#5 Common sexually Transmitted Infections

Yearly, approximately 375million infections are newly discovered in which sexually transmitted infection is at the ratio 1:4. A large number of men and women become victims of STI's daily.

Unfortunately, the symptoms are not easily detected so a victim might be ignorant until it has been aggravated i.e. becoming STD (Sexually transmitted disease).
Infections that spread through sexual intercourse are referred to as STIs.

The sexual intercourse can be vaginal, anal or oral. It is caused by either bacteria or virus and the symptoms are mild or not seen at all.

#5 Common sexually Transmitted Infections

There are different types of infections all around the world but we will be discussing the 5 commonest ones.

It is important to know that not all STIs are curable but those that are not curable can be well managed if discovered and attended to early.

Examples of curable STIs include syphilis, Chlamydia, gonorrhea while examples of non-curable STIs include Hepatitis B, HIV, and Herpes.

Chlamydia

This infection is caused by bacteria. A large proportion of Chlamydia victims doesn’t have symptoms at the early stages.

Chlamydia can result in a vaginal discharge which could be mucus or pus. Persons that are prone to this infection usually have many sex partners.

It can be contacted even when there is no penetration but once the genitals are in touch with each other, the infection is transmitted. Reports showed that Chlamydia is more attributed to the female gender than the male gender.

The symptoms common to the male gender includes,

• Feeling pains at the lower abdomen
• Having pains during urination
• Pains also in the testicles  
• There could also be a yellowish or greenish discharge from the penis.

The Symptoms common in women include,

• Experiencing pains while having sexual intercourse
• Discharge from the vaginal
• There could also be bleeding during the monthly periods
• Pains during urination
• Cervicitis (infection of the cervix).

Chlamydia is sometimes referred to as “silent infection” because it is possible for its victim not to experience symptoms at all. It is therefore important for sexually active persons to go through periodical screening so individual status can be known.

Chlamydia can be treated easily with antibiotics but if not detected early enough can result in infertility and other serious complications like having a throat infection. Examples of antibiotics that can be used include:

• Azithromycin (it’s a single dose)
• Doxycycline(to be taken twice daily for 7days)

Genital warts

This is another common sexually transmitted infection. Research should that between 2011 to 2014, one out of every 100 persons in the United States who have had sex, are victims of genital warts.

What is genital wart? Genital warts are fleshy growths around the anal or genital area. It can be found around a male’s penis, scrotum or anus while for the females, it is usually around the vulva, vagina, anus or cervix and this infection is highly contagious.

Genital warts can also be called ‘venereal warts”. It results from the human papillomavirus (HPV). Usually, they are non-cancerous but some types do become cancerous after some time. Although there are cases where there will be no symptoms for years but the normal period during which symptoms show up is 3months.

Genital warts can be removed with the use of

• Tropical medication(the liquid that is rubbed directly on the affected area)
• Surgery (where the warts are cut out).

Although without treatments, genital warts will resolve but sometimes they keep multiplying if not attacked.

HIV

HIV means Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus has been discovered over the years. The virus destroys the immune system of the body thereby exposing the body to the danger of being overpowered by other infections and diseases.

There is no cure for  HIV. However, some medications have been discovered by medical experts that help to slow down the effect of this virus by reducing the growth of the virus.HIV is a life-threatening infection that develops into AIDs(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) if not properly managed.

HIV makes the immune system very weak that it will not be able to fight other infections and diseases that affect the body. The life expectancy of an untreated HIV victim is less than 5years.HIV can be well managed with a treatment known as antiretroviral therapy.

This can help to increase the life expectancy of the victim to as much as one who was never a victim of this virus.

Syphilis

This is a bacterial infection that forms part of the popular STIs. Syphilis will not go away if it is not treated. Antibiotics will help to treat syphilis at the early stage. A contact with syphilis sore is what results in syphilis.

The early symptoms of syphilis are usually a sore around the vagina, genitals, and rectum. These sores might not be noticed because it is not painful and as a result, the bacteria can remain the body for years even though the sores go away on its own.

The bacteria can end up causing damages to organs of the body such as disability. Syphilis can be treated with penicillin at the early stage.

Hepatitis B

This is another common Sexually Transmitted Infection. This is caused by the virus known as Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This virus attacks the liver, preventing it from functioning properly.

The liver becomes reddened and painful. It can result in having dark urine, yellowish skin, and sclera, abdominal pains, vomiting, and nausea It is life-threatening but can be well managed.