What are STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are any
infections transmitted through sexual contact.
Caused by bacteria, virus, protozoa, fungus or
parasitic agents, STIs are transmitted during
unprotected vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. Some
STIs can also be transmitted from an infected
mother to her child, sharing needles or by receiving
infected blood.
Managing STIs
More than 50% of STIs are asymptomatic,
particularly in women. STIs can be prevented
through abstaining from sexual activity, being
faithful in a monogamous relationship and using
condoms during every sexual act. Persons
practicing unsafe sex should have regular checkups
for STIs, even in the absence of symptoms. STIs are
associated with increased risk of HIV.Ulcerative
STIs can facilitate transmission of HIV, and risk
factors for STIs also indicate HIV risk.
Some Common STIs
HIV is discussed in Information Sheet No. 2
Syphilis
Syphilis is a treatable infection that causes sores
around the penis, vagina, mouth, anus or on the
hands. Untreated syphilis can lead to more serious
conditions involving the heart and central
nervous system.
Chancroid
Chancroid is a genital ulcer disease that causes
sores on the genitals, and in women sometimes
painful urination or defecation, painful intercourse,
rectal bleeding or vaginal discharge. It is treatable
with antibiotics.
Other STIs
Hepatitis B/c genital scabies yeast Infection Pubic lice
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is caused by Herpes simplex virus-2
(HSV-2) and is an incurable viral infection that can
cause painful blisters or sores in the genital area. Sores
usually disappear after sometime, but the virus
remains in the body for life. Recurrent lesions can be
treated with antiviral drugs that suppress symptoms,
but cannot eliminate the virus. Pregnant women can
also transmit Genital Herpes to their child.Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea can cause discharge from the vagina or
penis and difficulty in urination. If untreated, it can
cause pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic
pregnancy and infertility in women. It is treatable
with antibiotics.Chlamydia
A common bacterial STI, chlamydia causes abnormal
genital discharge and burning with urination. Often
asymptomatic, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory
disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women.
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics.Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that, if
symptomatic, can cause abnormal discharge,
discomfort during intercourse, vaginal odor and
painful urination in women. Men commonly have
no symptoms. It is treatable.Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma
virus (HPV) and appear around the vagina, penis
or anus. Certain high-risk types of HPV are linked
to cervical cancer in women. Although the virus
cannot be eliminated from the body, warts can be
treated with a topical drug or freezing.Information Sheet No. 3
Sexually Transmitted Infections