STIs: What Are the Sexually Transmitted Infections? Types and Causes

Why does the topic of STIs still cause discomfort for many people? After all, the limits of such questions are outlined by the level of responsibility of a person for his health. The consequences of diseases that arose against the background of sexually transmitted infections still destroy the lives of millions of people. Therefore, regular examinations have long been a manifestation of a person's maturity.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a group of diseases that are transmitted primarily through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The pathogens may be viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, or parasites. As a result of infection, not only the genitals are affected, but the entire body.

STIs: General Information

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs, sexually transmitted infections; obsolete name - STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases) occur when certain bacteria, viruses or parasites are transmitted from an infected partner during sexual contact. Moreover, any sexual contact is potentially dangerous: vaginal, anal, or oral. In addition, you can become infected after contact with infected biological fluids: blood, saliva, and urine. Also, STI pathogens can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

The most common STI pathogens are 8, of which 4 infections are curable, and another 4 cannot be completely cured today: after infection, their pathogens remain in the body forever.

Every day, more than 1 million cases of STIs occur worldwide. Most of them are latent, so people continue to infect their partners without even knowing that they are sick.

Types of Sexually Transmitted Infections

STIs are quite common today. This is due to the early onset of sexual relations among young people and frequent change of partners.

The main cause of infection is unprotected sexual intercourse. The spread of diseases is also facilitated by the use of hormonal and other means of contraception, which are increasingly replacing condoms. 

The most common diseases

• Urogenital chlamydia. It is transmitted only sexually. It affects the mucous membrane of the cervical canal, fallopian tubes, as well as joints, and the mucous membrane of the eyes, causing inflammation.
  
  
• Candidiasis (thrush). One of the types of fungal infections is caused by microscopic yeast-like fungi. Most often occurs with a decrease in general and local immunity due to hypothermia, stress, changes in hormonal levels (including during pregnancy), etc.
  
  
• Anogenital (venereal) warts, also known as pointed condylomas, are a disease caused by the human papillomavirus. Characterized by the appearance of growths on the skin and mucous membranes of the external genitalia, urethra, vagina, cervix, perianal area, anal canal, and oropharynx.
  
  
• Gonorrhea. Infection occurs when a bacterial gonococcal infection enters the body. It is the cause of acute, severe inflammatory processes of the genitals.
  
  
• Trichomoniasis. It occurs when a person is infected with a single-celled pathogenic protozoan - vaginal trichomonas.
  
  
• Genital herpes. The causative agent of the disease is the herpes simplex virus. The disease is characterized by vesicular rashes in the genital area, local edema, and pain syndrome. After infection, the virus remains in the body for life, periodically making itself known.
  
  
• Syphilis. Bacterial disease is caused by pale treponema (pale spirochete) and leads to systemic damage to the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. As a result of the infection, specific immunity does not develop, so repeated reinfection is possible.
  
  
• Ureaplasmosis and mycoplasmosis. Mycoplasma hominis, mycoplasma genitalium, ureaplasma urealyticum, and ureaplasma parvum are opportunistic microorganisms found in the genitourinary system. In high concentrations and under certain conditions, they cause an inflammatory process.
  
  
• Hepatitis B, C. Inflammation of the liver caused by viruses B and C, which are found in the blood or other biological fluids of a sick person, is transmitted sexually, as well as through the use of injections of infected needles, a toothbrush, etc.
  
  
• Human immunodeficiency virus. It is the most dangerous disease in this category. The virus attacks the cells of the immune system. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome gradually develops.

Causes of STIs

The main cause of sexually transmitted infections is the entry of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites into the body. These microorganisms can be transmitted from one person to another through blood, sperm, saliva, and vaginal discharge.
Common STI pathogens:

• gonococcus (Neisseria gonorrhoeae);
  
  
• chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis);
  
  
• trichomonas (Trichomonas vaginalis);
  
  
• treponema pallidum;
  
  
• human papillomavirus;
  
  
• herpes simplex virus;
  
  
• human immunodeficiency virus;
  
  
• hepatitis B virus.

The most common way in which microorganisms are transmitted from one person to another is sexual contact, whether vaginal, oral, or anal. Also common is the contact-household route of transmission: through saliva during kissing, as well as through blood remaining on a razor, manicure instruments, a toothbrush, and other personal hygiene items. 

Separately, there is an intrauterine route of infection - from mother to child through the placenta or during passage through the birth canal - and parenteral - through blood during medical procedures using non-sterile medical instruments.

The risk group for developing sexually transmitted infections includes sexually active people, those who frequently change sexual partners, homosexuals, drug addicts, and medical workers who interact with blood and other biological fluids of patients (in particular, surgeons, nurses, employees of hemodialysis departments, dentists), tattoo artists and permanent makeup artists.

Symptoms of STDs in Men

Signs of sexually transmitted diseases in men often occur due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the reproductive system. Symptoms are often ignored, but you still have to see a doctor - the infection itself will not "resolve," and the absence of treatment is fraught with serious complications. 

What signs of STDs in men should alert you:

• Incorrect urination. Too frequent urges to go to the toilet, a burning sensation directly during urination, indicate that infection has occurred.
  
  
• Discharge from the penis. It can be mucous and purulent, abundant or scanty, pinkish and yellow. In almost every case, discharge accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
  
  
• Decreased or absent sexual desire. During ejaculation and strong arousal, a man may feel pain and burning, and blood "threads" may be present in the sperm. Because of these pains, libido decreases.
  
  
• Skin rash. It appears in the perineum and directly on the external genitals and can have different forms from small pimples to chancres. If accompanied by other signs, it will be a clear symptom of a sexually transmitted disease.

Symptoms of STDs in Women

Signs in women are always pronounced and vary in intensity:

• Vaginal dryness;
  
  
• Frequent urination;
  
  
• Unusual vaginal discharge;
  
  
• Problems with the menstrual cycle;
  
  
• Skin rashes;
  
  
• Pain during intercourse.

Treatment of STIs General Principles of Therapeutic Prescriptions

After receiving the test results for men and women confirming the presence of a sexually transmitted disease, the doctor will make medication prescriptions; treatment of STIs is carried out only by conservative methods. Regardless of who the patient is, treatment will be carried out according to general principles:

• Antibacterial drugs are prescribed if the tests of a man or woman confirmed infection with a sexually transmitted disease of bacteriological etiology.
  
  
• Antiviral agents origin, and this was confirmed by tests in a woman or a man are suitable for the treatment of STIs that have a viral.
  
  
• Immunomodulators and mineral and vitamin complexes are prescribed for any STIs, regardless of the test results of a man or a woman.

Additionally, hepatoprotectors can be prescribed, for example, if herpes is being treated. It involves the use of powerful antiviral drugs, and the treatment can be a "blow" to the human liver. Hepatoprotectors will support the functionality of the organ and speed up and facilitate therapy.

Which Doctor to Contact for STIs

If a person notices a change in the nature of genital discharge, increased urination, rash, or ulcers on the body, you should immediately consult a gynecologist, urologist or dermatovenerologist. In addition, you should visit a specialist if an STI was diagnosed in a sexual partner.

At the appointment, the specialist will conduct a general examination, and in order to make an accurate diagnosis, prescribe laboratory blood tests or a PCR test.