Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - For as long as man has existed on the planet, the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases and infections - STDs and Sexually transmitted infections - has also existed. Rises in such instances began a steady incline with the free spirited sexually uninhibited 60's and hasn't stopped since. In spite of the ever increasing knowledge base that we now have concerning the development and cause of sexually transmitted infections the simple fact that sexual encounters will continue to occur make it impossible to completely stem the tide of STDs.
Until the discovery of the looming epidemic of HIV, Sexually transmitted infections were often looked upon as nuisances rather than life-threatening. Although even before AIDS there were several sexually transmitted infections that could cause serious, permanent damage as well as the possibility of cancer or infertility, none were ever as fearsome and swift as the HIV virus that is primarily spread through sexual contact. It is important to highlight that an Sexually transmitted infection, such as Chlamydia, can be cured, however an STD e.g. HIV cannot.
Sexually transmitted infections (also known as STDs and venereal diseases) are transmitted everyday through sexual behaviors. They are often thought of as transmitted through sexual intercourse but are actually easier to catch than most people believe. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be transmitted through all bodily fluids (including saliva) and even limited exposure to the infection, open sores, childbirth, breast feeding and drug needles. Many sexually active people continue to be wary of unplanned pregnancy, while these same people neglect their safety by having unprotected sexual encounters.
Every year, tens of millions of new infections are reported and every year, people continue to die from these preventable infections.
Types of Sexually transmitted infections
There are four main types of (STIs) Sexually transmitted infections:
- Bacterial - these are infections that are caused by bacteria. Some well-known infections are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis. These infections can be treated with antibiotics and can go unnoticed for many years. They can be marked by discharge, abdominal pain, and even more serious symptoms such as nervous disorders and dementia.
- Fungal: These include more minor infections such as yeast infections and "jock itch". Although these infections are nuisances which cause the bearer to be terribly uncomfortable, they are usually treated with over the counter medicines and can be ratified within days.
- Viral: Viral infections are incurable at this point in time and are easily spread even through kissing and touching. Some viral Sexually Transmitted Infections include: Hepatitis B., Herpes, HIV (AIDS), and HPV. Viral cases are very hard to diagnose as they rarely cause overt symptoms until the infected person is extremely ill. Herpes will only show itself when it "flares up" with genital sores.
- Parasitic: Crabs (pubic lice) and scabies are tiny parasites that are transmitted from partner to partner through either touching or even sleeping in the same bed. They can cause itching, and rashes and people can usually be rid of them after several treatments of store-bought product.
Brief description of some common Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Chlamydia
This is the most common and most invisible Sexually transmitted infection. At least 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men have no symptoms; however, if they do have symptoms, they normally occur within 5-10 days of infection. Symptoms for women can include abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, painful urination and painful intercourse. Symptoms for men can include pain or burning while urinating, pus, watery or milky discharge from the penis, swollen or tender testicles and rectal inflammation. Chlamydia is spread through vaginal and anal intercourse, and infects more than 3 million men and women nationwide each year. If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in up to 40 percent of infected women, which can cause scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility. Fortunately, Chlamydia is easily curable with medication. Condoms will greatly reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
Gonorrhea
It affects about 600,000 men and women each year. It often has no symptoms, especially in women. If symptoms do appear, they usually occur within 14 days of infection, and can include abdominal pain, bleeding, fever, painful intercourse, vomiting and yellowish discharge in women. Men may have burning urination or pus-like discharge from the penis. If left untreated, Gonorrhea can also cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, as well as infertility in men. Luckily, Gonorrhea is also easy to treat with antibiotics. Condoms will greatly reduce the risk of contracting the infection which comes under Sexually transmitted infections.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
This is also one of the most common Sexually transmitted infections(STIs). There are more than 100 strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), with more than 40 of them transmitted through sexual contact. There are two types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), referred to as low-risk strains and high-risk strains. Some of the low-risk strains may cause genital warts in both women and men. The high-risk strains are especially dangerous, as they can lead to the precursors of cervical cancer in women. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is so common, that as many as three out of four people may have at least one strain at any given time. Most strains leave the body undetected after eight to 13 months; however, some can hide in the body for years causing problems later in life. In order to protect oneself, women must have annual Pap tests and treatment for anything abnormal found. Women between the ages of 9 and 26 are also encouraged to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine called Gardasil, which protects against the four strains that cause 70 percent of cervical cancer cases and 90 percent of genital warts cases. Condoms help to reduce some risk of contracting Human Papillomavirus (HPV), although the virus can be present on portions of the skin that are not covered by the condom.
Trichomoniasis
This is an Sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by a protozoan. Common symptoms in women include frothy discharge, itching in and around the vagina, spotting, swelling of the groin and the need to urinate more frequently. Men often have no symptoms. Trich can be easily treated with drugs, and condoms will greatly reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
Herpes
Herpes is a very common infection caused by two different, but closely related viruses. Both are easy to catch, remain in the body for life, and can produce symptoms that come and go. Herpes can infect the oral area, the genital area, or both. Between 50 and 80 percent of American adults have one form of HSV. Millions of people do not know they have herpes because they never had, or noticed, the symptoms, which may include blisters, burning urination, inability to urinate if severe swelling of sores blocks the urethra, itching, open sores and/or pain in the infected area Herpes is spread by touching, kissing, and sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Brief skin-to-skin contact is all that's needed to pass the virus. Because herpes may have no symptoms for years, sometimes it is very difficult to know who passed it to whom.
Other STIs(Sexually transmitted infections), such as Syphilis, Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS are less common, but still dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It's important to remember that not all STIs (Sexually transmitted infections) have symptoms, so it's imperative to be tested every six months to a year, depending on your level of sexual activity. It's never too early or too late to be tested!
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis results in an overgrowth of bacteria that exist normally in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is believed to be more common than other Sexually transmitted infections like yeast infection. It is believed that it cannot be transmitted from one individual to another like many sexually transmitted diseases, but it may be associated with intercourse. Bacterial vaginosis may be the most common cause of vaginal odor and discharge.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
- As many as 50 percent of women that have bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms at all.
- A strong, fishy or even a musty odor along with a milky white or greyish colored discharge.
- There may be a strong odor, worse during menstruation or after intercourse.
- Burning and/or itching may or may not occur along with the odor.
Increase in Harmful Bacterial
In women that have bacterial vaginosis, they will have a large increase in the amount of potentially harmful bacteria as well as a significant decrease in the number of normal, protective bacteria in the vagina. Nearly 50 percent of women that have bacterial vaginosis experience absolutely no symptoms.
Women who have bacterial vaginosis may have an increased risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, which could potentially result in hospitalization. Many women, once having this condition, begin to experience recurrences of the condition. Some women could be classified as chronic bacterial vaginosis sufferers. The risk of bacterial vaginosis may increase as women approach menopause as well as those that have diabetes.
Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium could be the sexually transmitted bacterium, aside from Chlamydia, that can cause nongonococcal urethritis in males. In females, Mycoplasma genitalium is more typically found in connection with bacterial vaginosis. Likewise, Mycoplasma genitalium infections may be linked with cervicitis. Most cases of Mycoplasma genitalium infections are asymptomatic- meaning a carrier of the said infection may exhibit no symptoms at all. Because of such, some doctors may find it tricky to diagnose the problem.
Mycoplasma genitalium has been linked with PID or pelvic inflammatory disease among women. Also, it has been associated with endometritis or uterine lining infection, and preterm birth. Because of such, many doctors find the long term effects of Mycoplasma genitalium to be akin to Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. This is somewhat to be expected, as these diseases share similar early symptoms like of other (STIs) Sexually transmitted infections.
Sexually transmitted infections
- The STI Clinic
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Genital herpes facts
- Learn more on STIs and protect your sexual health
- More about sexually transmitted infections
- Cold sores treatment
- Genital herpes and its treatments
- Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia a Sexually transmitted infections
- Valtrex and Famvir for Genital herpes treatment
- Find out more about sexually transmitted infections
- Chlamydia
Sexually transmitted infections support
Sexually transmitted infections Caution
Data are for Information purpose only. Under NO way or circumstances we will be responsible for any misconduct on your parts. Always get a consultation from a registered Health GDP or Doctor before following any point mentioned in this data. It’s for your safety of Health. Please Note that any external links which we refer are for information purpose only and do not imply any approval from the organization or authority to which we refer.