STI and STD

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are those which are spread by sexual contact. 

The most common types of STDs and STIs are Chlamydia, HPV, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Pubic lice, Trichomoniasis and Herpes.

 

Let us look at each of these closely and understand their symptoms and treatments. 

 

CHLAMYDIA

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The disease can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, if not treated early, it can spread to other body parts and cause serious long-term health complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility in both - men and women. 

Most people do not get any symptoms at all, some may see signs after several weeks, sometimes even after months of being infected. 

Women generally experience an increase in vaginal discharge, pain or burning sensation while urinating, pain in the lower stomach, bleeding between periods and pain or bleeding during sex. 

In men, Chlamydia may cause discharge from the Penis, pain or burning during urination and swollen testicles. 

If you are suffering from Chlamydia, get tested for HIV too as it makes you more susceptible to HIV. 

 

HIV - AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV causes an immunity disorder known as AIDS a.k.a Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is spread by the mixing of the bodily fluids of an infected person with a healthy person via cuts, syringes, breastfeeding or sexual activity. This can be through blood, sexual fluids, or breast milk. It is not spread by casual contact with an infected person like hugging or shaking hands. 

HIV weakens the immune system over time such that the body is unable to fight infections. It can be fatal. 

Not everyone who contracts HIV develops AIDS, but they can still become carriers of the virus. Most people who contract HIV get a fever, rash, joint pains and enlarged lymph nodes if a reaction to our immune system occurs. Once a person develops any one of the rare infections like tuberculosis, candidiasis, pneumonia or tumours, they are said to have AIDS.

There is no cure for HIV yet, and so, prevention is the best cure! Using latex condoms while engaging in any sexual activity is the best way to prevent the spread of HIV. 

 

SYPHILIS

Syphilis is also a bacterial, sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. The bacteria enter the bloodstream through mucous membranes or cuts and affects the organs in the body. 

There are four stages of infection: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Each stage has different signs and symptoms. 

Primary stage: 

Syphilis is most easily spread in the first stage of infection as it goes unnoticed during this phase. 

A single, painless sore known as 'chancre' appears within ten to ninety days after contracting Syphilis. This chancre may appear outside as well as inside the genitals including the Penis, vagina, scrotum, rectum, around the anus and on the lips or inside the mouth. It lasts for about three to six weeks. 

The chancre goes away without treatment, but you will still be infected by Syphilis. 

Secondary stage:

This stage develops after seventeen days to six and a half months of infection. The symptoms include the development of a rough, reddish-brown rash on the palms or soles of your feet appears on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, rashes on your body, warts, skin lesions in the genital area, patchy hair loss, sores on mouth, throat and cervix. These symptoms also clear up without treatment, but if left untreated, it enters the latent stage, which is asymptomatic. 

Latent stage:

This stage shows no signs or symptoms and develops after two to thirty years of infection. There is a possibility of relapse of the secondary stage once you enter the latent phase. However, it usually happens in the first two years of latency only. 

Tertiary stage:

The tertiary stage can occur after two to thirty plus years of infection. The symptoms include Gummas, heart-related problems and chronic nervous system issues like blindness, paralysis and dementia. 

Treatment in this stage will prevent further damage and Syphilis. Still, it will not be able to reverse the damage already done before the treatment. 

 

HPV – HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS

HPV is a viral infection that commonly causes warts. There are over a hundred types of HPV warts, and some can also lead to cervical cancer.  

Our immune system usually fights off the infection before the development of warts. Still, if warts appear, they can be of four types – genital, common, plantar, and flat. 

Genital warts – they are flat lesions or small, cauliflower-like bumps around the genital area. In females, they usually appear around the vulva, on the cervix or vagina and sometimes the anus. In males, they appear on the Penis and scrotum. These warts may be itchy. 

Common warts – they are rough bumps which usually occur on the hands or fingers, which can sometimes be painful and susceptible to bleeding. 

Plantar warts – these are hard, grainy warts which appear on the heels of your feet and can cause discomfort.

Flat warts – these are flat, slightly raised bumps and can appear anywhere on the body however for kids, it's mostly on the face, for men around the beard and females get them on their legs. 

 

GONORRHOEA

Caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Gonorrhoea, also known as 'the clap', is a curable infection. However, if left untreated, it can lead to complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. 

For most women, Gonorrhoea is asymptomatic; however, if they do get symptoms, they are bloody or yellow discharge from the vagina, pain during urination and frequent urination. If the infection moves to the fallopian tubes, women may experience abdominal pain, lower back pain, pain during sex, nausea, and fever. 

Symptoms for men include excessive yellowish-white discharge from Penis, pain during urination, frequent urination, and swollen testicles. 

Gonorrhoea can also affect the mouth and eyes.

 

TRICHOMONIASIS

Trichomoniasis, commonly known as Trich, is a parasitic STI caused by the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis. If you suffer from Trich, you are susceptible to HIV also. 

Green/Yellow or grey Vaginal discharge, foul vaginal smell, itching in or around the vagina, painful sex and urination are all symptoms of Trich in females. Most men have asymptomatic Trich, but if they do get symptoms, they are itching inside the Penis, discharge from Penis and painful urination. 

 

HERPES

The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes Herpes, an infection which affects the genitalia, mucosal surfaces, anal region, skin, and other parts of the body. There are two types of HSV's – HSV 1, which affects the mouth and HSV 2, which affects the genitalia. It is a long-term condition, symptoms of which are blisters in and around the genitalia, ulcers, cold sores around the mouth, vaginal discharge, fever, and pain while urinating. 

Taking painkillers, soaking in lightly salted water, and applying petroleum jelly help relieve the symptoms.

No medicine can get rid of the virus yet and so, the infection can recur. Gradually recurrences become less frequent and severe. 

 

OTHER STDS

Other STDs are Chancroid, lymphogranuloma venerum, molluscum contagiosum, scabies, and granuloma inguinale. These are less common. 

Who wants itchy, painful bumps around their genitalia? I'm sure no one does. So why not practice safe sex to prevent the spread of STD's and STI's? 

Do you know that just by wearing a latex condom while having sex you can prevent most of these STI's and STD's? The best way to prevent the spread of STI's and STD's is to, of course, use protection while having vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but you should also ensure that your partner is not infected. It would be safer to engage in sexual activities only with a long-term monogamous partner. 

Although STDs are common, there are ways you can prevent them. Pay attention to your body for any signs and symptoms, keep getting yourself checked frequently to avoid severe complications and stay healthy! 

 

By

Nt. Heena Gupta