scholarly journals Oral Transmission of Sexually Transmissable Infections: A Narrative Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (12) ◽  
pp. 776
Author(s):  
Catarina Queirós ◽  
João Borges da Costa

Over the last few decades, behavioral changes in sexual practices have made oral transmission of traditional sexually transmissible infections increasingly recognized. Patients harboring a sexually transmissible infection may first present lesions on the oral cavity, as these may be visible and interfere with basic functions such as speech or swallowing. Moreover, the oral cavity may function as a reservoir for future spread of these infections. In order to successfully control this problem, a greater focus on oral sex should be persued, along with promotion of the use of condom and education on safe oral sex practices. Furthermore, examination of the oral cavity should is essential when evaluating any patient suspected of harboring a sexually transmissible infection. In this article, oral transmission of several viral and bacterial infections is reviewed, including human papillomavirus infection, genital herpes, syphilis and gonorrhea, among others.

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Templeton ◽  
Phillip Read ◽  
Rajesh Varma ◽  
Christopher Bourne

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia and overseas are disproportionately affected by sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV. Many STIs are asymptomatic, so regular testing and management of asymptomatic MSM remains an important component of effective control. We reviewed articles from January 2009–May 2013 to inform the 2014 update of the 2010 Australian testing guidelines for asymptomatic MSM. Key changes include: a recommendation for pharyngeal chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) testing, use of nucleic acid amplification tests alone for gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) testing (without gonococcal culture), more frequent (up to four times a year) gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing in sexually active HIV-positive MSM, time required since last void for chlamydia first-void urine collection specified at 20 min, urethral meatal swab as an alternative to first-void urine for urethral chlamydia testing, and the use of electronic reminders to increase STI and HIV retesting rates among MSM.


Sexual Health ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Yap ◽  
Juliet Richters ◽  
Tony Butler ◽  
Karen Schneider ◽  
Kristie Kirkwood ◽  
...  

Background: Dental dams have been distributed to women prisoners for protection against HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in some Canadian and Australian prisons for over a decade. However, we do not know whether they serve any useful public health purpose. Objective: To determine how dental dams are used in women’s prisons in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Method: Using quantitative and qualitative methods, we investigated women’s sexual practices with a focus on how dental dams are used in NSW prisons. Results: Although 71 of the 199 (36%) women reported having had sex with another inmate, with oral sex involved in most encounters, only eight (4%) had ever used a dental dam. The main sources of STI transmission risk among women prisoners were oral sex, manual sex and sharing dildos. Furthermore, sharing razors could also allow the transmission of blood-borne viruses, which could occur during sex in the presence of cuts or menstrual fluid. The high rates of hepatitis B and C among incarcerated women compound this risk. Conclusion: Dental dams are not widely used by women prisoners and we question their utility in women’s prisons. Oral sex is an important risk factor for acquisition of herpes simplex virus type 1, but most women in NSW prisons (89%) are already infected. Condoms and latex gloves may have more use. Condoms could be used as a barrier on shared dildos and sex toys, while latex gloves could be used to protect cut and grazed hands from vaginal and menstrual fluids.


Sexual Health ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asaduzzaman Khan ◽  
David Plummer

The data from a postal survey of 409 general practitioners (GPs) practicing in New South Wales are analysed to explore GPs’ concerns, if any, about available printed information materials on sexually transmissible infections (STI) for patients. Just over half (55%) of GPs considered the materials for patients to be inadequate and/or inappropriate with 18% considering the materials as too technical for many patients and 13% considering the materials mostly out of date. Over a fifth reported that either STI materials were not available in their clinic or they did not know where to get those materials.


Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
Stephanie A. Sanders ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Marija V. Wheeler ◽  
...  

Background The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that receptive partners in penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI) who exercise independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert sexually transmissible infection (STI) transmission or acquisition. Methods: Data were collected through a partnership with Clue, the industry-leading female health app. A brief web-based questionnaire was developed, translated into 10 languages, and made accessible via a URL link sent to Clue users and posted on social media. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥14 years, not being currently pregnant and engaging in PVI and condom use during menses in the past 3 months. The analytical subsample comprised 12889 respondents residing in 146 countries. Results: Twenty per cent indicated independent decision making about condom use during menses. Independent decision making was associated with lower odds of reporting that condoms were used for contraception (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.65; 99% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–0.73) and higher odds that they were used for the prevention of STIs (aOR 1.44; 99% CI 1.28–1.61). A third significant finding pertained to always using condoms during menses; this was less likely among those indicating independent (female only) decision making (aOR 0.69; 99% CI 0.62–0.78). Non-significant associations with another two outcomes were found: protecting the partner against menstrual blood and protecting themselves against semen. Conclusions: Findings from people in 146 countries strongly support the hypothesis that those exercising independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert STI transmission or acquisition. That only one-fifth of this global sample reported this type of independent decision making suggests that empowerment-oriented (structural-level) interventions may be advantageous for individuals who are the receptive partner in PVI that occurs during menses.


Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
Stephanie A. Sanders ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Marija V. Wheeler ◽  
...  

Background:The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that receptive partners in penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI) who exercise independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert sexually transmissible infection (STI) transmission or acquisition. Methods: Data were collected through a partnership with Clue, the industry-leading female health app. A brief web-based questionnaire was developed, translated into 10 languages, and made accessible via a URL link sent to Clue users and posted on social media. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥14 years, not being currently pregnant and engaging in PVI and condom use during menses in the past 3 months. The analytical subsample comprised 12889 respondents residing in 146 countries. Results: Twenty per cent indicated independent decision making about condom use during menses. Independent decision making was associated with lower odds of reporting that condoms were used for contraception (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.65; 99% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–0.73) and higher odds that they were used for the prevention of STIs (aOR 1.44; 99% CI 1.28–1.61). A third significant finding pertained to always using condoms during menses; this was less likely among those indicating independent (female only) decision making (aOR 0.69; 99% CI 0.62–0.78). Non-significant associations with another two outcomes were found: protecting the partner against menstrual blood and protecting themselves against semen. Conclusions: Findings from people in 146 countries strongly support the hypothesis that those exercising independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert STI transmission or acquisition. That only one-fifth of this global sample reported this type of independent decision making suggests that empowerment-oriented (structural-level) interventions may be advantageous for individuals who are the receptive partner in PVI that occurs during menses.


Sexual Health ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Holt ◽  
Diana Bernard ◽  
Kane Race

Background: Gay men are considerably more likely than their heterosexual peers to be diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), yet relatively little has been published on gay men’s perceptions of STIs other than HIV. Methods: Drawing on interviews conducted with Sydney gay men, we analysed perceptions of STIs, and men’s experiences of testing and diagnosis. Results: Over half the men in the study had ever been diagnosed with an STI. STIs were generally regarded as inconvenient consequences of sexual activity. Viral, recurring STIs were viewed as being more serious than curable, bacterial STIs. However, all STIs were considered as considerably less important than HIV. Condom use and regular STI testing were the most commonly used strategies to manage the risk of STIs. Despite the relative lack of concern attributed to STIs, being diagnosed with an STI could generate feelings of shame, embarrassment and annoyance. For some men, education campaigns appeared to have helped destigmatise STIs and encourage regular testing. Conclusions: We believe that to maintain high rates of STI testing among gay men, community education efforts should continue to reduce the stigma associated with STIs and greater support should be offered to gay men when they receive an STI diagnosis.


Sexual Health ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie G. Cwikel ◽  
Tal Lazer ◽  
Fernanda Press ◽  
Simcha Lazer

Due to the mobile and clandestine nature of those who enter a country illegally, female sex workers (FSWs) who are working without papers or work permits often have no access to sexual health care. This study reports on the sexually transmissible infection (STI) prevalence among a sample of 43 sex workers working illegally. Brothel workers from republics of the Former Soviet Union (FSU), working in two locales in Israel were tested for the presence of eight pathogens and the presence of pathology by Pap smear. Of these brothel workers, 48.8% had at least one positive STI result, 14% had two STIs and one woman had three STIs. There were no cases of HIV, gonorrhoea or malignancy detected; high rates of ureaplasma (26.8%) and chlamydia were found (16.7%). Four cases of hepatitis C (9%) and three cases of hepatitis B (7%) and mycoplasma (7%) were detected. There was no relationship between reported symptoms and the detection of STIs. The level of STIs is high among this population of FSWs and it is imperative to develop more accessible health services for these women.


Sexual Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Dodge ◽  
Barbara Van Der Pol ◽  
Michael Reece ◽  
David Malebranche ◽  
Omar Martinez ◽  
...  

Rectal sexually transmissible infections are a common health concern for men who have sex with men but little is known about these infections among men who have sex with both men and women. Self-obtained rectal specimens were collected from a diverse sample of behaviourally bisexual men. From a total sample of 75 bisexual men, 58 collected specimens. A relatively high prevalence of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection was found. Participants who collected specimens reported overall acceptability and comfort with self-sampling. Future efforts are needed focusing on increasing awareness of and options for rectal sexually transmissible infection testing among bisexual men.


Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 517
Author(s):  
Louise Bourchier ◽  
Sue Malta ◽  
Meredith Temple-Smith ◽  
Jane Hocking

Background This study examined trends in chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnosis, and chlamydia testing and positivity, among older women in Australia between 2000 and 2018. Methods: Using national notifiable disease data and Medicare data, diagnosis rates were calculated for each sexually transmissible infection (STI), as well as testing and positivity rates for chlamydia. Data were compared between two older groups (55–64 and 65–74 years) and two younger groups (15–24 and 25–34 years). Poisson regression examined trends for 2000–18 and 2014–18 separately. Results: Rates for all STIs increased across all age groups and were highest in the two youngest age groups. From 2014 to 2018, chlamydia rates increased the most among those aged 55–64 years [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.06; 95%CI: 1.02–1.10] and declined in those aged 15–24 years (IRR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.99–0.99). Gonorrhoea rates increased the most among those aged 65–74 years (IRR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.23–1.77) and least in those aged 15–24 years (IRR = 1.12; 95%CI: 1.10–1.13). Syphilis rates increased the most among those aged 55–64 years (IRR = 1.58; 95%CI: 1.25–1.99) and least in those aged 15–24 years (IRR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.23–1.35). Chlamydia test positivity declined among younger women but remained stable in older women. Conclusions: In general, STIs are increasing among older women in Australia at a faster rate than among younger women. Although the greatest burden is among younger women, STIs need to be considered and monitored among older women.


Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Murray ◽  
Limin Mao ◽  
T.-H. (Horas) Wong ◽  
Tim Chen ◽  
Brent Mackie ◽  
...  

Background Gay and other men who have sex with men of Asian background (GAM) have been identified as a key population in efforts to eradicate HIV in New South Wales. The aims of the present study were to evaluate current levels of engagement with HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing services, assess knowledge of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis and to identify factors associated with service engagement in this group. Methods: A survey of 604 GAM residing in Sydney and Melbourne was undertaken. Results: The data identified that a significant proportion of non-HIV-positive men (i.e. HIV-negative men and men whose HIV status was unknown) surveyed (n = 567; 93.9%) had engaged in frequent HIV testing and comprehensive STI testing in the 12 months prior to the survey (n = 180; 31.7%). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in sexual practices at the bivariate level between those who reported frequent and comprehensive HIV/STI testing and those who did not. Those who tested regularly were substantially more sexually active, were more likely to have multiple partners (P = 0.001) and were more likely to engage in condomless anal intercourse with both casual (P < 0.001) and regular (P = 0.002) partners. Those who engaged with testing initiatives were more likely to discuss HIV status with both regular (P = 0.008) and casual (P < 0.001) partners, and identified more reasons to test than their counterparts (P < 0.001). The data also highlighted key service venues, with gay men most likely to have used public sexual health clinics (46.9%) as their most recent testing venue. Conclusions: The data demonstrate an association between high levels of male-to-male sexual activity and engagement in frequent and comprehensive HIV and STI testing. This likely derives from both self-perceived notions of risk and current reliance on established gay community organisations to convey information around testing. Increasing engagement with testing initiatives beyond GAM who self-identify as being at high HIV and STI risk will require the use of novel routes by which to disseminate this information.


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