Sexually Transmitted Infection

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Bacterial, viral or infection caused by any other microbe that is passed on when a couple have sex (oral, vaginal, anal etc) is termed as ‘Sexually Transmitted Infection’. The diseases caused by these infections are called ‘Sexually Transmitted Diseases’.

Some infections which are usually transferred during sex, also spread from non-sex related activities such as by sharing of needles, mother to baby etc.

Following are the commonly identified Sexually Transmitted Infections:

1) Chlamydia

2) Pubic Lice / Crabs

3) Hepatitis B

4) Genital Herpes

5) Trichomoniasis

6) HIV – Human Immuno-deficiency Virus

7) HPV – Human Papilloma Virus

8) Syphilis

9) Gonorrhea

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. A pregnant woman can also pass it to her baby during childbirth.

Chlamydia is treatable, especially if caught early. Sometimes, it doesn’t show any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they might include:

Vaginal discharge
Pain or burning during urination
Rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge (if anal sex is involved)

Pubic Lice / Crabs

Tiny lice, resembling crabs, hatch from eggs under the skin in areas like the pubic region, armpits, mustache, beard, and eyebrows. The first symptom is itching in the affected areas.

Lice spread through sexual contact. They lay eggs under the skin, which hatch in 7-10 days and feed on blood. Lice live for about 3 weeks, with females laying more eggs before they die, continuing the infection cycle. Prescription ointments and medicines are needed to treat the infection.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that cannot be completely cured, but it can be prevented through vaccination. Sexually active individuals should get regular booster shots after consulting with a sexologist or gynecologist to avoid contracting the infection. The virus primarily affects the liver and can be present in semen, blood, and other body fluids. A mother can transmit the infection to her baby during childbirth or breastfeeding if her nipples are cracked.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B include:

Fever
Dark urine
Joint pain
Nausea and vomiting
Jaundice

Genital Herpes

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes herpes infections and comes in two main types: HSV1 and HSV2. These viruses affect the skin, cervix, vagina, penis, and other body parts.

HSV1 typically spreads through the mouth. If someone has mouth sores, the infection can be transmitted through kissing or exchanging saliva. Oral sex by an infected person can also pass the infection to the genitals.

HSV2 affects the genitals, anus, and mouth and is transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

Some people with the virus may not show symptoms but can still infect others. Those who do have symptoms may experience:

Blisters around the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus
Fever
Body aches
Swollen lymph nodes

Trichomoniasis (aka Trich)

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis. Both men and women can be affected, but women are more likely to show symptoms. In men, the infection affects the urethra, while in women, it infects the vagina.

The infection spreads through heterosexual, homosexual, and woman-to-woman sexual contact.

Symptoms of trichomoniasis include:

Pain during urination
Vaginal discharge (a gynecologist can identify protozoan discharge by its smell, color, and thickness)
Pain during sex

Trichomoniasis increases the risk of pregnancy complications and the likelihood of contracting HIV

HIV – Human Immuno-deficiency Virus

It's important to understand that HIV is a virus, not a disease. AIDS is the disease that results from HIV infection. The primary way HIV is transmitted is through sexual contact, especially anal and vaginal sex. HIV targets the immune system, weakening the body's defense against infections.

HIV makes individuals more vulnerable to even simple bacterial infections due to immune system damage. If you test positive for HIV, your gynecologist will start you on ART (Anti-Retroviral Treatment). ART helps control the viral load, allowing individuals to live a normal life.

HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids such as vaginal fluids, semen, and blood. A pregnant woman with HIV can pass the virus to her baby, but ART can prevent this if administered at the right time.

Preventing HIV involves:

Using high-quality latex condoms if you are sexually active or have multiple partners. Condoms reduce the risk significantly, though not 100%.
Abstaining from sex with unknown partners.
Having one trusted partner for unprotected sex.
Getting tested for HIV before engaging in unprotected sex with a new partner.
Avoiding the sharing of needles.

If you have unprotected sex with a stranger, see your gynecologist immediately. They may recommend PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) to prevent HIV infection.

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Human Papilloma Virus

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can infect the skin and mucous membranes, including the throat, cervix, anus, and mouth. There are many strains of HPV, some of which are more harmful than others. Vaccines are available to prevent HPV infection. Like many viruses, HPV may not always present symptoms. Certain strains can cause genital warts and elevate the risk of cervical and throat cancers.

Even individuals who do not exhibit symptoms can transmit the virus through:

Vaginal, oral, or anal sex
A pregnant mother to her baby (though this is uncommon)

Syphilis

important to understand that HIV is a virus, not a disease. AIDS is the disease that results from HIV infection. The primary way HIV is transmitted is through sexual contact, especially anal and vaginal sex. HIV targets the immune system, weakening the body's defense against infections.

Preventing HIV involves:

Using high-quality latex condoms if you are sexually active or have multiple partners. Condoms reduce the risk significantly, though not 100%.
Abstaining from sex with unknown partners.
Having one trusted partner for unprotected sex.
Getting tested for HIV before engaging in unprotected sex with a new partner.
Avoiding the sharing of needles.

If you have unprotected sex with a stranger, see your gynecologist immediately. They may recommend PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) to prevent HIV infection.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It's a highly contagious infection that can become life-threatening if untreated. It spreads through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Infected fluids can cause pink eye if they get into a healthy person's eyes. Pregnant women can transmit the infection to their baby during childbirth.

Symptoms of gonorrhea, if present, include:

Pain during urination
Vaginal discharge
Swollen genitals
Bleeding outside of menstrual periods
Anal itching and pain during bowel movements (if the anus is infected)
Burning pain in the throat (if the mouth is infected)
Swollen lymph nodes