A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that is spread during any sexual activity be it intercourse, anal sex or oral sex. It can also occur using fingers, other body parts, or sex toys that have come in contact with another person’s genitals or body fluids.
“Although HIV is the most notorious sexually transmitted infection in South Africa, there are several other STIs affecting the population,” according to Dr Judith Kluge, who heads the Family Planning Unit at Tygerberg Hospital.
STIs often don’t have any noticeable signs or symptoms and people often get an STI without even knowing it. “But even when there are no symptoms, STIs can cause serious problems, such as infertility, complications during pregnancy or increase the risk of certain kinds of cancers.”
Dr Kluge said that STIs commonly occur on the genital organs, anus, and throat. She highlighted some facts you need to know about STIs.
Gonorrhoea – It does not necessarily cause symptoms at first. Gonorrhoea may be present with a vaginal discharge.
Chlamydia – This is most often a silent infection and it also doesn’t necessarily cause symptoms at first.
Both Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can lead to long-term problems in women, such as severe pain, difficulty falling pregnant, and complications during pregnancy.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – HIV is a lifelong condition that affects the body’s immune system, which fights infection. The last stage of HIV is called Aids. Being infected with other STIs makes it easier to get HIV.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – HPV doesn’t usually cause symptoms at first, but it can lead to cervical cancer in women, and genital warts in men and women.
Herpes – Infection with herpes can cause blisters and open sores in the genital area.
Trichomonas or “trich” – This can cause genital itching and discharge.
Hepatitis B – This can lead to long-term liver problems.
Syphilis – This STI can occur at different stages over many years and can affect any part of the body. It can be defined in three stages:
Primary syphilis can present with a painless ulcer on the genitals (chancre) a few weeks after acquiring the infection and can go unnoticed.
Secondary syphilis occurs a few months later and here one can get skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes/glands.
Tertiary syphilis can occur three to 15 years after the initial infection. At this stage you may develop tumours on the skin, bone or liver. And you may also develop neurosyphilis, where the brain and nerves are affected and can result in dementia or general weakness, loss of balance and shooting pains in legs.
Source: Health24.com