Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also commonly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or venereal diseases (VDs), are infections that are primarily spread by sexual contact. The organisms that cause sexually transmitted infections may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids. Sometimes these infections can be transmitted nonsexually, such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.

Types of STIs

There are more than 20 types of STIs. Some of the most common are:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• HIV/AIDS
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B

Symptoms

Symptoms of STIs can vary depending on the organism causing the infection, but they often include one or more of the following:

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Burning during urination
• Unusual sores or rashes in the genital area
• Painful intercourse
• Fever and swollen lymph nodes

It is important to note that many STIs do not cause symptoms initially, which is why they often go undiagnosed and can be easily transmitted to others.

Transmission

The primary method of transmission for STIs is through sexual contact involving the genitals, anus, or mouth. However, some STIs can also be transmitted through non-sexual means such as:

• Blood transfusions
• Shared needles
• From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding

Prevention

Prevention of STIs primarily involves:

• Practicing safe sex, such as using condoms correctly and consistently
• Limiting the number of sexual partners
• Regular STI screening, especially if sexually active
• Vaccination for preventable diseases like HPV and hepatitis B

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an STI generally involves a combination of physical examinations, symptom assessment, and laboratory tests which may include blood tests, urine tests, or samples from genital sores to identify the cause of the infection.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific type of STI. For bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, antibiotics are effective. Viral STIs, such as herpes and HIV, are managed with antiviral medications. It is crucial for sexual partners to be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infection.

Complications

Untreated STIs can lead to severe health problems, including:

• Infertility
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Cancer, such as cervical cancer caused by HPV
• Transmission from mother to child, which can result in stillbirth or congenital diseases in the infant

Epidemiology

STIs remain a major public health challenge globally, affecting millions of people each year. Efforts to control STIs include education, increased awareness, and promoting safer sexual practices among populations.

See also

• Reproductive health
• Epidemiology of STIs
• Prevention of STIs
• Treatment of STIs