Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread through sexual contact. While many STIs can be treated or cured, some can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated.
Read on to learn more about the most common STIs, their symptoms, and how to prevent them.
Common STIs
Chlamydia
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic in men and women, but can cause burning sensation during urination, abnormal discharge, and pelvic pain in women.
- Treatment: Antibiotics
- Prevention: Consistent and correct use of condoms
Gonorrhea
- Symptoms: Similar to chlamydia, often asymptomatic, but can cause a burning sensation during urination, abnormal discharge that is thick green or yellow from the vagina or penis, and pelvic pain in women.
- Treatment: Antibiotics
- Prevention: Consistent and correct use of condoms
Syphilis
- Symptoms:
- Primary Syphilis: Single, painless sore or ulcer (chancre) that heals by itself after 3-6 weeks.
- Secondary Syphilis: A rash that appears on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. Flat warts may be seen on the vulva. There may be flu-like symptoms.
- Treatment: Antibiotics
- Prevention: Consistent and correct use of condoms
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. HIV weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
- Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help manage HIV and prevent transmission
- Prevention: Consistent and correct use of condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-negative individuals at high risk, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV-negative individuals who may have been exposed to HIV.
Genital Herpes
- Symptoms: Sores, itching, burning, and pain in the genital area. Outbreaks can be recurrent.
- Treatment: Antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks.
- Prevention: Consistent and correct use of condoms, avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can cause genital warts and cervical cancer in women
- Treatment: Genital warts can be treated, and cervical cancer can be detected and treated early.
- Prevention: HPV vaccination, consistent and correct use of condoms
Trichomoniasis
- Symptoms: Foul-smelling discharge, itching, burning, and pain during urination.
- Treatment: Antibiotics
- Prevention: Consistent and correct use of condoms
Prevention Tips
Consistent and Correct Use of Condoms
Condoms are highly effective in preventing the transmission of many STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomonasis.
Get Tested Regularly
Regular STI testing is essential, especially if you are sexually active with multiple partners. Talk to your healthcare provider about recommended testing intervals.
Vaccinations
The HPV vaccine can protect against HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer.
Open Communication
Talk openly and honestly with your sexual partners about your sexual history and STI status.
Limit Sexual Partners
Reducing the number of sexual partners can lower your risk of contracting an STI.
Seeking Help
If you suspect you have an STI, it's important to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and help prevent the spread of infection to others.
Prevention is key. By being informed about STIs and taking precautions, you can protect yourself and your partners from these infections. Let Kindred be your partner in taking charge of your sexual and reproductive health. Book HPV vaccines, cervical cancer and HPV screening, and sexual health packages today on mykindred.co!
Last medically reviewed on September 23, 2024.