What is STI? STIs are sexually transmitted infections. They are also known as STD or sexually transmitted diseases. These spread from one person to another mostly by sexual contact. Transmission of some STDs like syphilis and HIV can take place by transfer of blood and tissue products, and also from mother to child during childbirth and pregnancy. There are almost 30 types of different sexually transmitted diseases and they are caused either by viruses, bacteria or parasites.
Some bacterial STD infections are gonorrhea or gonococcal infections, chlamydial infections, syphilis (caused by treponema pallidum), and chancroid (caused by hemophilus ducreyi). Some of the STIs caused by virus are AIDS (caused by human immunodeficiency virus), and genital herpes (caused by herpes simplex virus type 2). The Hepatitis B Virus causes hepatitis, which in chronic cases may cause cancer of the liver. The human papillomavirus causes genital warts and may subsequently lead to female cervical cancer, while the Cytomegalovirus leads to inflammation in organs such as the bowels, brain and eyes.
Some of the STDs caused by parasitic organisms are vaginal trichomoniasis, candida and inflammation of the foreskin and glans of the penis. Transmission of STD's are very common in people who have multiple sex partners.
Symptoms
The signs of STD are varied, and too numerous and detailed for the common person. Some have no visible symptoms at all. However, if you have signs such as chronic genital ulcers, urethral discharge, vaginal discharge, scrotal swellings, swelling in the groin (inguinal swelling) or lower abdominal pain, it is advisable to go for a checkup.
Treatment
STI treatment should commence as soon as possible in order to prevent further spread of the disease from person to person, and also in a person from one organ to another. The best option is to visit a health center where you will be given plenty of information regarding the disease and also treatment for the same.
Each STI will have a different treatment. While some STIs (especially those caused by virus) cannot be cured altogether and the treatment will help to ease the symptoms. Treatment is usually by pills. Remember to take your medication regularly. Also ask your doctor (or nurse) when you can resume safe sexual activities again. It would also be better to inform your partner, that you have been infected by STI, So that necessary precautions can be taken by them.
Prevention
Since many STIs are incurable, prevention is the best option. This can be done by adopting safe sexual behavior, that is, long term sexual relationship with a monogamous partner.
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