Sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STIs or STDs)

Table of Contents

 

Infections known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are contracted through intercourse. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection.

Sexual contact through vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse is the primary way that over 25 STIs are spread. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over a million STIs are contracted daily worldwide.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are another name for STIs. Although "STI" and "STD" are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same. A "disease" is typically a medical condition with apparent symptoms and indicators. A STI "infection" may or may not cause illness.

 Contents Table

• The Essentials of Chlamydia
• Warts on the Genital Area
• Herpes and gonorrhea
• HIV and Syphilis
• Additional Sexually Transmitted Infections to Be Aware of for Your Own and Others' Protection
• The Bottom Line

For this reason, a lot of people and organizations in the health sector are switching from using the phrase "sexually transmitted disease" to "sexually transmitted infection." Since the majority of STI sufferers show no symptoms, they frequently are unaware that they can infect their sexual partner or partners.

Serious health issues include cervical cancer, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and pregnancy issues can result from untreated STIs. If you are HIV-negative and are exposed to HIV, you may be at higher risk of contracting HIV if you have certain STIs (such as trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes, or chancroid). HIV-positive individuals may also be more susceptible to contracting or spreading other STIs.

STIs can cause more serious issues for people living with HIV, or they can make it harder for them to recover from the illness.

In the resource-rich world, the United States has the highest rate of STIs. The three nationally reportable STIs—syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia—accounted for almost 2.4 million cases in 2023, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although they make up a very tiny percentage of all sexually active individuals, young people (15–24 years old) accounted for over half of these.

Teenage girls and young women are susceptible to contracting STIs for a number of reasons. First, young people's cervix, or pathway between the vagina and the womb, is lined with cells that are more susceptible to STI infection. Second, teens and young adults can find it difficult to obtain the knowledge and resources they require to prevent STIs. Additionally, individuals could struggle to access STI prevention services because they are unsure of where to look, lack the means to get there, or are unable to pay for them. Teens and young women might not feel at ease in settings intended for adults, even if they have access to STI prevention services. They can be worried about secrecy as well.

Particularly for chlamydia and gonorrhea, teenage girls and women of color have some of the highest rates of STIs. Higher poverty rates, limited access to healthcare, and an existing high STI rate in communities of color are some of the factors contributing to the high STI rates among women of color. Because possible sex partners in her community are more likely to have a STI, a woman's chance of contracting one during intercourse is increased in some communities where the prevalence of STIs is higher.

Half of people who should get tested for STIs do so, regardless of their age or color. particularly crucial for women, as they experience more severe and frequent STI-related complications than males do.

Even though many STIs don't show any symptoms, they can still spread from person to person. Many STI sufferers are unaware that they have one. They can have a STI even though they are healthy. A person's appearance alone cannot reveal whether or not they have a STI. Getting tested and having frequent sexual health exams by your healthcare professional is the only way to be certain. You can use this link to locate a local STI screening location in the United States.

When STI symptoms do appear, they are usually in the vaginal area, however many STI patients may not exhibit any symptoms at all. The vulva (the region surrounding the vagina, including the lips), vagina (the exit point for menstrual blood), buttocks, urethra (the exit point for urine above the vagina), and anus (the exit point for a bowel movement, or "poop") are all considered to be part of the genital area in some people, including cisgender women. Others, such as cisgender men, have the penis, scrotum (or "balls"), urethra (the tube that allows urine to travel through the penis), and anus as part of their genital area.

Fortunately, safer sex practices can lower your risk of contracting many STIs. Although not all STIs can be effectively treated with medication, the majority can. You can manage your disease with the use of excellent drugs for other STIs.

Chlamydia

• This is among the most prevalent STIs. It is brought on by a bacterium that inhabits the genital tract, which includes semen and vaginal secretions ("cum"), but it can also cause infections in the rectum ("butt") and throat. Without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier, it can be transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex. It can be transferred from pregnant women to their unborn children during birth.
• Antibiotics are an effective treatment for chlamydia.
• Burning when urinating and vaginal discharge are possible symptoms, although most people experience none at all.
• For all sexually active women under 25, as well as for older women with risk factors, like having several or new sexual partners, the CDC advises yearly chlamydia testing. Sadly, new data indicates that less than half of women under 25 who engage in sexual activity get screened for chlamydia, partly due to a lack of knowledge among medical professionals.
• In order to prevent reinfection, it is crucial that your partner receive treatment if you test positive and are treated.

Warts on the Genital Area

• Viruses are the cause of genital warts. A broad category of viruses is referred to as HPV (human papillomavirus). Warts on the hands or feet are caused by specific HPV strains. Other kinds result in genital infections that can cause cervical cancer, vulva, vaginal, anus, or penile cancer, as well as genital warts.
• During vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse, genital HPV can be easily transmitted from one person to another. Condoms don't stop transmission completely. Compared to those without HIV, those with HIV are more likely to also have HPV. In addition, genital warts and cervical or anal cancer are more common in people with HIV and HPV.
• To avoid health issues, it's critical to detect HPV early and receive treatment. One effective method of checking for HPV is through routine cervical screening exams, or pap smears.
• Additionally, there are three HPV vaccines that work. Young people should get vaccinated before having sex (before being exposed to HPV) because the vaccines may not prevent those who already have HPV. That being said, HPV vaccination is still available to those who have already had sex.
• According to US standards, individuals with HIV should have the HPV vaccine until they are 45.

The Gonorrhea

• This STI, which is sometimes referred to as "the clap," is spread by a bacterium found in semen and vaginal secretions ("cum"). Without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier, it can be transmitted through oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
• A yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge and a burning sensation when urinating (or "peeing") are possible symptoms. The throat and anus (or "butt") can also be affected by gonorrhea. Many ladies don't exhibit any symptoms. Proctitis is a disorder that causes butt symptoms such as rectal pain, discharge, and bleeding. The bacterium can produce a chronic or irritating sore throat.
• Antibiotics can be used to treat gonorrhea. PID and lifelong infertility (difficulty getting pregnant) may result from untreated cases. Gonorrhea screening should be performed on all sexually active women. You might wish to ask your healthcare practitioner for a gonorrhea test if one is not provided.
• In order to prevent reinfection, it is crucial that your partner receive treatment if you test positive and are treated.

Herpes

• A virus that dwells in the nerves causes the STI known as herpes.
• Herpes patients may not exhibit any symptoms. When they do exhibit symptoms, they are typically blisters that hurt or itch. The virus is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with sores, but it can also spread from a herpes patient's healthy, undamaged skin. Many people may not be aware that they have herpes if they have never experienced any symptoms.
• The only diagnostics that are currently advised to check for this infection are a blister culture and physical examination. Most patients get intermittent sores, but the virus remains in their bodies for the rest of their lives.
• Zovirax (acyclovir), Valtrex (valacyclovir), and Famvir (famciclovir) are antiviral medications that can shorten and lessen outbreaks if given as soon as symptoms appear. However, there is no known cure for herpes. It has also been demonstrated that Valtrex reduces the chance of infecting another person.
• It is crucial to inform your healthcare professional if you have genital herpes and are pregnant or intend to get pregnant since pregnant women can transmit the disease to their unborn children.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is referred to as HIV. The virus that causes AIDS is called HIV. Blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids all contain it. When a condom, other latex/polyurethane barrier, or treatment-as-prevention approach is not utilized, HIV can be transmitted through oral, anal, or vaginal sex.

In many nations, getting tested for HIV is a standard part of normal medical care. For instance, the Public Health Agency of Canada suggests that HIV testing be presented as a component of standard medical care. Unless they have already been tested, the CDC now advises testing everyone between the ages of 13 and 64. Regardless of your age, it also advises being tested for HIV before starting a new sexual engagement.

Depending on where you reside, the World Health Organization (WHO) has varied recommendations. It suggests offering HIV testing to anyone visiting a medical facility in areas where the virus is common. HIV testing should be made available to those who may be more likely to have been exposed to HIV in areas where the virus is less prevalent.

Additionally, it is crucial that you get tested if;

• Have you ever engaged in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without using a condom?
• Have you ever exchanged syringes or needles for injecting drugs or other substances?
• Either your partner is HIV positive, or you don't know their status.
• You are either already pregnant or are thinking about getting pregnant.
• Have you ever received a STI or STD diagnosis?
• It's hepatitis C.
• You start receiving TB treatment.

HIV can cause severe disease and perhaps death if treatment is not received. There are efficient drugs that can help you stay healthy for a very long period if you test positive for HIV.

A person living with HIV cannot spread HIV to an HIV-negative sexual partner if they are taking HIV medications and their viral load remains undetectable (not enough HIV in the blood for a routine test to measure). Additionally, if you are not HIV positive, a doctor can prescribe a medication called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help you avoid contracting the virus, much like daily birth control pills help women avoid getting pregnant. PrEP can now be obtained as a twice-monthly injection. These HIV treatment-as-prevention strategies do not protect any of the other STIs included in this fact sheet; they only prevent HIV.

If you are unaware of your HIV status, you will not be able to receive the necessary medical care and treatment. Visit the HIV: The Basics area of The Well Project website to learn more about HIV.

Syphilis

• A bacterium is the cause of this STI. Without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier, it can be transmitted through oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
• There are various stages to the illness. Although it can be asymptomatic (cause no symptoms), individuals with primary syphilis (early disease) may have chancres, which are painless open sores, in the mouth, anal region, or vaginal area. Usually, the sores go away on their own in three to six weeks. A rash and/or hair loss are common symptoms of secondary syphilis, a later stage of the illness.
• Syphilis can progress to the latent stage if treatment is not received, at which time it may not exhibit any symptoms but can harm the heart, brain, eyes, ears, and other organs. It can develop into neurosyphilis (syphilis of the brain or spinal cord) over many years, which can lead to strokes or dementia.
• Antibiotics are an effective treatment for syphilis.
• Pregnant women should get tested for syphilis because the disease can be transferred to the unborn child during pregnancy and delivery.
• In order to prevent reinfection, it is crucial that your partner receive treatment if you test positive and are treated.

Other Infections Spread by Sexual Contact You Should Be Aware of

The Chancroid

A bacterium is the cause of this STI. Genital ulcers, vaginal discharge, heat when peeing, and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin are possible symptoms. Skin-to-skin contact with sores or anal or vaginal sex can spread it. Antibiotics can be used to treat chancroid.

Hepatitis

The inflammation or irritation of the liver is known as hepatitis. Blood, vaginal fluids, semen, and breast milk can all include viruses that cause some forms of hepatitis. These include the sexually transmitted diseases hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). HBV can be prevented with a vaccine, while HCV cannot. Both have the potential to become severe and chronic (long-term). Most people are unaware that they are infected with HBV and HCV since they frequently show no symptoms. Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, black urine, or pain in the abdomen (belly) are some of the symptoms that may be present. HIV-positive individuals should get tested for HBV and HCV and, if needed, receive treatment. It is possible to treat hepatitis C. See our fact sheet on Hepatitis C Treatment in Persons Living with HIV for additional details.

Irregular Lice ("Crabs")

Skin-to-skin contact can spread pubic lice, which reside in the pubic hair (the hair surrounding the genitalia). Additionally, contaminated bedding and clothing might transmit them. Severe itching and the appearance of lice or eggs in the hair are possible symptoms. Over-the-counter drugs can be used to treat pubic lice. However, pregnant women need to utilize products that are specifically made for them. To eliminate lice and their eggs and to avoid re-infection, contaminated clothing, bedding, pillowcases, blankets, and towels should be cleaned with hot water and laundry soap.

Trichomoniasis

This STI is caused by a single-celled germ known as a protozoa. It can be transmitted by vaginal, oral, or anal sex without the use of a condom or latex/polyurethane barriers. Trichomoniasis is a prevalent cause of vaginal infection. Symptoms may include itching and a frothy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Sometimes no symptoms appear at all. Antibiotics can effectively cure trichomoniasis. When a woman becomes infected with trichomoniasis, both she and her sexual partner must be treated, or the untreated partner may re-infect her.

Defending Both Yourself and Other People

By engaging in safer sexual practices, you can significantly lower your risk of contracting an STD. Contact with infected skin that is not protected by condoms or other barriers can spread some STIs, including syphilis, herpes, and genital warts. The following advice will help you protect yourself:

 

• For vaginal and anal intercourse, use a latex condom; if you are sensitive to latex, use a plastic condom.
• Numerous STDs can also be avoided using the internal (female) condom.
• When having oral intercourse with a male, use condoms without lubricant.
• For oral sex with a woman or oral-anal intercourse, use latex or plastic barriers, like a dental dam or plastic wrap; if your hands are injured or hurting, use latex or plastic gloves.
• When using latex condoms or barriers, use water-based lubricants (KY, Astroglide).
• Because they break down latex, avoid using oil-based products like Vaseline, coconut or other vegetable oil, and body lotions.
• Avoid using condoms or lubricants that contain nonoxynol-9 (N-9), as this can harm the vaginal or anus lining and raise the risk of contracting HIV.
• Between users, wash shared sex items (vibrators, dildos) or put on new condoms.
• It's important to understand that some birth control techniques, such pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms, won't shield you from STDs. Use a latex condom in addition to one of these approaches.
• Discuss condom use and sexually transmitted illnesses with your sexual partner or partners.
• Discuss any sexually transmitted infections that you or your partner currently have or have previously had openly with your healthcare professional and your sexual partner or partners.
• Get regular pelvic exams and cervical cancer screenings, but keep in mind that pap smears, which are used to screen for cervical cancer, only detect HPV. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of getting screened for sexually transmitted infections as part of your yearly physical or gynecological examination.
• Inquire with your doctor about taking doxycycline (post-exposure prophylaxis) within 72 hours of having sex. For women of transgender experience and others, "Doxy PEP" has been demonstrated to lower the risk of contracting some bacterial STIs, particularly chlamydia, syphilis, and in certain trials, gonorrhea.
• Avoid sharing syringes or needles for injecting drugs or other substances, and if you do, make sure to clean up after yourself.

The Bottom Line

HIV is one of several sexually transmitted illnesses. There are some that can be treated. Some, such as herpes, hepatitis B, and HIV, can be controlled but not cured. If neglected, many can result in major health and fertility issues, or even death. Many, but not all, STIs can be avoided by engaging in safer sexual practices.

Consult your physician immediately if:

• You may be infected with a sexually transmitted infection.
• You experience burning when you urinate, discharge, or genital sores.
• You're expecting a child.

It's critical that you receive routine STI testing if:

• You engage in sexual activity.
• You have multiple partners with whom you have sex.
• You are not the only person your lover has sex with.

Many STIs are asymptomatic. Get the treatment that your doctor prescribes if necessary. You must complete treatment even if the symptoms disappear. Consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist after therapy. In order to prevent the spread of infection, make sure your partner or partners receive treatment.