STI or STD

STI stands for sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is the commonly used terminology. However, infection is a better term because the infections cause symptoms that are known as the disease. The same disease or similar symptoms can be seen with other infections as well.

Common STIs are:

• Chlamydia infection
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Genital herpes
• HPV
• Hepatitis B
• Trichomonas infection
• Pubic lice
• Scabies
• HIV

Chlamydia

It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is also among the most serious ones. Often the condition goes unnoticed till it gets too complicated. The painful long term disease that is caused is called PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and is accompanied by infertility. The symptoms are:

Females:

• A different discharge from vagina
• Often burning sensation during urination
• Pain in the lower abdomen and high fever with chills.
• Bleeding and pain after sex

Males:

• A viscous white drip from the penis.
• Often burning sensation during urination
• Itchy sensation inside the penis
• pain in the testicles
• Simple test of the urine can detect it.

Treatment is very simple. One dose of antibiotic is enough. Treatment is important and necessary to avoid complications.

Syphilis:

This is a serious infection. This disease if untreated can cause serious complications years later leading to damage of heart and brain. The symptoms are:

• Painless sores in the genital areas, anus, on the body, or even inside the mouth.
• Rash

Simple blood test can diagnose it. It can be cured with antibiotic therapy.

Gonorrhea:

It is another disease if untreated can cause a lot of complications such as PID and infertility. This disease can also go unnoticed. Symptoms:

Females:

• A different discharge from vagina
• Often burning sensation during urination
• Pain in the lower abdomen and high fever with chills.
• Bleeding and pain after sex
• Rectal pain and discharge are common.

Males:

• A viscous yellow drip from the penis.
• Often burning sensation during urination
• Itchy sensation inside the penis
• pain and swelling in the testicles
• Bleeding and pain after sex
• Rectal pain and discharge are common.

It can be detected by a swab test or a test of the fresh urine.

Gonorrhea is treated by simple antibiotic treatment.

Genital herpes:

• This infection causes serious and painful sores in and around the genitals. It is transmitted by coming into direct contact of open sores. If the infection is passed on to the child, it can cause death of the child.
• Genital herpes is incurable. However, medication can reduce the pain of the sores. The earlier treated the better control of reappearance. The treatment can be complicated. Avoid rubbing of the sores. Tab dry or air dry the sores. Wear loose clothes. Never use clothes or towel without washing it.

HPV:

• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common cause of viral STI. This virus can be transmitted by close skin contact as well. Some of the varieties of these can cause genital warts or genital cancers.
• Warts are seen in damp and moist areas like the groin. The warts are rarely painful but can be itchy.
• It is often incurable. The warts keep appearing time and again. Sometimes, the body gets rid of it over time and warts never appear. Medication helps in preventing transmission.
• Genital cancers are not caused by the same variety of virus that cause genital warts. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer that is caused by HPV infection. However, both male and female can get infected. Anal cancer, cancer of the penis, or cancer of the vulva, is also common.
• Often infection with many different varieties of HPV are seen and thus infection by HPV can lead to both warts and cancer.

Hepatitis B:

• It is a viral infection of the liver. It is far easily transmitted than HIV. It is transmitted through contact of body fluids. It is not necessarily a STI, it can be transmitted through various other means.
• Most people who are infected are rarely aware. No symptoms are seen in some cases. Often people carry it for life not knowing it. Also sometimes the infection goes away by itself. If it stays it causes serious liver diseases or even cancer of the liver later in life.
• It can be prevented by vaccination.
• Symptoms may include: Jaundice, nausea and vomiting, headaches, weakness.
• It can be very easily detected by blood test.

Trichomonas infection:

It is often the cause of Vaginitis (inflamed vagina). It normally does not result in other complications such as PID. Can cause premature delivery or low-weight baby if the mother is infected during pregnancy. Symptoms include:

Female

• Frothy vaginal discharge
• Itchy sensation of the vagina
• Frequent urination

Male

• Often no symptoms
• Itchy and irritation of the penis
• Burning sensation during urination

It is diagnosed by swab test. It can be cured by pills. Both partners should be treated.

Pubic lice and scabies:

This is not necessarily a sexually transmitted disease and can be transmitted by close contact with an infected person, or using the same bed sheets or towel, or wearing their clothes. Both partners need to be treated even though the partner may not have any rash or irritation.

Scabies

• Itching mainly at night.
• Rash.

Pubic lice

• Itch
• Insects are seen
• Oval eggs may be seen on the pubic hair.
• Can be treated very easily using special medicated creams. Wash and boil clothes every time before reuse. Do not just dispose used clothes. Better to burn them.

HIV:

This is the STI which has the biggest publicity though it is not as common. However growing concerns about its spread rapidly has claimed a lot of attention. This viral infection attacks the human immune system, which is responsible for the body defense, causing AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). The HIV virus is mainly transmitted by body fluids; mainly unprotected sexual contact, sharing of needles, sharing of sex toys, or infected blood transfusion.

• HIV can also be seen in saliva, sweat, tears, though in very low amounts.
• Infected mother can infect her baby during pregnancy or later by breast feeding.
• HIV is not spread through everyday social contacts or through pets.
• A simple blood test can tell if you are infected.
• There is no cure for AIDS at the moment. There are a lot of drugs that may slow the process, but ultimately once infected you have it for life. Be careful.

Transmission of STI:

STIs can be transmitted by oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Most of these infections can be passed on to the child and cause serious life-threatening infections if the mother is infected when pregnant.

Be responsible:

• Often most STIs go unnoticed and are often passed to the partner unknowingly. This is why if anyone is into a sexual relationship, it is always recommended that his or her health is under medical supervision.
• It goes without saying that it is always better to have a single sexual partner!
• Once treated for the disease, the infection can again happen if partner is not treated. So it is important both partners undergo the treatment together.
• If detected HIV positive, inform all your partners. They might have been exposed. It is up to them to decide whether they want to be tested or not.
• There is nothing more pleasurable than having committed and responsible sex. Do not spoil your experience.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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