STD AND STI, WHAT ARE THEY?

Author: Hawa Muntari

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) are infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, that can be passed from one person to another mainly through sexual contact: anal, oral, or vaginal, and, though not common, through intimate physical contact like heavy petting. An STI is caused by a virus, fungus, or parasite, that are usually transmitted through an exchange of bodily fluids during sexual intercourse, or skin-to-skin contact where the infection is active. However, an STD develops when an STI begins to disrupt normal bodily functions, implying that the infection (STI) can and may lead to a disease when untreated. The main aim of health workers regarding STIs and STDs is to treat and prevent infections before they develop into diseases.

ARE STDs/STIs TREATABLE?

STDs and STIs are mostly preventable through safe sex practices; in some cases, they may be treatable through medication. While most STIs are treatable, there are some – Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, Human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes – that are not curable. Furthermore, STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may cause only mild symptoms, so a person can have an infection and not know it. Some common symptoms can include burning during urination, unusual vaginal discharge, or genital sores. ^[1] It is therefore crucial to get tested for STDs if you are sexually active. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sex partner. If you receive a positive STD diagnosis, get in touch with a qualified healthcare practitioner for a cure or treatment.

Examples of common STDs

There are a lot of known sexually transmitted diseases. Some of them are explained below with their symptoms:

Chlamydia – Symptoms may include painful urination, pelvic pain, and abnormal discharge. chlamydia is treatable but when left untreated, can cause difficulty in giving birth among women.
Syphilis. Symptoms of syphilis often progress through stages with painless sores to skin rashes, which can lead to more severe complications when left untreated.
Hepatitis. Symptoms of hepatitis can vary depending on the type of hepatitis. Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pains, jaundice, dark urine, or loss of appetite. Hepatitis is also treatable but when left untreated, can cause liver cancer.
Herpes. Symptoms of herpes include sores or blisters in the genital area, which can recur periodically. It is very common and treatable but very difficult to detect therefore it’s very easy to pass the infection on.
Gonorrhea. This type of sexually transmitted disease is very common with symptoms such as painful urination, abnormal discharge, and in some cases pelvic or abdominal pains. Gonorrhea can be treated with medication but when left untreated, can cause serious health problems to the carriers.
HIV/AIDS. This type of sexually transmitted disease is deadly yet treatable. It can progress to a stage called Auto immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) when the HIV infection is not treated with HIV medications ^[2]. Initial symptoms of HIV can be flu-like symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. This disease can weaken the immune system as it progresses.

Examples of common STIs:

Below are examples of some known STIs:

HPV: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growth, including warts. This type of STI can cause cervical and other cancers when left untreated.
Pubic Lice (Crabs: Crabs usually pass from person to person during sex so healthcare professionals consider them as sexually transmitted infections. However, it’s worth noting that while sexual contact is a common mode of transmission, pubic lice can also be spread through non-sexual means, such as sharing contaminated bedding or clothing. The lice usually feed on the blood of its host causing itchiness and red spots on their skin.
Scabies: This type of sexually transmitted infection is a highly contagious skin condition primarily transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person but can spread through sexual contact^[3].The infection is caused by very small mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei or the itch mite. Symptoms include intense itching with red or discolored blisters or bumps on skin.
Molluscum Contagiosum. This is a skin infection caused by a virus that spreads through close contact with infected people or contaminated objects (e.g. unwashed towels). It can be gotten at any age but is most common in children (1-10 years)^[4]. In adults, it can spread through sexual contact, but not all cases of molluscum in adults are transmitted through sex^[5]. Symptoms include itching, lumps, small bumps, or redness on the skin. The bumps can be removed through medication or may disappear on their own.

Remember, some infections caused by bacteria such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are curable with antibiotic treatments. However, infections caused by viruses such as HIV and herpes have no cure, but their symptoms can be managed by medication^[6]. It is important to note that symptoms of STDs can vary widely among individuals. If a person suspects he or she may have been exposed to an STD or is experiencing symptoms like those explained above, they should seek medical advice, and get treated immediately. Having an STD is not a death sentence. Get the necessary help and treatment!