Tips for help with STIs
The number of cases of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) rises every year, with almost 400,000 new cases during 2007.
And if you've been unfortunate enough to be affected, we've got some great tips from other women to try to ease the discomfort.
If you have any suggestions of your own, we'd love to hear from you - send us an email with your idea
Testing and treating chlamydia
If you've been diagnosed with chlamydia, don't forget that your partner could have it too and, even if you've been treated for it, you could get it again, so make sure they're treated too.
Anonymous
Some of my friends had chlamydia so I worried I might have it too but I was too embarrassed to go to my doctor. Instead I bought a Chlamydia Test Kit at Boots for £25, which I did at home then posted off to a lab to get the results.
Anonymous
Easing the discomfort of genital warts
I've had recurring genital warts for some time and find Aveeno Colloidal Bath Powder is really good at stopping the itching. I buy it online at Westons Health. £12.02 for 10 50g sachets.
Anonymous
I was desperate for relief for my genital warts and read on the internet that aloe vera can be helpful, but I didn't have any in the house. Then I realised that my baby's wipes contained Aloe Vera so I started using that instead of toilet paper. It really helped.
Anonymous
Tackling herpes
A friend told me St John's Wort can work on herpes so I'm giving it a go. 100 capsules (300mg), £11.99, Holland & Barrett
Anonymous
I have recurring sores from herpes, but I find they're soothed by lukewarm or cool cloths placed on the affected area.
Anonymous
How to treat scabies
My son caught scabies on a school trip and gave it to the whole family. We used Derbac M liquid from Express Chemist and it did the trick. You just cover yourself in it and then not wash for 24 hours. It costs £9.99.
Kelly Williams, 36, Wellingborough, Northants
To get rid of scabies, buy some pure tea tree oil from your local health food store and put about 20 drops in a warm bath. Soak for 15 minutes, making sure all affected areas are covered with the water. Make sure all your family do this too and soon you'll have no more problems.
Dawn Chinn, 46, Crook, County Durham
Dealing with sexually transmitted infections (STI)
I was worried I might have caught chlamydia as I knew it can affect your fertility. But I didn't want our family doctor to check me out, so I went online and ordered Sure Screen. It's a test you can do yourself at home and the results only take 10 minutes. It costs £11.49, from Test in Private. Thankfully, I was clear, but it gave be real peace of mind.
Anonymous
Specialist clinics are the best places to go if you think you've got an STI, sexually transmitted infection. It's also less embarrassing than going to your local GP. They have to keep all your information confidential and are experts at spotting symptoms. So if you're in doubt, find a local clinic by following this link http://www.multimap.com/clients/places.cgi?client=fpa2.
Anonymous
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ian, 9 months [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
if you don't want to go to Boots, the Terrence Higgins Trust and DrThom offer a joint postal testing and treatment service for genital chlamydia. The service costs £25 and if you test positive their doctors will treat you by post for free, unlike at Boots. You can find the service at http://www.drthom.com/partner/terrence_higgins_trust.php The service is regulated by the Healthcare Commission.