You may have read some incorrect information surrounding monkeypox, with many outlets suggesting it is a new STI affecting gay men, but this isn’t wholly true. While monkeypox is spread through bodily fluids, it isn’t thought to be spread via semen or vaginal fluids. So where did this misconception come from? Well, throughout Europe, the UK, and North America, the primary way the virus is spreading is from sex among men, leading to many people to jump to the wrong conclusion and assume it must be a new STI. Misinformation can be dangerous, which is why our team at Broadgate GP have compiled this informative guide to help you distinguish the difference between monkeypox and a common STI.
How is it Spread?
The most likely reason there’s an increase in the number of people diagnosed with monkeypox from sexual contact is due to the way monkeypox is spread. As previously stated, monkeypox is spread through contact with bodily fluids such as saliva and blood, but also through close and touch contact. Experts suspect that transmission via sexual contact is happening because of a combination of close contact and respiratory droplets from prolonged face-to-face contact as these droplets cannot travel more than a few feet.
The trouble with preventing transmission is the fact that early symptoms of monkeypox resemble cold and flu symptoms and don’t present themselves until 5-21 days after infection occurs, meaning many people aren’t aware they have the virus and can transmit it until it’s too late to isolate or take the necessary precautions.
The Transmission of STIs
Unlike monkeypox, STIs are spread through sexual contact and pass from person to person via blood, semen, and vaginal and bodily fluids. However, some STIs can be transferred non-sexually, such as through blood transfusions, shared needles, or from mothers to their babies during pregnancy, childbirth, or while breastfeeding. While some STIs may not present symptoms, the symptoms present differ greatly to the symptoms of monkeypox. Some of the symptoms of an STI include:
Pain During Sex: Though pain during sex can be brought about by thrust, it can also indicate chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and genital herpes.
Penile Discharge: Combined with other symptoms, such as pain or swelling of the testicles or an unusual colour, penile discharge is often a symptom of chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
Painful Urination: A painful or burning sensation during urination could be caused by a UTI, but it’s also a common symptom of genital herpes, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia.
Unusual Vaginal Bleeding: If you’re bleeding irregularly or outside of your menstrual cycle, it could indicate an STI.
It’s important to note that some symptoms of STIs, including rashes, fevers, and swollen glands are also early signs of monkeypox, further pushing the narrative that monkeypox is a new STI. If you present with any of these symptoms and you have not been in contact with somebody infected with monkeypox or have not travelled to Central or West Africa in the last 6 weeks, you should contact your GP or local sexual health clinic for an STI test.
Treatment Options
While monkeypox is treated only to relieve symptoms and make recovery more comfortable, STIs require antibiotics, creams, and several other treatment types that only a doctor can prescribe to either get rid of the problem or alleviate symptoms. Monkeypox will go away on its own, while sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV – which monkeypox has been incorrectly compared to in the past few weeks – has no effective cure and must instead be managed with medication and frequent testing.
How Will Monkeypox Affect NHS Services?
It’s been estimated that monkeypox will have a massive impact on health services, especially sexual health services – with some clinics already limiting services to prevent exposure to staff. Since 2020, NHS resources have been stretched thin thanks to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and monkeypox could slow down the chances of services returning to normal. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that many people have begun to turn to private clinics for both regular treatment and sexual health needs.
It’s worried that if the number of people contracting monkeypox continues to rise, more people will be calling their GP and checking into A&E for an illness that can be managed by over the counter medication and isolation, which will add to the current strain on services.
For more information on monkeypox or STIs, get in touch with us now!
If you would like to know more about either monkeypox or the various STIs you’re at risk of contracting if you’re sexually active, get in touch with our team at Broadgate GP today! Our team is on hand to provide treatment advice and guidance and can book our patients an appointment!
