Sexual Health
Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

 

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a condition passed on from an individual to another via sexual contact. An individual can contract an STD by having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the disease. Regular testing is essential so that infections are detected quickly. 

 

Some of the most common STDs in Singapore are: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital warts and genital herpes.

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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common STDs that can lead to health problems such as genital warts and cancers in both men and woman. HPV can be transmitted even when an infected individual shows zero symptoms.

 

The good news is, getting a HPV vaccination goes a long way in protecting yourself. HPV is a group of more than 100 related viruses, with each virus given a number (HPV type). They affect different parts of the body and about 30 types of HPV can affect the genitals. HPV is transmitted by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.

 

"High-risk" strains can infect the genitals of both genders - the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis and scrotum, as well as the rectum and anus, and lead to precancerous or cancerous changes.

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"Low-risk" types of HPV are primarily responsible for genital warts in males and females.

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How Can I Protect Myself?

 

Reduce the chances of fatality in cervical cancer with regular cervical and HPV vaccination. With regular screening and early detection, cervical cancer is highly treatable.

 

Here are some recommendations on how you can get started: