What is Non-Specific Genital infection?
Non-Specific
genital infection if a medical term used to describe a variety of infective
conditions that affect women. A similar condition occurs in men - this is
called Non-Specific Urethritis. Many of the bacteria which cause these
infections are still unknown, hence the term "Non-Specific". However, a
bacterium called chlamydia is known to cause approximately 40% of these
infections. Tests for chlamydia are available in this
clinic.
What are
the Symptoms?
Most women with these infections have NO symptoms
whatsoever. However, some women may develop a discharge or a burning sensation
while passing urine, or vague lower abdominal pain. If the infection has spread
up through the womb and into the fallopian tubes, she can experience severe
pain, much like that of appendicitis.
Possible consequences of these infections
If a women
acquires one of these infections, particularly chlamydia, and does not receive
proper treatment at a clinic, she could develop a tubal infection. This
condition is called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), and it can lead to
chronic pelvic pain and sterility. PID can be a very difficult condition to
treat effectively. Therefore, a woman needs to be seen at a clinic with staff
experienced in dealing with these conditions - a clinic which also has the
proper facilities necessary for treating her partner.
Treatment
These infections are
treated with antibiotics. The label gives you details about the name of the
drug and proper dose to take. Most cases are treated with Zithromax - 4 tablets
in one go. A different type is Doxycycline and needs to be taken for 2 weeks.
As with all tablets, take these with plenty of water to prevent them from
"sticking" on the way down. CAUTION - Very rarely, a skin reaction can occur in
patients taking Doxycycline on exposure to strong sunlight. So, avoid
sunbathing or using UV sunbeds while taking these tablets. WARNING ! - These
tablets should NOT be taken during pregnancy ! Therefore, it is important to
tell the doctor is you think you could be pregnant. The third type of
antibiotic is called Erythromycin, and this is safe during
pregnancy.
Treatment, even after negative results?
Some women
are asked to attend the clinic because their partner has Non-Specific
Urethritis (NSU). At the clinic, a full examination is done, and some
preliminary results are available that same day. However, it takes one week for
chlamydia results to become available. Even if ALL test results are negative,
the women whose partners have NSU are still treated with a course of
antibiotics, because not all of the causes of NSU can be detected. If the woman
is not treated, the infection in her partner could keep recurring, and she also
risks developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Therefore, it is ESSENTIAL
that the woman has NO sex with her partner until both have been treated and
given the "all clear" by the clinic.
Antibiotics, Alcohol, and the Pill
There is NO
reaction between the antibiotics and alcohol, but antibiotics may be less
effective if you drink a lot of alcohol. Complete the course of antibiotics,
even if you wish to drink. If you have any difficulties, contact the clinic.
Taking any type of antibiotic can make the oral contraceptive pill less
effective. So, another form of contraception (ie. condom) is ALSO recommended
as a back up method during the pill cycle when the antibiotics are
taken.
Please
remember that using a condom offers good protection against all sexually
transmitted infections, including the HIV virus. Condoms are supplied free from
Family Planning Clinics and Genito-Urinary Clinics.
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