What are sexually transmitted infections? STIs are infections that one gets by having sexual
intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal) with someone who already has
an STI. There are more than 30 different sexually transmissible
bacteria, viruses and parasites. Several, in particular HIV and
syphilis, can also be transmitted from mother to child during
pregnancy and childbirth, and through blood products and tissue
transfer.
What causes STIs? Bacteria and viruses cause STIs. Those caused by
bacteria include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and
syphilis. These can be treated and cured with antibiotics. STIs
caused by viruses include HIV/AIDS, genital herpes, genital warts
and cytomegalovirus. These STIs can be controlled but not cured.
What are the various types of STIs? HIV Infection and AIDS
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease that
weakens the body's ability to protect itself from getting sick.
The virus that causes it is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus),
which is found mainly in blood but occurs in other body fluids
such as semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. The main
sources of infection are shared needles and syringes, unsafe sex,
and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy. People with HIV
infections may not have symptoms for years. When however, they
develop certain infections because of their depressed immunity
they are said to have AIDS. Symptoms include fever for a long
duration, weight loss without a cause, extreme fatigue and
prolonged diarrhoea and the symptoms associated with opportunistic
infections. A blood test is usually used to detect the HIV virus.
Although there is no cure for HIV infections, a combination of
drug therapy, healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction and prompt
treatment of opportunistic infections can delay the onset of AIDS.
Gonorrhoea
This is an infection easily transmitted by sexual contact. The
causative organism can infect the throat, producing severe
soreness; the urethra, causing burning, painful urination and it
may also infect the anus and the rectum. Untreated gonorrhoea may
lead to urinary tract infections and ultimately kidney failure.
The most common initial symptom is a thick discharge from the
urethra, which may be white or yellow. There may be painful
urination. Gonorrhoea is often associated with the presence of
other sexually transmitted diseases. Safer sex behaviour may
reduce the risk. The affected person should be given adequate
treatment with antibiotics. It is also important to locate and
test all the other sexual contacts and treat them to prevent
re-infection of the primary patient and further spread of the
disease.
Syphilis
Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium
Treponema pallidum, which penetrates broken skin or mucous
membranes. It can also be transmitted to the foetus via the
placenta. It infects the genital area, lips, mouth, or anus of
both men and women. One gets syphilis from sexual contact with
someone who has it. It can also pass from mother to baby during
pregnancy. Syphilis is easy to cure with antibiotics if caught
early. In the initial stages, skin rashes may appear which are
very infectious. If the disease is not treated, bacteria continue
to invade the body and infect the internal organs, the bones, the
heart and the brain. Safer sexual practices need to be adopted to
curb the spread of STIs.
Chlamydia
It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. The
majority of genital chlamydia infections are without symptoms
until complications appear. Infection with chlamydia leads to
pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause scarring of the
fallopian tubes and sterility. The symptoms include burning with
urination, discharge from the end of the penis, tenderness or pain
in the testicles, fever and chills. Chlamydia infection is often
found in conjunction with gonorrhoea. The use of condoms during
sex and limiting the number of sex partners may help in reducing
the risk of developing the infection. It can be treated and cured
with antibiotics.
Herpes
This is an infection caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-l)
which is associated with infections of the lips, mouth and face.
HSV-2 is associated with genital lesions and is transmitted by
sexual contact. HSV-2 can be transmitted to a newborn during
vaginal delivery if the mother is actively infected. Infection
occurs after exposure to the virus through a break in the skin, or
through mucous membranes. The virus spreads to nerve cells within
the body and then to other skin surfaces. The symptoms include
genital lesions, fever, vaginal discharge, sore throat and in some
cases memory loss. Avoiding direct contact with an open lesion
will lower the risk of infection. Safer sex behaviours including
the use of condoms may further lower the risk of infection.
Genital warts
Genital warts are caused by the Human papilloma virus (HPV) which
causes small growths on the skin and mucous membranes. They grow
best in moist genital areas and are flesh-coloured tumours
appearing singly or in clusters. In women, HPV can invade the
vagina and cervix and may lead to cancerous changes in the cervix.
Symptoms include “warty” tumours on the genitals, genital sores,
itching of the genital areas and increased vaginal discharge.
Topical treatments to eradicate the lesions include
trichloroacetic acid and podophyllum. Sex abstinence or use of
condoms should be practiced until both partners are free of the
disease.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. It affects both women and
men, but symptoms are more common in women. Symptoms include a
green or yellow discharge from the vagina, itching in or near the
vagina and discomfort with urination. Most men with trichomoniasis
don't have any symptoms, but it can cause irritation inside the
penis.
Trichomoniasis can be cured with antibiotics. In men, the
infection usually goes away on its own without causing symptoms.
But an infected man can continue to infect or reinfect a woman
until he gets treated. So it's important that both partners get
treated at the same time. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly
reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading
trichomoniasis.
What can be done to prevent STIS?
Having a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an
uninfected partner.
Correctly and consistently using a condom greatly reduces the
chance of acquiring an STI.
Using clean needles if injecting intravenous drugs.
Having regular check ups for STIs even in the absence of symptoms.
Anyone diagnosed as having an STI should:
Be treated to reduce the risk of transmitting an STI, especially a
pregnant woman to an infant.
Follow the full course of medicine.
Avoid sexual activity while being treated for an STI.
Ensure that the partner is also diagnosed and treated.
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