Practicing safe sex is extremely important as even one episode of casual unprotected sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections that result in serious consequences. To protect oneself and one’s sexual partner from these STI’s, awareness regarding them is of utmost importance. It is reported that one out of every four sexually active teens are prone to STI’s.
About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs stand for sexually transmitted infections that are acquired due to unprotected sexual contact. The organisms that are responsible for the sexually transmitted infections pass from one person to the other through the semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. STIs do not cause symptoms initially. Hence, people affected may not even know it till it passes the initial stage of infection.
The symptoms of STIs vary depending on the infection. Initial symptoms may or may not appear. The symptoms that may appear right after exposure to a STI include painful sores or bumps on the genitals, rectal or oral area; painful burning sensation during urination; discharge from penis or vagina; lymph nodes in the groin are swollen; unusual vaginal bleeding with fever. Once the infection reappears after months or years after primary infection the symptoms include sores anywhere in the body; pain during sexual intercourse; abscess in the groin; infertility, HIV related symptoms, cardiovascular or neurological problems and cancer.
Causes
STIs are caused by different types of bacteria, parasites, and nearly 30 types of viruses. Some of the different STIs and their causative agents include
- Syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum
- Gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhea
- Vaginitis, urethritis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis and Chlamydia trachomatis
- Human papilloma virus causes anal and cervical cancer
- Herpes simplex virus causes Genital herpes
- Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes AIDS
- Epstein Barr virus causes mononucleosis
- Hepatitis A virus causes Hepatitis
- Certain parasites that cause STI like Giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium, pubic lice (crabs) and shigella
Risk Factors
STIs are common in people who engage in unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse or have been sexually active at an early age. Having a history of STIs, also increase the chances of a second infection. People who have multiple sex partners or share needles are more at risk of developing STIs. Being homosexual is a risk factor for STIs. Other factors include African American race and being in between 15 years to 24 years. Females are more prone to STIs due to changing cells in the cervix.
Diagnosis
If a person had multiple sexual partners, then it is very necessary to get testing done. Many STI’s do not show any visible symptoms. Some STI’s don’t show themselves in testing as well. Hence one must talk to the doctor to know the right time for testing. Viral Sexually transmitted infections are diagnosed by blood tests. Scrapes and fluid from the sores are analyzed in the laboratory.
Prevention
The best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections is to abstain from vaginal, oral or anal sex. Sexual intercourse with multiple partners should be completely avoided. The sexual partners should get tested regularly. Use of a latex condom when having sexual intercourse is a must. One must use a dental dam before having oral sex. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol one is capable of having risky sexual intercourse with strangers. It is advised that both sexual partners undergo screening tests regularly. Vaccinations are available for protection against two sexually transmitted viruses like Human papilloma virus and Hepatitis B virus that cause cancer. The Hepatitis B vaccination is given to new born babies while HPV vaccination is given to girls between 9 years to 26 years of age.
Pubic lice (crabs)
The pubic lice are small crab like parasites that live mostly in pubic hair but can also be found in arm pit hair, eye lashes, and facial hair. These lice use their claws to cling on to the pubic hair. The pubic lice crabs can be transmitted from one person to other during sexual intercourse, sharing clothes, bedding or sharing towels. They however, cannot be transmitted in swimming pools or from toilet seats. The symptoms that pubic lice cause after 5 to 7 days of infection include swelling and itching of the affected area; blood spots in the area due to feeding of lice; visible eggs and lice in the hair. For effective treatment, shaving pubic hair will not get rid of lice completely. One should use special lotions, creams or shampoos that kill the lice and eggs. To prevent the spread of these lice, one must wash all the towels, beddings and clothes properly.
National STD hotline
The National STD hotline has trained specialists working round the clock to help answer questions and provide referrals. Each call is kept confidential
