What are common sexually transmitted infections?

• HIV/AIDS

• Genital herpes (HSV)

• Syphilis

• Gonorrhea

• Chlamydia

• Genital warts

• Pubic lice (Crabs)

• Hepatitis B

• Trichomoniasis 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Symptoms associated with STI

The symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), sometimes called a sexually transmitted disease (STD), can differ depending on the type of infection. In some cases, a person may not notice any symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they often affect the genital area and may include:

• Swelling or intense itching in or around the genital region.

• Discharge from the penis that is not typical.

• Unusual growths or lesions such as bumps, blisters, or warts appearing around the genital, anus, or mouth.

• Changes in vaginal discharge, such as a strong odor, irritation, or a difference in color or amount.

• Unexpected vaginal bleeding, not linked to a menstrual period.

• Discomfort during sexual activity.

• Burning or pain while urinating, or needing to urinate more often than usual.

STIs can also cause general symptoms throughout the body, which may include:

• Flu-like feelings, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue.

• Night sweats or sudden episodes of heavy sweating.

• Jaundice, where the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow, is often linked to liver involvement.

• Skin changes, like rashes or unusual spots.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Digestive problems, including persistent diarrhea.

Causes of sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STI), occur when harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites enter the body and begin to grow. These infections are usually passed from one person to another through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, saliva, or urine. This most often occurs during sexual activity, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex, when these fluids come into contact with mucous membranes or small breaks in the skin. 

Can sexually transmitted infections be transmitted to others?

Sexually transmitted infections, also known as sexually transmitted diseases, can spread easily from one person to another. In most cases, this happens through sexual activity when bodily fluids are exchanged or through direct contact with an infected area of the skin, typically around the genitals. Certain infections, such as syphilis, may also be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth.

If you suspect you might have an STI, it’s essential to seek medical care for proper testing and treatment. While some infections can be completely cured, others can only be managed. The best way to protect yourself and others is to get tested regularly if you are sexually active, communicate openly with your partner about sexual health, and use protective methods like condoms during sexual activity.

Factors that increase the risk of sexually transmitted infection

Being sexually active increases your chance of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, sexual activity isn't the only way these infections can spread. STIs can also be transmitted through sharing items that come into contact with blood, such as needles. This can happen in situations like getting tattoos or piercings from unlicensed providers or using the same needles when injecting drugs.

Open communication plays an important role in preventing the spread of STIs. Some individuals avoid discussing sexual health out of fear, embarrassment, or stigma, but not talking about it can increase the risk for both you and your partner. Before becoming intimate, consider having a conversation that includes questions like:

• When was the last time you were tested?

• Are you currently receiving treatment for an infection?

• Do you use protection, such as condoms, with other partners?

• Have you been diagnosed with an STI?

These conversations can help you make informed decisions and protect your health.

Finding out you have an STI can bring up a lot of emotions, and it might feel uncomfortable to share this information with your partner. However, being honest about your status is important for building trust and preventing transmission. By talking openly and taking precautions, you can lower the chances of passing the infection to someone else while maintaining a healthy, respectful relationship. 

Complications associated with sexually transmitted infections

If sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not treated, they can lead to serious and sometimes permanent health issues. The type of complications depends on the specific infection and how long it goes untreated.

Some potential long-term effects include:

• HIV, which can progress to AIDS if it is not managed properly.

• Syphilis, which may harm the organs and nervous system and can also be passed to a baby during pregnancy.

• The increased risk of passing the infection to sexual partners.

For individuals with female reproductive systems, untreated STIs may result in:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause scarring of reproductive organs and may lead to infertility. 

• Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilised egg grows outside the uterus.

• Ongoing pelvic pain that may affect daily life.

• Inability to conceive due to damage to reproductive tissues.

For those with male reproductive systems, complications can include:

• Infections of the urethra or prostate.

• Painful swelling of the testicles.

• Infertility caused by untreated damage to the reproductive system.

Getting tested and treated early is the best way to prevent these serious outcomes and protect both your health and the health of your partner.

How are sexually transmitted infections tested and identified?

To determine if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), a healthcare professional will start by discussing your symptoms and reviewing your sexual and medical history. It’s important to be open and truthful during this conversation so you can receive the most accurate care. A physical examination and laboratory tests are then performed to confirm the presence of an infection.

If you test positive, it’s crucial to let your sexual partner or partners know so they can be evaluated and treated if necessary. While these conversations can be difficult, sharing this information helps protect their health and stops the infection from spreading further.

What does STI screening involve?

STI testing is a way for healthcare providers to check if you have a sexually transmitted infection. During the process, a doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and then decide which tests are needed. The type of test depends on the infection they are looking for.

Some common types of STI tests include:

• Giving a urine sample

• Swabbing the inside of your mouth

• A blood test

• Collecting fluid from any sores on the skin

• Taking a sample of discharge or cells from areas like the vagina, penis, anus, cervix, urethra, or throat.

Most of these tests are quick and don’t hurt much. You might feel a tiny pinch during a blood test or some slight discomfort if a swab is used on a sore. 

How regularly should STI tests be done?

Many doctors suggest getting tested for sexually transmitted infections once a year. If you have more than one sexual partner, you might consider getting tested more often, such as every three to six months. Some healthcare providers also advise getting tested before starting a sexual relationship with a new partner.

Regular testing is important because some STIs don’t show any clear symptoms, so you might have one without knowing it. Talking to a doctor or nurse can help you figure out how often you should get tested based on your situation. 

What are the treatments for sexually transmitted infections?

The main purpose of treating a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is to manage the condition and protect both you and others. Treatment can:

• Get rid of certain infections completely (Though not all STIs can be cured).

• Ease any pain or discomfort you may have.

• Lower the chance of passing the infection to someone else.

• Support your overall health and recovery.

Depending on the type of STI, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications. These can be taken as pills, or in some cases, given through an injection.

What is expedited partner therapy?

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is a method where a doctor or nurse gives you medicine or a prescription to pass on to your partner without them needing to come in for an exam. This is usually done when someone is diagnosed with infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Normally, a healthcare provider would want to see and test your partner first. However, with EPT, they assume that if you have the injection, your partner most likely has it too. This approach helps prevent you from getting reinfected and stops the infection from spreading to others more quickly.

When will I start to feel better after treatment?

If your doctor gives you antibiotics or antiviral medicine to treat an STI, you should begin to notice improvement after a few days. It’s important to finish all the medication exactly as instructed, even if you start to feel better before it’s gone. You should also never share your medicine with anyone or take someone else’s, as this can be unsafe and may not properly treat the infection.

What happens if I have a sexually transmitted infection?

Most STI can be treated and go away with the right medication, while some may need long-term care to keep them under control. Even if an STI clears up, you can still get the same infection again if you’re exposed to it later on.

It’s normal to feel embarrassed, worried, or upset after finding out you have an STI. These infections are common and can happen to anyone. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, try talking to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or mental health professionals, for support.

What should I do if I'm pregnant and have an STI?

If you are pregnant and find out you have an STI, it’s important to speak with your doctor as soon as possible. They can guide you on the best treatment to protect both your health and your baby’s health.

What is the long-term outcome of sexually transmitted infections?

A lot of sexually transmitted infections can be completely treated and cleared with the right medicine. However, some infections, like HIV, cannot be cured and need ongoing care to manage. Even after treatment, it is still possible to get the same infection again if you are exposed to it later.

How can I prevent getting an STI?

The best way to fully protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is to avoid sexual activity altogether. However, if you are sexually active, there are steps you can take to lower your chances of getting an STI.

The only way to completely avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is to not have sex. If you choose to be sexually active, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Use protection everytime: Wear a latex condom for any type of sexual activity. For oral sex with a partner who has a vagina, use a dental dam.

• Pick partners carefully: Only have sex with people you trust. Avoid sexual contact if you think your partner might have an STI.

• Get tested regularly: Regular STI check-ups help you and your partners stay healthy. Encourage new partners to get tested before having sex for the first time.

• Avoid substances: Don’t use alcohol or drugs before sex. Being under the influence can lead to unsafe sexual decisions.

• Know the signs: Learn the symptoms of common STIs. If you notice any changes  or issues, see a healthcare provider immediately. 

• Educate yourself: The more you understand STIs and how they spread, the better you can protect yourself and your partners.

How can sexually transmitted infections be avoided?

You can take several steps to stay safe and protect others from sexually transmitted infections (STIs):

• Pause sexual activity if you notice symptoms: if you think you might have an STI, don’t have sex until a healthcare professional has examined you and confirmed you’ve been treated. Only resume sex when your provider says it’s safe.  

• Follow medical guidance: Take all medications exactly as prescribed and complete the full course of treatment.

• Get a follow-up check: After finishing treatment, visit your healthcare provider again to make sure the infection is completely gone.

• Inform your partner (s): Let anyone you’ve had sec with know about your diagnosis so they can also get checked and treated if necessary.

• Use protection: Always use condoms or barriers during sex, especially with new or casual partners, to reduce the risk of infection.

• Get vaccinated: Some STIs, like HPV, can be prevented with vaccines, which protects against long-term health problems.

How can I manage an STI and stay healthy?

If a healthcare professional tells you that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you can take these steps to protect your health and others:

• Take your medicine exactly as directed: Finish all prescribed treatments, even if you start feeling better.

• Pause sexual activity: Avoid having sex until your healthcare provider confirms that the infection is fully treated.

• Inform your partners: Tell anyone you’ve been sexually active with so they can get tested and treated if necessary.

• Practice safe sex afterward: When you start having sex again, use condoms. For oral sex with a partner who has a vagina, use a dental dam to lower the risk of spreading infections.

When is it necessary to get medical help?

You should see a healthcare professional if you or your partner show any signs of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Even if there are no symptoms, it is a good idea to get tested regularly, at least once a year or more often if you are sexually active, to stay healthy and prevent spreading infections.

What questions are important to ask my healthcare provider?

If you are sexually active or have been diagnosed with an STI, you can ask your healthcare provider:

• What can I do to lower my risk of getting STIs in the future?

• Are there any possible side effects from the treatments?

• How long will it take for the infection to clear up?

• Could this STI affect my health later on?

• How often should I get tested for STIs?

• Show my sexual partners get tested too?

• What treatment options do I have?