Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI)- prevent and protect your sexual health

Key facts

- More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide
- Each year an estimated 374 million new infections with 1 of 4 curable STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.
- More than 500 million people 15–49 years are estimated to have a genital infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes) (1)

Source: WHO

If left untreated, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can result in major health issues. Many people nevertheless put themselves at risk by participating in unsafe sex, even though the majority of STIs are simply preventable. It should always be a top concern to protect your sexual health, and there are several strategies to stop STIs from spreading.

By 2030, STIs will no longer be a public health concern thanks to recent scientific developments in STI treatment and technology as well as creative service delivery models. However, large differences in STI monitoring system investment, maturity, and performance between nations continue to be a problem.

Why is it important to protect sexual health?

Protecting your sexual health is essential to preventing complications and major health issues. Infertility, persistent agony, and even death are possible side effects of untreated STIs. You may safeguard your health and the health of your partners by using safe sex practises and get tested frequently.

What is and Types of STIs

As previously mentioned, the term “STI” refers to a sexually transmitted infection or infection that is communicated through sexual activity. Three broad categories can be used to group various STIs:

Bacterial STIs – that caused by bacteria and transmitted through sexual activity.

Viral STIs – that caused by viruses that are transmitted through sexual activity.

Parasitic STIs – that caused by parasites that are transmitted through sexual activity.

Symptoms of STIs

There are numerous indications and symptoms that an STD or STI may exhibit, including none at all. They might not be recognised until issues arise or a partner is diagnosed because of this.

There are several warning signs and symptoms of a STI, including:

-Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area

-Painful or burning urination

-Discharge from the penis

-Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge

-Unusual vaginal bleeding

-Pain during sex

-Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread

-Lower abdominal pain

-Fever

-Rash over the trunk, hands or feet

Within a few days, signs and symptoms may start to manifest. But, depending on the organism that is causing the STI, it can be years before you start experiencing any obvious issues.

How are STIs spread?

Infections called sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can spread by a number of routes. The most typical methods of STI transmission are as follows:

Sexual contact:

Having sex with someone who has a STI is the main way that they are spread. This includes skin-to-skin contact when engaging in sexual activity and anal, anal, and oral sex.

Mother to child:

After childbirth or through breastfeeding, several STIs can be passed from a woman to her infant. This covers diseases including HIV, syphilis, and herpes.

Sharing needles

Sharing syringes or other drug-injection supplies can spread STIs. When individuals inject narcotics like heroin, methamphetamine, or steroids, this may occur.

Other reasons

In addition to sexual contact, several STIs can also be transmitted through non-sexual contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Transfusions of blood, organ transplants, and sharing of personal hygiene supplies like toothbrushes and razors are a few examples of how this might happen.

It’s crucial to remember that safe sex practises, such as the use of condoms and routine STI testing, are the greatest method to prevent STIs. The risk of infection can also be decreased by maintaining proper hygiene and refraining from sharing needles.

Common types of STIs

Sexually transmitted infections come in a variety of prevalent forms (STIs). They comprise:

Chlamydia:

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be passed from one person to another through intercourse. It may result in burning while urinating, vaginal or penile discharge, and pain during intercourse.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhea is a different bacterial infection that is transferred through intercourse. Chlamydia-like symptoms are possible, such as discharge, discomfort, and burning while urinating.

Syphilis

Many symptoms, such as sores, rashes, fever, and exhaustion, can be brought on by the bacterial infection known as syphilis. Sexual contact or giving birth might transmit it from mother to foetus.

Herpes

Herpes is a viral illness that can lead to uncomfortable mouth sores or genital sores. Skin-to-skin contact during sexual activities, particularly oral sex, can spread it.

HPV

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause genital warts and raise the chance of getting some cancers. Sexual contact is how it is transmitted.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV):

HIV is an infection caused by a virus that weakens the immune system and causes AIDS. Sexual contact, sharing of needles, and transmission from mother to foetus after birthing are all ways it can spread.

It’s crucial to remember that many STIs can be asymptomatic, which means that even if a person doesn’t show any symptoms, they might still infect others. Safe sexual practises and routine STI testing can both work to stop the transmission of STIs.

Diagnosis and importance testing of STIs

To identify and treat any infections, stop the spread of STIs, and safeguard one’s health and the health of their sexual partners, it is imperative to get tested for STIs.

How are STIs identified?

There are several ways to detect STIs, including:

Physical examination – A healthcare professional may look for infections by feeling the mouth, the anus, or the genital region for sores, rashes, or discharge.

Tests for bodily fluids can identify the presence of STIs in blood, urine, vaginal or urethral secretions, saliva, or other bodily fluids.

Biopsy – A small tissue sample may be taken from a sore or lesion and examined under a microscope.

Types of tests available for different STIs

The types of tests available for different STIs include:

Blood tests – These tests can detect antibodies to certain STIs, indicating a current or past infection.

Urine tests – These tests can detect chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections.

Swab tests – These examinations entail collecting a sample from the affected location, such as the vagina, cervix, tonsil, or throat, and they can identify several STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, and the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Rapid tests – Some STIs, such as HIV and syphilis, can be detected using rapid tests that provide quick results.

Self-tests – Some STIs, such as HIV and syphilis, can be tested using self-tests, where a person takes a sample at home and sends it to a laboratory for analysis.

Importance of regular STI testing

Regular STI testing is essential for several reasons:

Early diagnosis and treatment – Early detection and treatment of STIs can prevent the development of serious health complications and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

Prevention of further transmission – Knowing one’s STI status can help individuals take appropriate steps to avoid infecting their sexual partners.

Peace of mind – Regular STI testing can provide peace of mind and help individuals feel more in control of their sexual health.

Improved sexual health – Regular STI testing and treatment can help individuals maintain good sexual health and reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting STIs.

STIs can be diagnosed through various methods, including physical examination, testing of bodily fluids, and biopsy. Different types of tests are available for STIs, including blood, urine, swab, rapid, and self-tests. Regular STI testing is important for early diagnosis and treatment, prevention of further transmission, peace of mind, and improved sexual health.

Treatment of STIs

Medications that can be given orally, topically, or intravenously are used to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Depending on the STI’s kind and degree of infection, a particular treatment method may be suggested.

Available forms of therapy for various STIs

There are various STI therapies available, including:

Treatment for bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis involves the use of antibiotics.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, and HIV are examples of viral STIs that can be treated with antivirals.

Antifungals – STIs caused by fungi, like yeast infections, are treated with antifungals.

Creams applied topically – Creams applied topically can be used to treat various STIs, such as genital warts.

Importance of completing full course of treatment

Completing the full course of treatment is essential to ensure that the infection is completely cured and to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of the infection. Failure to complete the full course of treatment may also result in re-infection or transmission of the infection to sexual partners.

How to reduce risk of re-infection

To reduce the risk of re-infection, individuals should:

Avoid sexual activity until the infection is completely cured.

Inform sexual partners of their STI status and encourage them to get tested and treated.

Use condoms or other barrier methods of contraception during sexual activity.

Get tested regularly for STIs, especially if they have multiple sexual partners.

Avoid douching, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infection.

In summary, STIs are treated with medications, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and topical creams. Completing the full course of treatment is crucial to ensure that the infection is completely cured and to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of the infection. To reduce the risk of re-infection, individuals should avoid sexual activity until the infection is cured, inform sexual partners of their STI status, use condoms or other barrier methods of contraception, get tested regularly for STIs, and avoid douching.

STIs and Relationships

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can significantly impact relationships, as they can cause physical and emotional distress and may affect sexual intimacy. However, by taking appropriate precautions and maintaining open communication, couples can reduce the risk of STI transmission and protect their health and their relationship.

How STIs can affect relationships

STIs can affect relationships in several ways, including:

Physical health – STIs can cause pain, discomfort, and other physical symptoms, which may affect sexual activity and overall health.

Emotional distress – A diagnosis of an STI can be emotionally distressing and may lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or anxiety.

Relationship dynamics – STIs can affect the dynamics of a relationship, such as trust, intimacy, and communication.

Risk of transmission – STIs can be transmitted to sexual partners, which may result in further physical and emotional distress.

Importance of open and honest communication about STIs

Open and honest communication about STIs is crucial in any relationship, as it helps to promote trust, understanding, and safety. Some important points to consider when communicating about STIs include:

Disclosure of STI status – Partners should disclose their STI status to each other before engaging in sexual activity.

Testing and treatment – Partners should discuss their testing and treatment histories and encourage each other to get tested regularly for STIs.

Safer sex practices – Partners should discuss and agree on safer sex practices, such as condom use and other forms of contraception.

Emotional support – Partners should offer emotional support to each other, especially in the case of an STI diagnosis.

How to reduce risk of STI transmission within a relationship

To reduce the risk of STI transmission within a relationship, couples can:

Get tested regularly for STIs, especially if they have multiple sexual partners.

Use condoms or other barrier methods of contraception during sexual activity.

Avoid sharing sex toys, or clean them thoroughly before and after use.

Avoid sexual activity during outbreaks of STIs, such as herpes.

Limit the number of sexual partners and engage in safer sex practices with all partners.

In summary, STIs can significantly impact relationships, as they can cause physical and emotional distress and may affect sexual intimacy. Open and honest communication about STIs is crucial in any relationship, as it helps to promote trust, understanding, and safety. To reduce the risk of STI transmission within a relationship, couples should get tested regularly, use condoms or other barrier methods of contraception, avoid sharing sex toys, and limit the number of sexual partners.

Finally, prioritising STI knowledge and prevention is crucial as part of general healthcare and wellness practises. Knowing the many STI kinds, how they are spread, and the numerous preventative strategies available, such as using condoms and getting tested frequently, are important considerations.

Ultimately, we should prioritise STI knowledge and prevention as part of our continual commitment to our health and those around us. We can fight to ensure everyone has a better and safer future via education, awareness, and proactive measures.

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