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Sexual and Reproductive Health

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections or conditions that can be passed through sexual contact. Common STIs include chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, HPV, pubic lice, syphilis, trichomoniasis and vaginitis. STIs are very common and millions of new cases occur each year worldwide. Symptoms vary but can include sores, discharge or pain. Risk factors include unprotected sex and sharing needles. Regular testing and treatment are important to prevent spread.

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25 views4 pages

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections or conditions that can be passed through sexual contact. Common STIs include chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, HPV, pubic lice, syphilis, trichomoniasis and vaginitis. STIs are very common and millions of new cases occur each year worldwide. Symptoms vary but can include sores, discharge or pain. Risk factors include unprotected sex and sharing needles. Regular testing and treatment are important to prevent spread.

Uploaded by

Elthon John
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is a sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted disease)?

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are infections or conditions that you can get from any kind of sexual
activity involving your mouth, anus, vagina, or penis. Another common name for STIs is sexually
transmitted diseases, or STDs. There are several types of STIs. The most common symptoms are burning,
itching or discharge in your genital area. Some STIs are asymptomatic, meaning you may not have any
symptoms. Sexually transmitted infections are highly contagious. If you’re sexually active, you can have
(and pass on) an STI without even knowing it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommends regular STI screenings or testing if you’re sexually active. STIs are serious illnesses that
need treatment. Some, like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have no cure and can be life-
threatening without treatment.

What are the types of sexually transmitted infections?

The most common types of sexually transmitted infections include:

Chlamydia - Can cause permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system. This can make it difficult
or impossible to get pregnant later.

Genital herpes - Genital herpes can often be spread by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Can
cause painful blisters.

Genital warts - Genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. They can look like small, skin-
colored bumps.

Gonorrhea (clap). - Infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix,
uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in women and men.

Hepatitis B - Can cause a chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver
cancer.

HIV/AIDS. - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the disease.

Human papillomavirus (HPV). - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a very common group of
viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or
cancer.

Pubic lice (crabs). - Pubic lice feed on your blood, and their bites can cause severe itching. Treatment
includes applying over-the-counter creams and lotions that kill the parasites and their eggs.

Syphilis. - Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria. Most often, it spreads through sexual contact. The
disease starts as a sore that's often painless and typically appears on the genitals, rectum or mouth.

Trichomoniasis (trick). - Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a


parasite. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and
painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms.

Vaginitis - An inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain.
How common are sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections are common. More than 25 million sexually transmitted infections occur
each year in the United States. Around the world, an estimated 374 million sexually transmitted
infections occur each year. According to the CDC, there were approximately 2.5 million cases of
chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the U.S. in 2021. About half of these cases occur in people ages 15
to 24.

What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections?

Symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases) vary by type. You might not
have any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may appear around your genital region and could
include:

• Bumps, sores or warts on or near your penis, vagina, mouth or anus.


• Swelling or severe itching near your penis or vagina.
• Discharge from your penis.
• Vaginal discharge that has a bad odor, causes irritation or is a different color or amount than
usual.
• Vaginal bleeding that’s not your period.
• Painful sex.
• Painful urination or frequent urination.

In addition, you may also have symptoms throughout your body, including:

• A skin rash.
• Weight loss.
• Diarrhea.
• Night sweats.
• Aches, pains, fever, and chills.
• Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes).

What causes sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections develop when various bacteria, viruses or parasites infect your body. You
can get these microorganisms from bodily fluids (like blood, urine, semen, saliva and other mucous-lined
areas) during sex — usually vaginal, oral and anal sex or other sexual activities.
Are sexually transmitted infections contagious?

Yes, sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases) are contagious. Most STIs pass from
person to person by sexual contact through bodily fluids or from skin-to-skin contact by touching the
infected part of a person’s body, usually the genitals. Some STIs, like syphilis, can spread while giving
birth to a baby.

If you have an STI, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider to receive treatment. Some STIs are
curable. You can prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly if you’re sexually active, talking to
your sexual partners about your diagnosis and using protection during sex.

What are the risk factors for sexually transmitted infections?

If you’re sexually active, you’re at risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted
disease).

You can also get an STI if you share personal items like needles that contain your blood. This may occur in
the following instances:

• Unregulated tattoos.
• Unregulated piercings.
• Sharing needles while using intravenous drugs (substance use disorder).

A lack of communication due to stigma or shame about having an STI can put you and your partner(s) at a
greater risk of spreading the infection. Before having sex, you should ask your partners the following
questions:

• Do you have an active STI?


• When was your last STI test?
• Are you currently being treated for an STI?
• Do you consistently use protection with your sexual partners?

Asking these questions can help you protect yourself

How often should I get tested for STIs?

Most healthcare providers recommend annual sexually transmitted infection testing. You may choose to
get tested more often, like every 3 to 6 months, if you have multiple sexual partners. Some providers
recommend testing before having sex with a new partner. Regular testing helps find and treat STIs you
may not even know you have. Talk to a healthcare provider about a testing schedule that makes sense for
you.
How are sexually transmitted infections treated?

The goal of sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted disease) treatment is to:

• Cure many (not all) STIs.


• Lessen your symptoms.
• Reduce your likelihood of spreading the infection.
• Help you get healthy and stay healthy.

Treatment for STIs could include taking medications like:

• Antibiotics.
• Antivirals.

You can take these medicines orally (by mouth), or a provider will give you an injection.

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