Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or Diseases
STIs are sexually transmitted infections that are caused by different types of microorganisms. (Bacteria, Viruses & Parasites)
Types of Sexually transmitted Inspection
- STIs caused by bacteria such as Gonorrhea, Syphilis and Chlamydia, which are passed through unprotected sex and infected fluids.
- STIs caused by Viruses , such as HPV, HIV and Genital Herpes , which are passed through sexual contact and bodily fluids.
- STIs caused by parasites , such as Trichomoniasis , which are passed through sexual contact and infected fluids.
- STIs caused by fungi, such as Candidiasis , which are passed through sexual contact and humid and moist environments.
Symptoms & Prevention of STIs
Most of the STIs are asymptotic. When symptoms occur , they can be non specific.
- Gonorrhea : Often asymptotic , but symptoms like penile discharge, pain during urination, and abdominal pain. It can also cause throat or rectal infections.
- Chlamydia : Often asymptotic , but symptoms like abnormal vaginal and penile discharge, pain or discomfort during urination , and abdominal pain.
- Syphilis: It has several stages, and symptoms vary. Primary syphilis may present as a painless sore (chancre) on the genitals or mouth.
Secondary syphilis can cause rash, fever, and other flu-like symptoms.
If left untreated, it can progress to more deadly tertiary syphilis, which affects other body organs like the heart, brain etc. other than Genitals.
4.HIV : It can be asymptotic for long period and in early stages may persist Flu like symptoms.
5.Herpes: Its symptoms are painful sores and blisters on genitals and mouth. In early stages virus can also causes flu like symptoms.
6.HPV: Many strains of HPV are asymptomatic, but some can cause genital warts or lead to various cancers.
7.Trichomoniasis: Its symptoms are Itching, burning, and discomfort in the genital area, along with abnormal discharge.
Prevention & Treatment of STIs
In case of STIs prevention is better than cure. Prevention methods are –
- Use of condoms: Use of Condoms in all vaginal & anal sex offer most effective way of protection against STIs, including HIV.
- Vaccination: There are vaccines available for certain STIs Specifically HPV and Hepatitis B virus. The HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, is recommended for everyone ages 9 to 26 years, and some people up to age 45 to help prevent cancer-causing infections and precancers.
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, and adults.
Antibiotics Medicines can treat and cure STIs caused by Bacteria and parasites, but they cannot cure viral infections, so
unless proper diagnosis do not take medicines unnecessarily.
3.Loyal to Life Partner: Having multiple sex partner increases the risk of STIs, so be loyal to your life partner.
4.Awareness about STIs: Keep informed about the various sexually transmitted diseases, so that diagnosis and treatment
can be done in early stages of infection.
5.Regular Testing: If someone have multiple sex partners then, he/she should be get tested for STIs regularly. It is very
helpful to follow a healthcare provider’s advice for proper treatment and management.
Some Key Facts as per WHO:
- More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic.
- Each year there are an estimated 374 million new infections with 1 of 4 curable STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.
- More than 500 million people 15–49 years are estimated to have a genital infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes).
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with over 311000 cervical cancer deaths each year.
- Almost 1 million pregnant women were estimated to be infected with syphilis in 2016, resulting in over 350000 adverse birth outcomes.
- STIs have a direct impact on sexual and reproductive health through stigmatization, infertility, cancers, and pregnancy complications and can increase the risk of HIV.
- Drug resistance is a major threat to reducing the burden of STIs worldwide.
