Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)are serious health problems that must be dealt with immediately. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause severe and lifelong health problems and some can be deadly. Among the more serious ones are gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis-B. Some STDs are explained below:

1. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacterium that causes it. The vast majority of Chlamydia infections are asymptomatic. If the bacteria are in your throat, you may experience a sore throat, but you may not notice any symptoms.

Chlamydia can be contracted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as if infected bodily fluid enters your eye (chlamydia conjunctivitis). Even if there is no penetration, orgasm, or ejaculation, it is possible to contract chlamydia from someone. Chlamydia cannot be spread through casual contact, such as kissing and hugging, or by sharing baths, towels, swimming pools, toilet seats, or cutlery.

Chlamydia transmission occurs via vaginal, anal, or oral sex, either through infected sperm or via infected tissue in the mouth. Chlamydia infection can be passed from pregnant females to their babies and can result in eye inflammation and pneumonia in newborns.

2. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea. It spreads easily from person to person via unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex, or by sharing vibrators or other sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom each time they are used.

The bacteria can infect the cervix (the entrance to the womb), the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the body), the rectum, and, less frequently, the throat or eyes. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause permanent blindness in a newborn. Sharing kisses, hugs, swimming pools, toilet seats, baths, towels, cups, plates, or cutlery does not spread gonorrhea. Bacteria cannot survive outside the human body for long. Gonorrhea's early symptoms include itching in or around your anus.

3. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. A small, painless sore known as a chancre is the first sign of syphilis. It can appear on the sexual organs, the rectum, the lips, or the inside of the mouth. The sore will heal on its own, but the infection can still be transmitted. A rash on the hands and feet is also common and it may also appear on the arms, legs, or torso.

Syphilis is a difficult infection to identify. It is possible to have it for years without experiencing any symptoms, making regular testing and prevention through the proper use of condoms essential. Early syphilis signs and symptoms are frequently overlooked. Syphilis prevention can be effective, especially in the early stages. Antibiotics can be used to treat it, especially in the early stages. If not treated, it can cause disability, neurological disorders, and even death. Syphilis can be passed from a pregnant female to her child before or during birth and can result in bone deformities, blindness, deafness, and stillbirth.

The only way to avoid syphilis transmission and other STIs is to refrain from engaging in sexual activity. The proper use of a condom during a sexual interaction can prevent many STIs. Syphilis symptoms in men and women include slight fever, tiredness, sore throat, swollen glands, headache, and muscle aches.

4. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite. It usually appears within a month of infection. Once infected, you can spread trichomoniasis through vaginal-penile or vaginal-vaginal intercourse, anal sex, and oral sex. In most cases, it is not serious and can be treated.

Trichomoniasis can be diagnosed by taking a sample of urine or fluid from your genitals and examining it under a microscope to find the parasite. Treatment will get rid of the parasite, but infection can reoccur. If you do not receive treatment, trichomoniasis can cause other health problems, and increase your chances of contracting or spreading other STIs.

Although it is uncommon, it is possible for pregnant females to transmit the infection to their babies during birth.

5. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a persistent, potentially fatal illness that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens a person's immune system. The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from germs and diseases.

AIDS is diagnosed when an HIV-positive person's immune system becomes so weak that it can no longer fight off a variety of health problems that it would normally be able to handle. The spread of HIV from person to person is referred to as HIV transmission. Certain activities, such as sex or injection drug use, can transmit HIV.

The best HIV prevention method is to choose your sexual partners wisely. HIV can be passed from person to person via blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

6. An HPV infection is a viral infection that commonly causes warts on the skin or mucous membranes. Certain HPV infections cause warts, and if certain HPV strains persist for a long time, they may induce cell changes that lead to cancer. Your doctor may be able to diagnose HPV infection by examining your warts. If no genital warts are visible, a Pap test, DNA test, or vinegar (acetic acid) solution test will be required to determine HPV infection.

Wart removal medications are typically applied directly to the lesion and require multiple applications before they are effective. If medications do not work, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of warts.