STIs are not inevitable
Transmitted by sexual contact, whether genital, oral-genital or anal-genital, STIs are extremely contagious infections caused by germs, bacteria, viruses or fungi. Having unprotected sex just once with an infected person can be enough to get contaminated. And if not treated quickly, some can become very serious...
© Thinkstock
What are the best weapons against STIs? Good daily intimate personal hygiene (for example, urinating after sexual intercourse), reducing your number of sexual partners and systematically using a condom, unless you’re both certain of your continuing mutual faithfulness and good sexual health.
Two ‘special’ STIs: AIDS and Hepatitis B
AIDS and Hepatitis B are transmitted both through unprotected sexual intercourse and through the blood. These two infections have a huge impact on your health. Hepatitis B is the only STI for which a vaccine exists: so if you are at risk, think about getting yourself vaccinated, it’s your best protection. There is still no vaccine available to against AIDS even after decades of research, so it is therefore very important to always use a condom.
The most unpredictable STIs
Chlamydia is an infection that can develop without any signs whatsoever. In women, this infection reaches up into the fallopian tubes (salpingitis) and can make a woman sterile or be the cause of extra uterine pregnancies. The mycoplasma bacterial infection is just as discreet and can have the same consequences.
These infections can sometimes cause quite commonplace discharge or irritation, but in 40% of cases, there are no symptoms whatsoever. Often associated together, doctors will often check for both bacteria at the same time before starting a course of antibiotic treatment lasting about twenty days.
Flat condyloma, more commonly known as genital warts, and also called condyloma acuminata, proliferate on the genital organs. Most of the time they are visible to the naked eye, but there are some microscopic varieties. Localised chemical treatment is often disappointing because the warts can sometimes recur. They therefore need to be burnt off using laser, carbon dioxide snow or nitrogen liquid. Genital warts also need to be taken seriously because they can be a risk factor in genital cancer. All good reasons to have a regular check-up with your doctor or gynaecologist if you have the slightest doubt…
The most obvious STIs
Trichomonas infection (parasites) and the gardnerella vaginalis infection (bacteria) cause abundant and bad-smelling discharge. However, these two STIs are relatively benign. A simple vaginal smear will confirm diagnosis, and treatment, often in the form of vaginal tablets, helps to get rid of the infection. In any case, the discomfort these infections cause will make you rush to the doctor’s for an appointment straight away.
The oldest known STIs
Syphilis, gonorrhoea (often called the 'clap’) and genital herpes have been around since the dawn of time. But they still continue to wreak havoc. Herpes is currently on the increase with around 30,000 new cases in 2008. Genital herpes are small painful clusters of blisters and localised antiviral treatments help to make them disappear. Genital herpes isn’t a very serious disease, but there is no permanent treatment and they often recur.
Syphilis and gonorrhoea still affect quite a large number of people and both these infections can go unnoticed for quite some time in women. If diagnosed and treated in good time, these diseases are not serious but do cause severe complications if left untreated. Sad, as antibiotic treatment is simple and effective.
STIs and pregnancy
Most STIs are dangerous to a developing foetus. For example, gonorrhoea, syphilis and mycoplasma can contaminate the foetus and provoke miscarriage or serious illness in the child. Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can contaminate the baby during the birth and cause conjunctivitis. Genital herpes can infect the foetus during birth and have serious effects for the baby and if a woman is suffering from a bout of genital herpes at the time of giving birth, she may be given a caesarean.
Every year, in the UK nearly 400,000 new STD cases are reported; statistics that should encourage you to be careful and use protection. Should you have any doubts or a history of STIs, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor to get advice.
Copyright © 2010 Doctissimo
Posted 22.07.2010
Get more on this subject…
