Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) – A sexually transmitted infection or STI is a very dangerous disease that can arise after having intercourse without protection. According to the UN, India has the third greatest number of HIV-infected persons. Itching and burning around the vaginal region are common signs of a STI. The good news is that most STI medicines can effectively treat the infection, but not all varieties. Even after receiving treatment for an STI, you may get it again.
Table of Contents
What is Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases or conditions that can be spread by contracting in any sexual activity involving the anus, vagina, mouth or penis. STIs and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are almost the same things. There are several forms of STIs with 30+ different viruses, bacteria and parasites. The most typical signs & symptoms are burning, itching, & discharge in the vaginal and genital region. Some STIs are asymptomatic, which means you may not have any symptoms.
Sexually transmitted diseases are extremely infectious. If you are sexually active, you may have (and pass on) a STI without realise it. If you are sexually active, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that you have frequent STI screenings or tests. STIs are dangerous infections that require treatment such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are incurable and can be fatal if treatment has not been done at the proper time.
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STI Types
Although the list of sexually transmitted diseases is quite long, the number of sexually transmitted diseases is less. Below are the main sexually transmitted diseases that you should know about.
- Chlamydia
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhea (clap)
- Genital herpes
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Pubic lice (crabs)
- Hepatitis B
- HIV/AIDS
- Vaginitis
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis (trick)
Sexual intercourse including vaginal, anal, and oral sex through mouth, nipple & vaginal sucking, etc. It has been shown to spread over 30 different germs, viruses, & parasites inclusing HIV and AIDS. 08 pathogens are associated with the highest prevalence of STIs. However, out of these 08, four are now curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, & trichomoniasis. But rest of the four are viral infections: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, & human papillomavirus.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections Symptoms
STDs can cause a variety of symptoms, including no symptoms. That is why sexually transmitted diseases might go undiscovered until a person develops difficulties or a partner is diagnosed.
STI symptoms may include:
- Discharge from the penis
- Unusual or smelly vaginal discharge
- Sores or pimples in the genitals, oral cavity, or rectal region
- Urination can be painful or burning
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Fever
- Rash on the trunk, hands, or feet
- Pain during sex
- Lower abdominal pain
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes, mainly in the groyne but occasionally more widespread
Sexually transmitted infection symptoms might occur many days after exposure. However, depending on what’s causing the STI, it might take years before you see any symptoms.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Causes
Sexually transmitted infections may be caused by:
- Bacteria. Bacterially caused STIs & STDs include gonorrhoea, syphilis, & chlamydia.
- Parasites. Trichomoniasis is a parasitic sexually transmitted disease.
- Viruses. Human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus, and HIV, which causes AIDS, are examples of viral STDs.
Risk Factor of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Anyone who engages in sexual activity risks contracting or transmitting an STD.
The following factors may raise the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted infection:
- Having unprotected sex: Vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected partner who is not wearing a condom (latex or polyurethane) significantly raises the chance of contracting an STD. Natural membrane condoms are not advised since they do not protect some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Not using condoms correctly or consistently might increase risk. Oral sex may be less dangerous. However, sexually transmitted illnesses can spread even if a person does not wear a condom (latex or polyurethane) or a dental dam. That’s a tiny square piece of latex or silicone rubber.
- Having sexual contact with several partners: The more persons you engage in sexual activity with, the higher your risk.
- Having a history of sexually transmitted infections: A single sexually transmitted virus makes it much simpler for another to take hold.
- Being coerced into sexual activity: Consult a health care provider as soon as possible to receive screening, treatment, and emotional support.
- Misuse of alcohol or recreational substances: Substance abuse can impair your judgement, making you more ready to engage in harmful actions.
- Injecting medicines: Sharing a needle when injecting drugs can cause a variety of dangerous illnesses such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
- Being youthful: People aged 15 to 24 have higher rates of STIs than those older.
Spread from mother to babies
Some sexually transmitted diseases can spread from mother to child during pregnancy or birth. Examples include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis. Infants with STIs might suffer catastrophic complications, including death. All pregnant women should be checked or tested for STIs and treated as necessary.
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A note from Kamarth
Sexually transmitted infections are frequent. Consult a healthcare physician if you have discomfort, burning, or itching around your genitals, or if you have other symptoms of a STI. Antibiotics are frequently effective at treating infections. Most STIs may be treated without causing long-term consequences. In severe cases, like HIV, you may require lifetime therapy. Using a condom or other STI prevention methods while sexually active can lower your chance of contracting a STI.
Some Additional Doubts
Questions: What is STI?
Answer: STI is an infection that mostly transmits through sexual contact of a person.
Questions: What causes sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Answer: Sexually transmitted infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, & parasites.
Questions: Who is affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Answer: The majority of STIs affect both men and women, although the health consequences for women are often more severe. If a STI is transmitted to a newborn, it might result in major health complications.
Questions: How to treat STDs in female?
Answer: Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases often includes one of the following, depending on the infection: Antibiotics. Antibiotics, frequently administered in a single dosage, can treat a variety of STIs caused by bacteria or parasites, including gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
Questions: What are 10 sexually transmitted disease?
Answer: Chlamydia, Genital herpes, Gonorrhea, HIV and HPV. Rest of STIs is mentioned in the article.
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Reference Links:-
https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmittedinfections.html
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/295860493_Knowledge_about_sexually_transmitted_diseases_among_primary_health_care_providers
https://www.prevention.va.gov/docs/mens-health-guide/STIs.pdf
https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections#tab=tab_1
https://www.epicentro.iss.it/ist/pdf/Suligoi%20IST%20CollanaRagazziPasteur%202020%20EN.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10178083