Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs)

Overview

What is an STI? 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases that spread mostly through sex. They are caused by germs like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. STIs usually affect the reproductive organs but can also harm other parts of the body.

Types of STIs 

• Bacterial STIs

These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. They can usually be treated and cured with antibiotics.

• Viral STIs 

Examples are HIV, herpes, HPV, and hepatitis B. These can be managed with medication, but they usually can’t be completely cured.

• Parasitic STIs 

Trichomoniasis is a common parasitic STI that can be treated with prescription medicine.

• Fungal STIs

Though less common, infections like yeast infections can spread through sex and are treatable with antifungal medicines.

Causes

STIs are caused by different kinds of germs that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Here are the main types of germs that cause STIs:

Bacteria

• Chlamydia: Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Gonorrhea: Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Syphilis: Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Viruses

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): Causes AIDS and is transmitted through bodily fluids.
• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Causes genital herpes and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Can cause genital warts and certain cancers.
• Hepatitis B: Affects the liver and can be spread through sexual contact.

Parasites

• Trichomoniasis: Caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Fungi

• Yeast Infections: Caused by fungi like Candida albicans, though more commonly associated with non-sexual transmission, can still be spread through sexual contact.

Transmission Methods

• Sexual Contact: The primary way STIs spread is through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
• Skin-to-Skin Contact: Some STIs, like herpes and HPV, can spread through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes.
• Blood: Sharing needles or receiving contaminated blood can transmit STIs like HIV and hepatitis B.
• Mother to Child: During childbirth or breastfeeding, an infected mother can pass some STIs to her baby.

Understanding these causes helps in taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.

Most Common std in the US According to the World Health Organization

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide, including in the United States, is Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Other common STIs that the WHO highlights include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

These STIs are a major public health issue globally, and efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat these infections are crucial in reducing their spread and associated health consequences.

Symptoms

STIs can cause various symptoms, depending on the type of infection. Some people might not show any symptoms at all, which is why regular testing is important. Here are some common symptoms that can occur with different STIs:

General Symptoms

These are the general symptoms of sti in females and males, such as:

• Unusual Discharge: sti discharge from the penis or vagina looks different, like white, yellow, or green.
• Pain or Burning During Urination: A common symptom for many STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Itching or Irritation: In the genital area, which can happen with several infections.
• Sores, Blisters, or Warts: These might appear on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth, and are linked to infections like herpes (HSV) and HPV.
• Rashes: Skin rashes can happen, especially with syphilis.
• Pain During Sex: Discomfort or pain during vaginal and anal sex, which can be a symptom of several STIs.
• Unusual Bleeding: Such as bleeding between periods in women.

Specific Symptoms

• Chlamydia: Often shows no symptoms, but can cause genital pain and discharge in both men and women.
• Gonorrhea: Similar to chlamydia, it can cause painful urination and discharge. Women might also have abdominal pain and bleeding between periods.
• Syphilis: Early stages cause sores; later stages can cause rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Herpes (HSV): Causes painful blisters or sores on the genitals, anus, or mouth, often with itching or burning before they appear.
• HPV: Can cause genital warts; some types are linked to cervical and other cancers.
• HIV: Early symptoms may feel like the flu, with fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Over time, it weakens the immune system, leading to more serious illnesses (AIDS).
• Trichomoniasis: Causes itching, burning, and a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor in women. Men might have irritation inside the penis and mild discharge or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.
• Hepatitis B: Can cause liver inflammation, leading to symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, and dark urine.

Asymptomatic Sexually Transmitted Infection

Many STIs don’t show any symptoms at first, making regular testing important for sexually active people. Even if you don’t have symptoms, untreated STIs can cause serious health problems, like infertility, organ damage, and a higher risk of getting other infections.

Do women with STIs encounter challenges during pregnancy?

Yes, women with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can face difficulties during pregnancy if the infection is not properly managed. Some potential issues include: 

• Increased Risk of Transmission to Baby: Certain STIs, such as syphilis, HIV, and genital herpes (if active during delivery), can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth. 
• Pregnancy Complications: STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to complications such as preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and low birth weight if left untreated. 
• Miscarriage or Stillbirth: Infections like untreated syphilis can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. 
• Neonatal Infections: Babies born to mothers with untreated STIs may develop infections shortly after birth, which can lead to serious health issues if not promptly treated. 
• Long-term Health Effects: Some STIs, like untreated HIV, can have long-term health effects for both the mother and the baby if not managed with appropriate treatment and care. 

The pregnant person needs to receive regular prenatal care and testing for STIs to detect and treat any infections early. Healthcare providers can guide safe treatments during pregnancy to reduce risks to both mother and baby. Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes for pregnant women with STIs.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Diagnosis

STI diagnosis involves different tests and exams to find out if you have an infection. Here are some common ways doctors check for STIs:

• Physical Exam

A physician looks for signs of STIs, like sores, rashes, warts, or unusual sti discharge.

• Blood Tests

HIV: Blood tests look for HIV antibodies or the virus itself.

Syphilis: Blood tests check for antibodies to the syphilis bacteria.

Hepatitis B: Blood tests detect the virus or antibodies that show infection or immunity.

• Urine Tests

 Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Urine samples are tested for the bacteria that cause these infections.

• Swab Tests

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Swabs from the cervix (in women), urethra (in men), throat, or rectum are tested for bacteria.

Herpes (HSV): Swabs from sores or blisters are tested for the herpes virus.

Trichomoniasis: Swabs from the vaginal area are tested for the parasite.

• Pap Smear and HPV sti Test

HPV: A Pap smear collects cells from the cervix to check for precancerous or cancerous cells. An HPV test can also detect the virus directly.

• Rapid Tests

Some STIs, like HIV and syphilis, can be diagnosed quickly with tests that give results in less than 30 minutes.

• Microscopic Exam

Trichomoniasis: A sample of vaginal discharge is looked at under a microscope to find the parasite.

• Culture Tests

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: Samples from infected areas are grown in a lab to identify the bacteria.

std vs sti

STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease, while STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection. Here’s a simple comparison between the two:

 STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

STDs refer to a disease that is typically caused by infection with bacteria, parasites, or viruses that are transmitted through sexual contact.

Examples include HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis, and genital herpes.

STDs may or may not cause symptoms, but they can lead to long-term health problems if not treated.

 STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infection)

STIs refer to an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or other organisms that are transmitted through sexual contact.

It is a broader term that includes infections that may or may not cause symptoms.

Some STIs can lead to STDs if the infection progresses and causes disease symptoms.

 While STDs specifically refer to sexually transmitted diseases caused by infections, STIs encompass both infections that may or may not cause diseases. STIs are often used as a broader term to include infections in their early stages before they cause noticeable symptoms or disease.

How Can You Get an STD Test?

To get tested for STDs, start by scheduling an appointment with a doctor, gynecologist, or a clinic that offers STD testing. During your visit, be honest about your sexual history, any symptoms you’re experiencing, and whether you suspect you may have been exposed to STDs. This information helps them determine which tests are necessary.

Depending on the STDs they’re testing for, they may collect a urine sample, blood sample, or use a swab to check your genitals or throat.

After the tests, it typically takes a few days to a week to receive your results. Your healthcare provider will inform you of the findings and discuss any treatment options if an STD is detected.

If you test positive for an STD, follow your provider’s recommendations for treatment and inform your sexual new partners so they can also get tested and treated as needed.

To reduce the risk of STDs in the future, consistently use condoms during sex. If you are sexually active or have multiple sex partners, consider getting tested regularly as part of your healthcare routine.

Remember, STD testing is confidential, and healthcare providers are trained to support you throughout the testing and treatment process.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment

Treating STIs usually involves using medications to cure or control the infection. Here’s how different sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are commonly treated:

• Bacterial Infections

Chlamydia: Treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline.

Gonorrhea: Also treated with antibiotics like ceftriaxone plus azithromycin or doxycycline.

Syphilis: Treated with antibiotics like penicillin G, which is given as an injection.

• Viral Infections

HIV: Managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART) to lower the virus levels in the body and keep the immune system strong.

Herpes (HSV): Antiviral medications (like acyclovir or valacyclovir) can help lessen symptoms and reduce outbreaks, but they do not cure the infection.

HPV: No cure exists, but treatments focus on managing symptoms like genital warts and checking for cancerous changes.

Hepatitis B: Antiviral drugs can control chronic hepatitis infections and reduce the risk of liver damage.

• Parasitic Infections

Trichomoniasis: Treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole to kill the parasite.

• Fungal Infections

Yeast Infections: Antifungal medications (like fluconazole) are used to treat stis spread through sexual contact.

• Additional Considerations

Partner Treatment: Sexual partners must get tested and treated to prevent getting infected again and spreading STIs.

Regular Follow-Up: Some infections may need follow-up tests to make sure the treatment works well, especially for bacterial and parasitic infections.

Vaccination: Vaccines are available to prevent certain STIs like HPV and hepatitis B. Getting vaccinated can lower the risk of infection.

Early treatment of STIs is important to prevent complications and reduce their spread. If you suspect you have an STI, see a healthcare provider for testing and appropriate treatment.

When To See A Doctor

If you notice unusual discharge, pain when peeing, sores, or rashes around your private parts, it could mean you have an STI. It’s important to see healthcare professionals if you’ve had unprotected sex, think you’ve been exposed to an STI, or are about to have sexual activities with a new or just one partner. Getting checked early and treated quickly helps prevent problems and stops spreading the infection to others.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about STI or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate STI diagnosis and personalized sti treatment suggestions.