Sexually transmitted infections, also known as venereal disease or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact such as vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
STIs can affect both men and women and can cause a variety of health problems, including infertility, heart problems, blindness, pelvic inflammatory disease, and certain cancers.
Some STDs can also be spread through other ways, such as blood transfusions, sharing needles, or from a pregnant person to their baby. |
It' important to be aware of the risks, the signs, and the treatments of STDs, and to seek medical help if needed.
Most STIs are treatable with antibiotics or antiviral medications. However, STIs such as HIV and hepatitis B, cannot be cured, but there are medicines that can help with the symptoms and lower the risk of transmission.
Some of the possible symptoms of STDs are: |
⦁ Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
⦁ Sores or warts on or around the genitals
⦁ Painful or frequent urination
⦁ Itching and redness in the genital area
⦁ Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
⦁ Abnormal vaginal odor
⦁ Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding
⦁ Abdominal pain
⦁ Fever
Types and list of STIs: There are more than 20 different types of STIs, but the most common ones include: |
⦁ Chlamydia: Chlamydia can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain during urination, unusual vaginal discharge, and pain in the lower abdomen.
⦁ Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can affect both men and women and can cause serious health problems if not treated.
Syphilis progresses through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. The symptoms of syphilis can vary depending on the stage of the infection.
⦁ Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the genitals. Symptoms of gonorrhea include pain during urination, discharge from the genitals, and pain in the lower abdomen. |
⦁ Herpes simplex virus (HSV): A virus that cause sores on the genitals, mouth, or rectum. HSV can also cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and aching muscles.
⦁ Human papillomavirus (HPV): This is a virus that cause genital warts and cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and throat. HPV can also cause cancer of the anus.
⦁ Trichomoniasis: A parasitic infection that can cause inflammation of the vagina, urethra, and prostate. Symptoms of trichomoniasis include itching, burning, and a discharge from the genitals. |
The best way to prevent STDs is to practice safe sex, which means using condoms correctly and consistently, having a smaller number of sexual partners, and being in a relationship where both partners are faithful and tested for STDs.
