A sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted disease) is a serious condition that can develop after you have sex. The good news is that most STI treatments can cure the infection, but not all types. You can get an STI again, even after treatment to cure it.
STDs or STIs are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral or anal sex. They can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact. STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can affect both men and women, often more severely in women. They can also be passed to babies during pregnancy or childbirth.
Symptoms
Symptoms of STI / STD 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).
Testing & Treatment
A healthcare provider will diagnose a sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted disease) after a physical exam and testing. Your provider will ask about your symptoms and your medical and sexual history — answer honestly, so you can get the help you need. After a positive STI diagnosis, you need to notify your sexual partner(s) that they should also get tested. This can be a very emotional process, but telling your partners can help them get the care they need and prevent the spread of the infection.
A sexually transmitted infection test is a medical test to determine if you have an STI. A healthcare provider will review your symptoms and offer a test or tests to determine the cause. There are different tests for each type of STI. Your provider will talk to you about what test(s) you need. STI testing could include:
- Urine test.
- Cheek swab.
- Blood test.
- A fluid sample from skin sores.
- A discharge or cell sample from your body (usually the vagina, urethra, cervix, penis, anus or throat).
Prevention
Preventing STDs is crucial. The only way to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections is to abstain from sex (not have 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.
Conclusion
Sexually transmitted infections are common. If you feel uncomfortable burning or itching around your genitals or other signs of a possible STI, talk to a healthcare provider. Antibiotics can usually treat the infection successfully. Most of the time, you can cure an STI without long-term complications. In some instances, like with HIV, you may need lifelong treatment. Using a condom or other STI preventative measures when you’re sexually active can reduce your risk of STIs.
At TAF Clinic, we offer a wide range of diagnostics and screening tests to detect STIs. Our goal is not only to provide treatments but also to empower you with knowledge about STDs and how to protect yourself and your partners.
References:
- James C, Harfouche M, Welton NJ, et al. Herpes simplex virus: global infection prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016. Bull World Health Organ. 2020;98(5):315-329.
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases–infections-stds–stis
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)