates and cups
Symptoms:
- Tingling, itching, or burning. Before the blisters appear, the skin may tingle, itch, or burn for a day or so.
- Blisters/Sores. Most blisters appear on the lips or around the mouth. Sometimes blisters form on the face or on the tongue.
- Symptoms can last up to 2-3 weeks if left untreated.
HSV 2
Mode of transmission:
- Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during genital contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. However, receiving oral sex from a person with an oral HSV-1 infection can result in getting a genital HSV-1 infection.
Symptoms:
- Tingling, itching, or burning. Before the blisters appear, the skin may tingle, itch, or burn for a day or so.
- Sores typically occur on the penis, vagina, buttocks, or anus. Women can have sores inside the vagina.
- Symptoms can last up to 2-6 weeks(first outbreak)
Our doctors have extensive experience in treating Herpes infection and can give you all the answers you need.
Hepatitis B & C
Hepatitis B & C
Both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are infectious viruses that target the liver. It’s common for people to have either infection without knowing they do.
Both are easy to detect with a blood test. Hep B can be prevented with a series of vaccines and Hep C is now easily curable with tablets.
We recommended testing for Hep B or C if you:
- are a gay or a bisexual man
- are pregnant
- ever injected drugs
- live with someone who has Hepatitis B
- had a transfusion before 1990
- have HIV or already have hepatitis
- are born overseas in higher prevalence areas
- visited a sex worker
- have had a needle stick injury (B & C)
- have liver abnormalities
- are a sexual partner of someone with Hepatitis C
- unsterile tattoos or body piercing
We know that getting tested and treated for STIs or can be daunting and embarrassing. So we’re here to put you at ease with our open, confidential and non-judgemental service. We are committed to protecting your privacy while ensuring you are tested and treated quickly.
Hepatitis B & C
Hepatitis B & C
Both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are infectious viruses that target the liver. It’s common for people to have either infection without knowing they do.
Both are easy to detect with a blood test. Hep B can be prevented with a series of vaccines and Hep C is now easily curable with tablets.
We recommended testing for Hep B or C if you:
- are a gay or a bisexual man
- are pregnant
- ever injected drugs
- live with someone who has Hepatitis B
- had a transfusion before 1990
- have HIV or already have hepatitis
- are born overseas in higher prevalence areas
- visited a sex worker
- have had a needle stick injury (B & C)
- have liver abnormalities
- are a sexual partner of someone with Hepatitis C
- unsterile tattoos or body piercing
We know that getting tested and treated for STIs or can be daunting and embarrassing. So we’re here to put you at ease with our open, confidential and non-judgemental service. We are committed to protecting your privacy while ensuring you are tested and treated quickly.
HPV
HPV
What is HPV?
HPV, or the Human Papilloma Virus, is one of Australia’s most common viral STIs. There are over 100 strains of the virus and around 40 of them can be sexually transmitted.
Some are particularly high risk for developing cancer, while others are low risk but can be responsible for Genital Warts.
HPV can cause changes to the cells in a woman’s cervix and is the single biggest cause of cervical cancer in women. HPV is also linked to throat, vulval, anal, and other forms of cancer, affecting both men and women.
Transmission
HPV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and the exchange of bodily fluids.
This includes oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. It is possible, to contract the infection even when your partner is wearing protection, as the genital area can still be exposed and therefore contact your skin.
Symptoms
Most people with HPV will not have any symptoms, so the only way to know if you have HPV is to get tested.
The low-risk HPVs can cause Genital Warts.
Warts are often small red or pink growths which measure a few millimetres across though, in extreme circumstances, they can grow up to 10cm wide.
They can be flat or bumpy, resembling small raspberries or cauliflowers in appearance. Many HPV growths can be hidden or invisible, so regular HPV testing is the best way to keep track of your health.
Though the more high-risk types of HPV can cause cancer, they are not typically visible, so it is extremely important that women receive regular HPV tests and cervical smears. For MSM, regular anal swab testing is also important.
Testing
An HPV test can be done with a swab sample or urine sample. The urine HPV DNA test is the preferred choice now as it can detect HPV with better accuracy. HPV DNA test can also be done to detect HPV in Men.
HPV
HPV
What is HPV?
HPV, or the Human Papilloma Virus, is one of Australia’s most common viral STIs. There are over 100 strains of the virus and around 40 of them can be sexually transmitted.
Some are particularly high risk for developing cancer, while others are low risk but can be responsible for Genital Warts.
HPV can cause changes to the cells in a woman’s cervix and is the single biggest cause of cervical cancer in women. HPV is also linked to throat, vulval, anal, and other forms of cancer, affecting both men and women.
Transmission
HPV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and the exchange of bodily fluids.
This includes oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. It is possible, to contract the infection even when your partner is wearing protection, as the genital area can still be exposed and therefore contact your skin.
Symptoms
Most people with HPV will not have any symptoms, so the only way to know if you have HPV is to get tested.
The low-risk HPVs can cause Genital Warts.
Warts are often small red or pink growths which measure a few millimetres across though, in extreme circumstances, they can grow up to 10cm wide.
They can be flat or bumpy, resembling small raspberries or cauliflowers in appearance. Many HPV growths can be hidden or invisible, so regular HPV testing is the best way to keep track of your health.
Though the more high-risk types of HPV can cause cancer, they are not typically visible, so it is extremely important that women receive regular HPV tests and cervical smears. For MSM, regular anal swab testing is also important.
Testing
An HPV test can be done with a swab sample or urine sample. The urine HPV DNA test is the preferred choice now as it can detect HPV with better accuracy. HPV DNA test can also be done to detect HPV in Men.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina that develops when the normal balance of vaginal bacteria is disrupted. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.
Examples of activities that change the normal bacterial balance include douching, taking antibiotics, wearing an intrauterine device (IUD), and having unprotected sexual activity.
BV is more common in sexually active women than in non-sexually active women, but it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
The main symptom of BV is a thin vaginal discharge that appears greyish white and smells of fish, especially after sexual activity.
Other symptoms may include burning when urinating, itching around the outside of the vagina, and irritation. These symptoms may also be caused by another type of infection, so it is important to see a doctor. Many women with BV have no symptoms at all.
BV is often diagnosed based on a pelvic exam and symptoms; however certain tests can help confirm the diagnosis.
BV will sometimes go away without treatment. Your doctor may choose to treat it with antibiotics if your symptoms persist.
Ureaplasma
Ureaplasma
What Is Ureaplasma Urealyticum?
Ureaplasma Urealyticum is a group of bacteria present in the urogenital and reproductive and respiratory tract. They are very tiny and are not even visible through a regular microscope. They are generally harmless but when they increase in numbers, it can result in inflammation of tissues which can lead to infection if not diagnosed in time and treated quickly.
How Does It Spread
Ureaplasma Urealyticum is usually transmitted through sexual contact. The infection is generally seen in sexually active individuals. It can also be passed from the mother to the child. Individuals with a poor immune system are generally affected.
Symptoms:
Most affected individuals don’t experience or exhibit any specific symptoms. The general symptoms are:
- Painful urination
- A constant burning sensation
- Watery discharge from the penis or vagina
- Bad vaginal odor
Diagnosis:
A specialized urine test can be done to detect Ureaplasma
Treatment:
Treatment for Ureaplasma Urealyticum is done by prescribing a course of antibiotics that includes azithromycin or doxycycline. The doctor may prescribe moxifloxacin if the response to ordinary antibiotics is not satisfactory.
Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma Genitalium
MG can affect both men and women, and is passed from person to person via their body fluids when they have sex.
That can be via penile-vaginal sex or via penile-anal sex. Transmission via oral sex isn’t thought to be a big factor.
If you’re a man with symptoms, they can vary from mild to moderate and include:
- mild irritation, an itch, or a burning sensation when urinating
- a penile discharge, which may be clear or more like pus.
For women, symptoms may include:
- a vaginal discharge
- bleeding or pain with sex
- abdominal pain (which may be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease)
Once diagnosed, you’ll be treated with a course of oral antibiotics for about two weeks. Unfortunately, you may need several courses to cure the infection due to increasing antibiotic resistance.
Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma Genitalium
MG can affect both men and women, and is passed from person to person via their body fluids when they have sex.
That can be via penile-vaginal sex or via penile-anal sex. Transmission via oral sex isn’t thought to be a big factor.
If you’re a man with symptoms, they can vary from mild to moderate and include:
- mild irritation, an itch, or a burning sensation when urinating
- a penile discharge, which may be clear or more like pus.
For women, symptoms may include:
- a vaginal discharge
- bleeding or pain with sex
- abdominal pain (which may be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease)
Once diagnosed, you’ll be treated with a course of oral antibiotics for about two weeks. Unfortunately, you may need several courses to cure the infection due to increasing antibiotic resistance.
