Sexually transmitted infections (STI), also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and venereal diseases (VD), are illnesses that have a significant probability of transmission between humans by means of human sexualbehaviour.STIs are serious illnesses that require effective treatment. Some STIs, like HIV, cannot be cured and are deadly.
What is a sexually transmitted infection?
Sexually transmitted illnesses have been around for hundreds of years but, in recent times, new infections such as HIV and HPV, have become major public health conditions. The older STIs like gonorrhoea, are still prevalent in many countries including Anguilla.
There are many sexually transmitted infections found in individuals living in Anguilla, and with the ease of travel today it is very easy for infections and diseases to be transmitted from one country to another. The following are some sexual infections seen in Anguillla:
• Chlamydia(Chlamydia trachomatis)
• Gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) colloquially known as “the clap”
• Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B virus)
• Herpes simplex (Herpes simplex virus 1, 2)
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Transmission
The organisms that cause sexually transmitted infections may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.
Some such infections can also be transmitted nonsexually, such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.
It’s possible to contract sexually transmitted infections from people who seem perfectly healthy — people who, in fact, are not even aware of being infected. Many STDs cause no symptoms in some people, and some individuals only know they have a problem after an examination by a qualified and experienced health care professional.
Symptoms
As mentioned above, you might not have any symptoms, but many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a range of signs and symptoms. That is why they may go unnoticed until complications occur or a partner is diagnosed. Signs and symptoms that might indicate an STI include:
• Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Painful or burning urination
• Discharge from the penis
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
• Lower abdominal pain
• Vaginal odour
Signs and symptoms may appear a few days to years after exposure, depending on the organism. They may resolve in a few weeks, even without treatment, but progression with later complications — or recurrence — sometimes occurs. If you have any of these signs and symptoms you should see your doctor. You should also see your doctor immediately if you are sexually active and you believe you have been exposed to an STI. You should also make an appointment to see a doctor for STI counseling and, if appropriate, screening tests:
• When you consider becoming sexually active
• Before you start having sex with a new partner
Testing
If you are sexually active, particularly with multiple partners, you have probably heard the following advice many times: Use protection and make sure you get tested. This is important because people can havesexually transmitted infections (STI) without knowing it. In many cases, no signs or symptoms occur. What tests you need, and how often, will depend on a number of factors such as age and sexual behaviour. Talk to your doctor about this matter.
If you are a woman, do not assume that you are receiving STI testing every time you have a gynecologic exam or Pap test. Regardless of your gender and age, if you think you need STI testing, request it from your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and mention specifically what infections you think you might have.
Prevention
The management of sexually transmitted infections is very complex, but prevention is vital in dealing with these disorders.
The most effective way to prevent sexual transmission of STIs is to avoid contact of body parts or fluids which can lead to transfer with an infected partner. Proper use of condoms reduces contact and risk. Although a condom is effective in limiting exposure, some disease transmission may occur even with a condom.
You can decrease the chances of getting an STI by limiting the number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch an STI.
Practice monogamy. This means having sex with only one person. That person must also have sex with only you to reduce your risk.
Ideally, both partners should get tested for STIs before initiating sexual contact, or before resuming contact if a partner had engaged in contact with someone else. Many infections are not detectable immediately after exposure, so enough time must be allowed between possible exposure and testing for the tests to be accurate. If you have questions about testing and counseling please talk with your health care provider.
Treatment
Specific treatment is available for most STIs. In some cases an individual might have more than one STI at the same time. Most cases require the partner (s) to be treated as well. It is important that individuals, once they are diagnosed with an STI, inform all those that they had sexual contact with to see a doctor and get tested. Counseling is an important component in the treatment of any STI.
If you are given an antibiotic to treat an STD, it’s important that you take all of the drug, even if the symptoms go away. Also, never take someone else’s medicine to treat your illness. By doing so, you may make it more difficult to diagnose and treat the infection. Likewise, you should not share your medicine with others. Some doctors, however, may provide additional antibiotics to be given to your partner so that you can be treated at the same time.
If you have an STI, stop having sex until you see a doctor and are treated.
You should follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment and take all medications as prescribed. Do not resume having sex unless your doctor says it is okay. You might also need to return to your doctor to get rechecked.
Complications of STIs
Complications will depend on a number of factors. Some infections, if not detected in the early stages and effectively treated, can lead to serious long term complications such as infertility and even death. You should talk to your doctor about the complications of a specific STI.
Conclusion
Sexually transmitted infections occur in individuals who are sexually active and had sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted infection. Preventative measures are strongly encouraged so as to decrease the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections. If you think you have an STI, or were exposed to someone who had an STI, see your doctor for testing and treatment. There are effective treatments for a number of sexually transmitted infections.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
