Aside from colds and the flu, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are some of the most widespread infections in the world. Anguilla, like many other countries, is still struggling to deal with the increasing numbers of individuals still developing sexually transmitted infections. There is public health concern because there is more opportunity for STIs to be spread as more people travel and engage in risky sexual activities.
What is a sexually transmitted infection?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — are generally acquired by sexual contact. The organisms (bacteria, viruses or parasites) that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.
Sexually transmitted infections can affect both men and women. Exposure to a STI can occur any time you have sexual contact with anyone that involves the genitals, the mouth (oral), or the rectum (anal). STIs can pass between men and women and from women to women and men to men.
Exposure is more likely if you have more than one sex partner or do not use condoms. Some STIs can be passed by nonsexual contact, such as by sharing needles or during the delivery of a baby or during breastfeeding. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Many STIs can be cured with antibiotics. Some, such as HIV, have no cure, but can be treated to prevent them getting worse.
Getting tested?
Many people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not get symptoms, so it is very important to get tested even if you feel fine. If you think you have a STI, the earlier you are tested, the sooner treatment can be given if it is needed. If your partner has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection it is important that you be tested and treated if needed.
What are some common sexually transmitted infection occurring in Anguilla?
There are a number of sexually transmitted infections common in Anguilla affecting individuals of all ages and socioeconomic groups. The following are some common STIs occurring in Anguilla:
• Chlamydia.
• Genital herpes.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Gonorrhoea.
• Hepatitis B.
• Syphilis.
• Trichomoniasis.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.
Some infections like syphilis and gonorrhea which were common years ago are showing an increase in occurrence.
Symptoms
You might have a sexually transmitted infection and have little or no symptoms. You cannot look at someone and determine he/she has or does not have, a sexually transmitted infection. You need to be examined and tested to confirm that you have a sexually transmitted infection. For instance many individuals with Chlamydia do not notice any symptoms – and around 50% of women and 10% of men with gonorrhoea do not have symptoms.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have a range of signs and symptoms, including no symptoms. That is why they may go unnoticed until complications occur or a partner is diagnosed.
If you have any of the symptoms listed below, get tested.
In women and men:
• pain when you pass urine
• itching, burning or tingling around the genitals
• blisters, sores, spots or lumps around the genitals or anus
In women:
• yellow or green vaginal discharge
• discharge that smells
• bleeding between periods or after sex
• pain during sex
• lower abdominal pain
In men:
• discharge from the penis
• irritation of the urethra (the tube urine comes out of)
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have a STI, but it’s worth seeing a doctor so you can find out what is causing the symptoms – and get treatment.
Signs and symptoms may appear a few days after exposure, or it may take years before you have any noticeable problems – depending on the organism.
Causes
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by:
• Bacteria (gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia)
• Parasites (trichomoniasis)
• Viruses (human papillomavirus, genital herpes, HIV)
Risk factors
Anyone who is sexually active risks some degree of exposure to a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Factors that may increase that risk include:
• Having unprotected sex. Vaginal or anal penetration by an infected partner who is not wearing a latex condom significantly increases the risk of getting an STI. Improper or inconsistent use of condoms can also increase your risk.
Oral sex may be less risky, but infections can still be transmitted without a latex condom or a dental dam — a thin, square piece of rubber made with latex or silicone.
• Having sexual contact with multiple partners. The more people you have sexual contact with, the greater your risk. This is true for concurrent partners as well as monogamous consecutive relationships.
• Having a history of STIs. Having one STI makes it much easier for another STI to develop.
• Anyone forced to have sexual intercourse or sexual activity. Dealing with rape or assault can be difficult, but it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can receive screening, treatment and emotional support.
• Misuse of alcohol or use of recreational drugs. Substance misuse can inhibit your judgment, making you more willing to participate in risky behaviours.
• Injecting drugs. Needle sharing spreads many serious infections, including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
• Being young. Half the STIs occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24.
Complications
Many sexually transmitted infections can be successfully treated if diagnosed early and treated professionally. Many STIs go untreated and complications can occur. Possible complications include:
• Pelvic pain
• Pregnancy complications
• Eye inflammation
• Arthritis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Infertility
• Heart disease
• Certain cancers, such as HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers.
Prevention
There are several ways to avoid or reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
• Abstain. The most effective way to avoid STIs is to not have (abstain from) sex.
• Stay with one uninfected partner. Another reliable way of avoiding STIs is to stay in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship in which both people have sex only with each other and neither partner is infected.
• Wait and test. Avoid vaginal and anal intercourse with new partners until you have both been tested for STIs. Oral sex is less risky, but use a latex condom or dental dam to prevent direct (skin-to-skin) contact between the oral and genital mucous membranes.
• Get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated early, before sexual exposure, is also effective in preventing certain types of STIs. Vaccines are available to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
• Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly. Use a new latex condom or dental dam for each sex act, whether oral, vaginal or anal. Never use an oil-based lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, with a latex condom or dental dam.
Condoms made from natural membranes are not recommended because they’re not as effective at preventing STIs. Keep in mind that while condoms reduce your risk of exposure to most STIs, they provide less protection for STIs involving exposed genital sores such as HPV or herpes. Also, non barrier forms of contraception, such as birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or intrauterine devices (IUDs), do not protect against STIs.
• Do not drink alcohol excessively or use drugs. If you are under the influence, you are more likely to take sexual risks.
• Communicate. Before any serious sexual contact, communicate with your partner about practicing safer sex. Be sure you specifically agree on what activities will and would not be OK.
Treatment
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by bacteria are generally easier to treat. Viral infections can be managed but not always cured. If you are pregnant and have a STI, getting treatment right away can prevent or reduce the risk of your baby becoming infected.
Partner notification
If tests show that you have a STI, your sex partners — including your current partners and any other partners you have had over the last three months to one year — need to be informed so that they can get tested. If they are infected, they can then be treated. This is important as it helps to decrease the incidence of STIs.
Conclusion
Sexually transmitted infections are very common worldwide and can affect all ages, but are more common in the young. Many sexually transmitted infections have little or no symptoms. If you think you have been exposed to someone with a STIs see your doctor for testing. Many STI can be successfully treated if diagnosed early. Many complications can be prevented by early treatment. If in doubt get tested.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
