YOUR HEALTH

 

with Fortunate Masikati 

Bindura City Corps 

Bindura Division 

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 or you can pass

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 is the difference between a sexually transmitted infection and a sexually transmitted disease?

A sexually transmitted infection is the same as a sexually transmitted disease. STI is the most accurate term to describe the condition.

 The most common types of sexually transmitted infections include:

Chlamydia.

Genital herpes.

Genital warts.

Gonorrhea (clap).

Hepatitis B.

HIV/AIDS.

Human papillomavirus (HPV).

Pubic lice (crabs).

Syphilis.

Trichomoniasis (trick).

Vaginitis

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.

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.

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. 

Sexually transmitted infections can cause lifelong complications if left untreated. 

 Common complications from untreated STIs include the following:

HIV can lead to AIDS.

Syphilis can damage your organs, nervous system, and infect a developing fetus.

STI complications for females include:

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can damage your uterus and cause infertility.

Ectopic pregnancy.

Infertility.

Chronic pelvic pain.

In males, untreated STIs can lead to:

Infections in the urethra and prostate.

Swollen, sore testicles.

Infertility.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral STI . People with HPV may have no symptoms, or they may develop warts or bumps around the genitals. High-risk HPV can even cause cervical cancer.

Most STIs go away after treatment. Some may require lifelong management with medications. You can develop the same STI after it goes away if you get infected with it again.

Many sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases) can be cured. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for all STIs. Conditions like HIV require lifelong care and treatment. You can get an STI again, even after treatment, to cure it.

Prevention

The only way to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections is to abstain from sex (not having sex). 

If you’re sexually active, you can:

Use a latex condom whenever you have any kind of sex. If you or your partner has a vagina, use a dental dam for oral sex.

Choose sex partners carefully. Don’t have sex if you suspect your partner has an STI.

Get checked for STIs regularly. Doing so helps prevent the spread of STIs to other people. Ask any new sex partner to get tested before having sex for the first time.

Avoid alcohol or drugs before having sex. People who are under the influence may engage in sexual activities without taking safety precautions.

Learn the signs and symptoms of STIs. If you notice symptoms, visit a healthcare provider quickly.

Educate yourself about STIs. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself and your partners. #SeasonOfPrayerAndCommitment  - Salvationist online