Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Part 1

Of all the benefits we get from sex, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are most certainly not one of them.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that every year there are about 357 million new infections globally. A further breakdown of the statistics suggest that over 1 million people get infected with STI daily. Every year, 340 million people between the ages of 15 and 49 years become newly infected with STI worldwide. In Ghana, it is estimated that 340,000 adults and children are living with HIV.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) affects the reproductive health of both men and women. The terms sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are sometimes used interchangeably. However there is a difference; a person with STI may be infected without showing symptoms of the disease (asymptomatic) and potentially infect others. As the name suggests, sexually transmitted infections are primarily contracted through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. That is to say, a person is likely to get an STI through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person. More than a few STIs can also be transmitted through nonsexual contact like from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth, through blood transfusion and sharing contaminated needles. Over the years, scientists have documented that STIs can lead to serious reproductive health consequences like infertility in both men and women, and pregnancy complications in women. Beyond these reproductive health issues, STIs can lead to acute illness, long-term disability and death. 

STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites; with each having unique features. Scientists have uncovered over 30 different types of bacteria, viruses and parasites that can be transmitted sexually. Examples of STIs caused by bacteria are Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma Genitalium (which is associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Pelvic Inflammatory diseases (PID); causes non-gonococcal urethritis in men) and Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV). Some viral infections are HIV infection, Hepatitis A, B, and C, Genital Herpes, Cytomegalovirus and Genital Wart. Parasites, such as trichomonas vaginalis, or insects such as crab lice or scabies mites are also sexually transmitted.  The most common STIs found among women are Gonorrhoea, Chancroid, Genital Warts, and Trichomoniasis; the most common among men is syphilis, even though Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia tend to be very common among men with Urethritis. HIV/AIDS stands as the most common STI/STD among both genders and still remains the most dangerous and incurable type of STI in this era.

Do join us in our subsequent posts as we discuss the various STIs, their psychological implications and preventive measures as well as the treatment options that are available to combat STDs.