Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections in nagpur are the infections that can be the spread through a sexual contact. They can be created by bacteria or viruses. Some of the common STIs include:
1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhea
3. Syphilis
4. Herpes
5. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
1. Bacterial STIs:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
2. Viral STIs:
- Herpes
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis B
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
3. Parasitic STIs:
- Pubic lice (crabs)
- Scabies
Symptoms:
- Unusual discharge
- Sores or ulcers
- Rash
- Fever
- Abnormal bleeding
Causes:
- All modes of sexual contact: vaginal, anal, and oral
- Blood transmission is possible but less common
- Needle or syringe sharing
Detection:
- Examination by a medical practitioner
- Blood test
- Urine test
- Swab test
Treatment:
- Antibiotics
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
- Antivaccines
- Topical creams or ointments
– Condom or dental dam use
– Vaccination (HPV, Hepatitis B)
– Being in a mutually monogamous relationship
Having regular test
Sexual contact is avoided if symptoms occur
Complications are as follows:
- Infertility
- Chronic pains
- Greater chances of
- cancers.
- Passing to other people
Importance of testing
The test can prevent long-term complications with early detection and treatment
Prevents other people from being infected
Remember, all cases where you suspect some STI or suspect you have exposed yourself to infections, consult a healthcare provider regarding testing and treatment.
What Is a Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Sexually transmitted infections are infections caused by microorganisms spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. They can be either bacterial, viral or parasitic infection affecting both men and women.
STIs may be transmitted through the following:
1. Sexual contact with an infected person
2. Mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth
3. Blood transfusions (rare)
4. Sharing of needles or syringes.
Sexually transmitted infections may cause a wide range of symptoms, including
- Discharge
- Ulcers or sores
- Rash
- Fever
- Abnormal bleeding
If not treated, STIs can lead to major complications including:
- Infertility
- Chronic pain
- Greater possibility of
- developing cancer
- Transmission to other people
Examples of STIs include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Herpes
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis B
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Pubic lice (crabs)
- Scabies
Safe sex should be practiced; a regular check-up will do. If one suspects they have an STI or have been exposed, they must seek treatment. This is the way to prevent long-term complications and the passing of these diseases to others.
Common Types of STIs
- Chlamydia:
- Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can cause genital pain, abnormal discharge, and burning during urination.
- Complications: If untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, or ectopic pregnancy.
- Treatment: Antibiotics (typically azithromycin or doxycycline).
- Gonorrhea:
- Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Symptoms: May include burning during urination, white/yellow/green discharge, and in women, vaginal bleeding between periods.
- Complications: Untreated gonorrhea can cause PID in women and epididymitis in men, leading to infertility.
- Treatment: Antibiotics, though some strains have developed resistance to certain medications.
- Syphilis:
- Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
- Symptoms: Progresses through stages—starting with painless sores (chancres), followed by skin rashes, and later, severe damage to organs if untreated.
- Complications: Untreated syphilis can lead to heart disease, neurological problems, blindness, and death.
- Treatment: Penicillin injections are the most common treatment.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
- Cause: A viral infection with more than 100 strains, some of which cause genital warts, while others can lead to cancer (cervical, anal, throat).
- Symptoms: Genital warts, but most people are asymptomatic.
- Complications: Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains can cause cancer.
- Treatment: No cure for the virus itself, but vaccines (Gardasil, Cervarix) can prevent high-risk strains, and warts or precancerous lesions can be treated.
- Herpes (HSV):
- Cause: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 (oral herpes) and type 2 (genital herpes).
- Symptoms: Painful blisters or sores on the mouth and a genital area. Recurring outbreaks are common.
- Complications: In rare cases, herpes can lead to severe infections, especially in newborns or those with weakened immune systems.
- Treatment: No cure, but antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir) can reduce symptoms and frequency of outbreaks.
- HIV/AIDS:
- Cause: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks the immune system.
- Symptoms: Early symptoms resemble the flu. Over time, if untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS, where the immune system is severely compromised.
- Complications: Without treatment, HIV progresses to AIDS, leading to life-threatening infections and cancers.
- Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage the virus, allowing people to live long, healthy lives.
- Trichomoniasis:
- Cause: A parasitic infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can cause itching, burning, and discharge in the genital area.
- Complications: Can increase the risk of contracting other STIs, including HIV.
- Treatment: Oral antibiotics (typically metronidazole or tinidazole).
- Hepatitis B (HBV):
- Cause: A viral infection that affects the liver.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can cause jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, or dark urine.
- Complications: Chronic HBV can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
- Treatment: No specific cure, but vaccines are available for prevention, and antiviral medications can manage chronic cases.
- Molluscum Contagiosum:
- Cause: A viral skin infection.
- Symptoms: Small, firm, painless bumps on the skin or genitals.
- Complications: Usually mild, but can spread or cause discomfort.
- Treatment: Lesions usually go away on their own, but can be removed and a treated if necessary.
Symptoms of STIs
Symptoms of a STIs can vary depending on a type of the infection. Common symptoms include:
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Pain or burning during urination
- Genital sores, blisters, or rashes
- Itching or irritation in the genital area
- Pain during sex
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen glands, fatigue)
Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning a person may not show any signs of infection but can still transmit it to others.
Prevention of STIs
Condom Use: Consistent and correct use of condoms during sex significantly reduces the risk of STIs.
Vaccination: Vaccines are available for certain STIs, including HPV and Hepatitis B.
Regular Testing: Routine STI testing is essential for sexually active individuals, especially if they have multiple partners.
Limit Sexual Partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners lowers the risk of exposure to STIs.
Communication: Open communication with partners about STI status and sexual history is critical for prevention.
Avoid Sharing Needles: For infections like HIV and Hepatitis B, avoiding the sharing of needles is crucial for prevention.
Treatment of STIs
Bacterial STIs: Most bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be treated and cured with antibiotics.
Viral STIs: Viral infections like herpes, HIV, and HPV cannot be cured but can be managed with antiviral medications to control symptoms or reduce the risk of transmission.
Follow-up Testing: After treatment, follow-up testing is often necessary to the ensure a infection has cleared.
Partner Notification: It’s important to inform sexual partners about an STI diagnosis so they can also get tested and treated if necessary.
What procedures Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Procedures for STIs include:
1. Testing :
Blood tests
Urine tests
Swab tests-vaginal, penile, or anal
Physical examination
2. Diagnosis :
Laboratory testing: such as PCR, culture
Visual check: like lesions, rashes
3. Treatment :
Antibiotics for bacterial STIs
Antiviral drugs for viral STIs
Antifungal drug for fungal STIs
Topical creams or ointments, if for skin manifestations
4. Management
Contact tracing: informing sexual contacts
Treatment of the sexual partners, if applicable.
5. Prevention
Use of condoms
Usage of dental dam
– Immunization (such as HPV, Hepatitis B)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
6. Counseling:
Risk reduction strategies
Safe sex practices
Sexual health education
7. Referral:
Specialized care, such as the dermatology and urology
Social services, such as the counseling and support groups
Note: Which procedure depends on the specific type of STI the patient is seen for, his/her needs, and healthcare provider policies.
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