Chlamydia: A prevalent STI caused by bacteria; it often presents no symptoms. Prevention involves regular screening, condom use, and limiting the number of sexual partners.
Gonorrhea: Bacterial, can impact various body sites; it may lead to infertility if untreated. Prevention combines screening, correct and consistent condom usage, and responsible sexual behaviors.
Syphilis: Caused by a bacterium with phases; if untreated, it may cause long-term complications. Follow same preventive measures: regular check-ups, condom use, and controlled partnerships.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Causes genital herpes affecting over 11% of people. No cure exists; manageable with antiviral meds, reduce outbreaks through safe sex practices.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Common STI, responsible for most cervical cancer cases. Vaccines (HPV 9-valent, Gardasil 9) exist for pre-exposure protection; condoms also reduce transmission risk.
HIV/AIDS: Transmitted through bodily fluids, HIV progressively weakens the immune system leading to AIDS. Prevention includes routine testing, consistent condom use, PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis), post-exposure treatment, and reducing risky behavior.
- Trichomoniasis: The most common non-viral STI in the U.S, caused by a parasite, has treatable by prescription drugs; prevention aligns with condom use and partner screening.
Education, awareness, responsible sexual practices, and regular screenings are crucial in preventing STIs. Always consult with healthcare providers for tailored advice.
Source: 123RF
What are
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are some infectious diseases that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse through direct contact of biological fluids. These infections can be contracted not only through sexual activity, but also through blood (e.g., infected syringes) or by direct passage from mother to child during pregnancy or delivery.
Sexually transmitted infections can be caused by:
- bacteria, as in the case of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis;
- virus, such as for genital herpes, papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, HIV infection;
- protozoa, as in trichomoniasis;
- mycetes, as in mycotic vulvovaginitis;
- metazoa, as in scabies and pediculosis pubis.
Some of these diseases give manifestation of themselves through the appearance of early symptoms, while others are more subtle and give no signal to the infected person. Related medical problems can also be distinguished into local or systemic (i.e., involving the entire organism) alterations.
#iol_player_container.vjs-top-parent-mobile width: 100%; position: fixed; z-index: 1000; left: 0;
We can further distinguish fatal and nonfatal, curable and noncurable diseases.
The most common sites of infection in heterosexual males are the penis, urethra, and pharynx; in heterosexual females are the vulva, vagina, cervix, pharynx, and anorectal region; in homosexual males are the penis, urethra, pharynx, and anorectal region; and in homosexual females are the genitals and pharynx.
I local symptoms Most common with which sexually transmitted infections manifest themselves are:
- Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina;
- itching in the genital area;
- pain or burning sensation associated with urination or during sexual intercourse;
- genital lesions;
- Enlargement of inguinal lymph nodes;
- pelvic pain.
The main risk factors Are:
- Having an early onset of sexual activity, which can lead to more partners in life;
- Having unprotected sexual activity with multiple partners;
- homosexual relations between male individuals;
- Having previously contracted a sexually transmitted infection;
- poor condom use by men and women with casual partners;
- alcohol or drug abuse.
What are the most prevalent
Among the most prevalent diseases are in first place HPV (papilloma virus) infections. which affects roughly a quarter of the female population. This virus can show signs of its presence when it affects the external genitalia through the appearance of condylomata, or irregular skin growths (what in times past were nicknamed ‘cockscombs’) that generate itching or a sense of discomfort. However, the same virus can also infect the cervix without producing any symptoms but by triggering alterations that predispose cells to tumor degeneration. According to recent studies, papilloma virus also appears to be a risk factor for cancers of the penis and pharynx.
As highlighted by the Sentinel Surveillance Systems data, then, the most frequently reported diseases after ano-genital condylomas are:
- latent syphilis;
- genital herpes;
- Chlamydia trachomatis infections.
What to do
If you have symptoms, the best thing to do is consult the referring specialist (gynecologist, urologist, dermatologist).
If you have had risky behaviors, it is important to undergo diagnostic testing to assess possible infection.
Prevention
In terms of primary prevention, the best way to avoid or reduce the risk of contracting these infections is proper information and a’sexual health education enabling the promotion of responsible sexual behavior, considering that even one unprotected sexual intercourse could be a cause of infection.
Other strategies are to Abstain from risky sexual activity, and in the case of casual intercourse use a condom and dental dam, a small square of latex used for oral-genital and oral-anal intercourse. In both cases, proper use of these protections is essential, making sure to use them only on one side, as they make it possible to greatly reduce the risk, but not exclude it altogether.
Another way to prevent sexually transmitted infections. are vaccines, but at present they are not available for most infections.
It is important avoid the use of drugs or alcohol which can alter perception of reality, reduce judgment and sense of responsibility, thus risking encouraging dangerous sexual behavior. It is also necessary to comply with certain rules of hygiene, namely to wash thoroughly before and after every sexual intercourse.
In terms of secondary prevention, that is, performing a early diagnosis of asymptomatic infection to avoid the most serious consequences, it is important for women to perform regular pap smear and gynecological examination; for both sexes, to perform targeted serologic testing according to their risk factors. In this case, medical consultation becomes imperative.
