What is HPV and how is it passed?
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HPV (Human Papillomavirus or wart virus) is a viral STI that affects
skin and mucous membranes.
There are many types of HPV.
“High-risk” types of HPV (including types 16 and 18) can, over
long periods of time, cause cervical, penile and anal cancer.
“Low-risk” types of HPV (including types 6 and 11) cause visible
genital and anal warts but are rarely associated with cancer.
HPV is spread through genital skin-to-skin contact. Sexual
penetration is not necessary for infection.
Using condoms during sexual intercourse does reduce the risk
of getting HPV but it is not 100% effective, since uncovered skin
may still carry the virus, even if it appears normal.
How to prevent HPV infection?
SCREENING & VACCINATION FOR MSM
DSC Clinic
Vaccines are available against 2 or 4 types of the virus and they
consist of 3 injections, given over 6 months. These vaccines are
the most helpful if you have not had many sexual partners.
What should I do if I have an STI?
If you think you have been exposed to the above infections or
have had any type of sex with another man, visit the DSC Clinic
for a sexual health screen.
Abstain from sex until you have completed treatment for an STI
and advise sex partners to get tested and treated as well.
If you were diagnosed with gonorrhoea or chlamydia, get a
repeat after 3 months. Re-infection is common.
A specialised Men’s Clinic is also available at the DSC Clinic
every Wednesday (8am to 11 am). It provides confidential
screening, treatment and consultation for MSM.
31 Kelantan Lane #01-16 S(200031)
Bus Services
23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 130, 139, 147, 857
Nearest MRT station
Bugis (EWL)
Farrer Park (NEL)
Registration Hours
PUBLIC CLINIC (MEN & WOMEN)
Disclaimer
We have attempted to provide full, accurate and up to date
information in this patient information leaflet, based on current
medical evidence and opinion. However, information and
advice may vary from different sources, and over time. If you
have any further questions, see your doctor or healthcare
provider.
Make an appointment with us
Call the appointment centre at
6293 9648
or email the appointment centre at
[email protected]
Monday to Friday
WOMEN’S CLINIC
Wednesday
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
MEN’S CLINIC
Wednesday
EVENING CLINIC
Monday to Friday
8.00am to 11.00am
1.00pm to 4.00pm
8.00am to 11.00am
1.00pm to 4.00pm
8.00am to 11.00am
4.00pm to 6.30pm
Closed every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday
MORE CLINIC INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WWW.DSC-CLINIC.SG
OR VISIT US ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DSCSG
SV-E-1
Printed - September 2014
NATIONAL
SKIN
CENTRE
DSC Clinic
Why get screened and vaccinated?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are found more frequently in
men who have sex with men (MSM) than in other groups.
For example, MSM seen in the DSC Clinic are 25 times more likely
to get infectious syphilis, 4 times more likely to get gonorrhoea
and 1.5 times more likely to get chlamydia than other groups.
HIV is also more frequently found among MSM than in
heterosexuals. Other viral STIs, like hepatitis A, hepatitis B and
herpes, also affect MSM more frequently.
How are HIV and STIs related?
“Having an STI increases
the risk of catching HIV”
The inflammation caused by an STI (whether or not you have
symptoms) increases your risk of getting HIV. If an ulcer (open
sore) is present (from herpes or syphilis), the risk of catching HIV is
even greater.
“Having an STI increases
the risk of transmitting HIV”
STIs increase the viral load and make it easier to pass on HIV to
your sexual partners.
Furthermore if you are HIV positive and you catch an STI, the STI
may have more severe effects on you, or can worsen the HIV
infection.
Note: Having regular check-ups to monitor your HIV infection
does not mean that an STI screen is also being done.
How often should I get tested?
We recommend a full STI and HIV screen at least once a year
even if you have 1 regular sex partner. You should have screens
every 3 to 6 months, if you:
• Have unprotected anal sex.
• Have multiple sex partners.
• Attend venues, such as saunas, where you have anonymous sex.
• Use recreational drugs during sex.
• Have partner(s) who engage in the above activities.
How can I protect myself against STIs/HIV?
Use condoms every time you have sex.
Remember, although oral sex puts you at a low risk of getting
infected by HIV, the risk of getting other STIs is still high, so use
a condom for oral sex as well. In addition, have regular STI and
HIV screens, know your HIV status, and get vaccinated against
hepatitis A and B.
What does an STI screen involve?
What is hepatitis A and how is it passed?
Hepatitis A is a virus that infects the liver causing liver
inflammation. It usually causes a mild to moderate illness, but
can occasionally be severe.
An STI screen for MSM involves:
Blood Test
• HIV
You can get hepatitis A by getting small amounts of faeces in
your mouth. This can happen through sexual activities such as:
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C (if you are HIV positive or have ever injected
recreational drugs)
• Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) (depending on your symptoms)
Urine Sample
• Finger-rectal sexual contact (fingering, fisting) then putting
your fingers in your mouth.
• Oral-anal contact (rimming).
It can also be passed on by eating contaminated food or using
eating utensils handled by an infected person.
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
Throat Swab
How to prevent hepatitis A infection?
• Gonorrhoea
• Chlamydia
*Anal Swab
Unlike other STIs, condom use does not provide protection
against hepatitis A.
• Chlamydia
Vaccination provides over 95% protection against hepatitis A.
• Gonorrhoea
* Even if you do not have receptive anal sex, that is, being the
“bottom” partner, you can still get an STI in the rectum through
other activities like rimming (oral-anal contact) and fingering.
An anal swab is recommended even if you do not have anal
sex.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you are not immune.
Once vaccinated, you no longer need to include them in your STI
screens, and are protected lifelong.
What vaccinations are available for MSM
Hepatitis A and hepatitis
recommended for MSM.
• Touching used condoms or anal sex toys, then putting your
fingers in your mouth.
B
vaccinations
are
1st Dose
2nd Dose
Day 1
Month 6-12
What is hepatitis B and how is it passed?
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the blood and liver, causing
liver inflammation and long term liver disease. Occasionally it
can be fatal by causing liver scarring (cirrhosis) or liver cancer.
It can be passed through contact with blood and bodily fluids
through:
strongly
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination is available. It is
considered in MSM aged 26 years or younger, who have had few
sex partners to date or those who have not yet become sexually
active. Discuss with your doctor whether this vaccine is suitable
for you.
• Sexual intercourse with an infected person.
• Sharing contaminated needles when injecting drugs.
• Mother to child during pregnancy and delivery.
• Receiving contaminated blood products.
How to prevent hepatitis B infection?
Consistent condom use protects you against hepatitis B.
Vaccination provides more than 95% protection against
hepatitis B.
1st Dose
2nd Dose
3rd Dose
Day 1
Month 1
Month 6