Understanding what Sexually Transmitted Infections STIs is: A Guide to Human's Health
Sexually Transmitted Infections STIs are Infections that are spread through sexual contact. The Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and can have serious health consequences if not treated.
Infectious Disease Specialist:
is a Physician that can diagnose and treat STIs
The first step to restoring your health is following the guidelines of what your Physician can do for you and it's importance in your health care
The Common STIs, Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Prevention,
1. Chlamydia:This is a bacterial infection that can cause symptoms like abnormal discharge, painful urination, and genital pain. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
It's primarily spread through:A. Unprotected sex: vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
B. Contact with infected bodily fluids: semen, vaginal fluids, or rectal fluids.
Transmission can occur:A. During vaginal, anal, or oral sex
B. From mother to child during childbirth(RARELY)
Risk factors:A. Multiple sexual partners
B. Unprotected sex
C. Young age(15-24 years old)
Prevention methods:A. Using condoms correctly
B. Practicing safe sex
C. Getting tested regularly
Chlamydia can be treated, if diagnosed early. Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
2. Gonorrhea:This also a bacterial infection that can cause symptoms like discharge, painful urination, abdominal pain. Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
It's primarily spread through:A. Unprotected sex: vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
B. Contact with infected bodily fluids: semen, vaginal fluids, or rectal fluids.
Transmission can occur:A. During vaginal, anal, or oral sex
B. From mother to child during childbirth(RARELY)
Risk factors:A. Multiple sexual partners
B. Unprotected sex
C. Previous gonorrhea infection
Prevention methods:A. Using condoms correctly
B. Practicing safe sex
C. Getting tested regularly
Gonorrhea can be treated, if diagnosed early. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications.
3. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus):This a viral infection that attacks the immune system and has the high chances to lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
HIV is primarily spread through:A. Unprotected sex: vaginal or anal sex with an infected person.
B. Sharing needles: sharing needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood.
C. Mother-to-child transmission: from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Other potential transmission routes:A. Blood transfusions: although this is rare in countries with strict blood screening.
B. Organ transplants: although this rare with modern screening.
HIV is NOT transmitted through:A. Casual contact, like shaking hands or hugging.
B. Sharing food or drinks.
C. Mosquito bites.
Prevention methods:A. Using condoms correctly>/p>
B. Practicing safe sex
C. Getting tested regularly
D. Using clean needles
E. Antiretroviral therapy (ART)can help manage the virus and prevent transmission.
If you suspect exposure or have concerns, consult a healthcare professional for testing and guidance
4. Herpes:This is also a viral infection that causes symptoms like painful blisters, itching and burning. Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
There are two major types:A. HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1): primarily causes oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters) around the mouth.
B. HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2): primarily causes genital herpes, which can cause symptoms like painful blisters, itching, and burning in the genital area.
Transmission: - Skin-to-skin contact: This is through a direct contact with an infected person's skin, mucous membranes, or bodily fluids. - Sexual contact: Through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. - Oral contact:This is through kissing or sharing utensils with someone who has oral herpes.
- Herpes can be transmitted even when the infected person doesn't show symptoms.
- Antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce transmission risk.
- Practicing safe sex, using condoms, and avoiding contact with active sores can help prevent transmission.
5. Syphilis:This a bacterial infection that can cause sores, rash, and organ damage. Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
It's primarily spread through:A. Sexual contact: vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
B. Skin-to-skin contact: direct contact with a syphilis sore (chancre) or rash.
Transmission can occur:A. During vaginal, anal, or oral sex
B. From mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth (congenital syphilis)
Syphilis can be treated, if diagnosed early. Untreated syphilis can lead to serious health complications. Regular STI testing and practicing safe sex can help prevent transmission.
