Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are a group of infectious diseases that spread from person to person through sexual contact. Millions of STI cases are reported every year, nearly half of which are diagnosed in individuals under age 25. Many STIs can be resolved with simple treatment, while others can be managed but not cured. It’s important for all sexually active people to understand their risk of contracting an STI and learn how they can help protect themselves and their sexual partners.
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What Are STIs?
STIs are sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. STIs are highly contagious and can be spread from any kind of sexual activity involving the vagina, penis, anus or mouth. They are transmitted through bodily fluids including blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. In addition to sexual activity, STIs can also be passed to infants during pregnancy or childbirth or through the use of shared needles.
Symptoms of STIs will vary depending on the type of infection. Some STIs do not have symptoms, and you may not realize you have one unless you are tested for it. If you are sexually active, you can pass an STI to another person even if you are asymptomatic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular STI screenings for all sexually active individuals.
STI Symptoms
When an STI presents with symptoms, they can include:
- Sores, bumps or blisters on or near the genitals or rectum
- Painful or burning sensation while peeing
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Rash
Women suffer more severe complications from STIs. They can include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infertility
- Tubal (ectopic) pregnancy
- Pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm birth and stillbirth
STI Risk Factors
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting and spreading STIs. However, certain factors can put an individual at greater risk. These include:
- Having unprotected sex: Having vaginal or anal sex without using a condom puts you at increased risk for an STI. Condoms should be made from latex or polyurethane and need to be used correctly in order to provide the best protection. Condoms made from natural membranes are not recommended because they are less effective at preventing STIs.
- History of STIs: Having an previous STI may increase your chance of contracting another.
- Using intravenous drugs: Sharing needles for injectable drugs can spread serious STI infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C.
- Age: Young people ages 15 to 24 have higher reported levels of STI cases compared to older adults. Nearly half of all STIs in the U.S. happen in people younger than age 25.
Types of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Some of the most common types of STIs include:
- Chlamydia
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The most reported STI in the U.S., chlamydia can affect both men and women. It often causes no symptoms, but common symptoms include abnormal genital discharge or painful urination. Untreated chlamydia in women may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, preterm delivery and infertility. If a woman is pregnant with chlamydia, it can be passed to their baby at birth.
- Genital herpes
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Genital herpes infections are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can be passed from person to person through genital contact and from genital-mouth contact during oral sex. Symptoms may include painful blisters or open sores in the genitals or rectal area that typically disappear within a few days. HSV can also be spread to a baby during childbirth, causing a severe infection. HSV can be passed to a partner even if the infected person has no visible sores or blisters. Genital herpes can’t be cured but medications can prevent and shorten outbreaks, as well as help reduce the risk of spreading it to a partner.
- Gonorrhea
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Gonorrhea, also referred to as clap, may be asymptomatic or cause symptoms such as genital discharge, painful urination or bowel movements, or a sore throat. Women can experience serious complications from untreated gonorrhea, including infertility, ectopic pregnancy and PID. They can also spread it to their baby during childbirth, which can cause an eye infection in the newborn.
- Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver caused by transmission through blood and body fluids. Hepatitis B can cause inflammation of the liver that can lead to scarring (fibrosis) or cirrhosis. Patients with hepatitis B are also at risk for developing liver failure and liver cancer. A vaccine to prevent hepatitis B has been available for several decades and is now a standard vaccine recommended for all children and young adults.
- HIV/AIDS
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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection that damages the immune system and interferes with the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases. Without proper disease management, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Some people may develop flu-like symptoms within a few weeks of contracting HIV, but about half of infected people do not experience any symptoms initially. Many people may not experience symptoms for 10 years or more. Treatment for HIV is most effective when it is detected early. Antiviral medications can stop the virus from damaging the body further and can even help to heal some of the earlier damage from the virus. The newest HIV drugs keep the amount of virus in the blood at an undetectable level, preventing replication so the virus cannot develop resistance to the medicine and making it unable to be transmitted to others.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
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Human papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Depending on the strain, it can cause skin or genital warts and certain types of cancer, including cervical cancer and cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva and throat. In most cases, the virus goes away and doesn’t cause more health problems. But if the virus lasts, normal cells can change and become abnormal. Many types of HPV are asymptomatic and you may not know you have it. Women can be tested for HPV either with an HPV screening alone or combined with their regular Pap test. An HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers, as well as anal cancer. It also can provide protection against most genital warts in both men and women.
- Syphilis
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Symptoms of syphilis include an open sore that develops in the vagina, mouth, penis, or the skin around the genitals or rectum. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics but if left untreated can cause more serious problems, including heart and nervous system issues. Untreated syphilis in pregnant women can be extremely dangerous for the baby. It can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or death after birth, and can cause problems with the baby’s brain, heart, eyes and ears.
- Trichomoniasis (trich)
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Trichomoniasis, often referred to as trich, is a common STI caused by a parasite. It is spread through semen and vaginal fluids. Trich is usually asymptomatic, so you can spread it to other people without knowing you have it. It can be treated using antibiotics to kill to parasite. It will not go away on its own without treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Many STIs can be successfully treated if detected early. This is why it is so important to get regular STI screenings and see your healthcare provider right away if you notice any unusual symptoms. Healthcare experts recommend annual STI screenings for all sexually active people, or more often if you have a new sexual partner.
If you are diagnosed with an STI, begin treatment right away and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. If prescribed antibiotics or other medications, you should complete the entire course of treatment even if your symptoms go away sooner. For STIs that require ongoing management, such as HIV and genital herpes, it’s important to follow-up with your healthcare provider regularly and continue to take any prescribed medications unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Make an Appointment with a Women’s Health Expert
Schedule online or call 440-771-8491 to make an appointment with a UH OB/GYN provider.