They are infections transmitted through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses or parasite. STI’s may be classified into three broad categories.
- Discharges (Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhoea and chlamydia)
- Ulcers(Sores) (Syphilis, chancroid and genital herpes)
- Warts (Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Others (Hepititis B and C, HIV/AIDS, pubic lice and scabies)
Some STI’s like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and syphilis are curable, Hepatitis B, genital herpes, HIV and HPV are incurable, but HPV can be prevented by vaccination.
The prevalence of STI’s vary by region and gender;
- There is high incidence in Africa
- There is high incidence in men
- But women are more susceptible and more likely to be asymptomatic
- Also women have more risk of complications
STI’s also cause the following
- Fetal and neonatal deaths
- Cervical cancer
- Infertility
- Increases risk of HIV
Factors contributing to increased rates of STI’s
- Lack of abstinence
- Multiple sexual partners
- Having unprotected sex
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Limited access to reproductive healthcare
- Difficulty in talking about their condition to seek help
- Some diseases have no obvious symptoms
Though the usual location of these infections are on the human genitals, some infections may be found at other parts of the body due to other sexual practices.
- Anal sex: This can not only cause anal tearing and faecal incontinence, it can also lead to increased risk for HIV through the tears and anal cancer. It can also cause urinary tract infections, especially in females.
- Oral sex: Not only is there a problem of allergic reaction to semen, also there is a risk of contracting gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis in the throat or mouth. Oral cancer can also occur. And this activity can introduce HPV into the throat.
- Fingering: Can lead to the spread of syphilis onto the fingers.
Abstinence is still the best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Others include
- Monogamous relationship
- Getting tested for STI’s
- Use of protection style