STI’s

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You don’t need to have lots of partners to get a sexually transmitted infection. STI’s  are mainly caught through unprotected sex where there is an exchange of bodily fluid or skin to skin contact.

This transmission can take place  through vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, foreplay or the exchange of sex toys. Although some STI’s such as Chlamydia and Public Lice are curable, others such as HIV and Herpes are not.

Nobody wants to have an STI so by using a condom  you can protect yourself and your partner from infection.

Types of STIs

Here are a list of STI that you should be aware of.

Chlamydia – is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria. Although Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics, there are often no symptoms in both women and men. If left untreated this infection can cause complications during pregnancy and infertility in men and women.

Gonorrhea – is caused by bacteria that live on moist mucous membranes in the urethra, vagina, rectum, mouth, throat, and eyes. The infection can spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth or anus. Symptoms of Gonorrhea usually appear 2 to 5 days after contact with an infected partner.

Public Lice – are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair, such as pubic hair.  They have a crab-like appearance, so they are often known as crabs. The eggs are called nits and appear as brownish dots fixed to coarse body hair. Pubic lice are different from the head lice which some people get on their scalp.

Genital Herpes – is caught during sexual contact and affects the genitals. The virus affects the area/s where it entered the body. It is most infectious during times when there are visible symptoms, such as, small fluid-filled blisters, headaches, backaches, itching or tingling sensations in the genital or anal area.  However those without any symptoms can still spread the virus through skin contact.

Genital Warts – are the most common viral sexually transmitted infection. They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) which can be passed on during sexual contact. Not everyone who has the virus develops genital warts.

HPV (Human Papiloma Virus) –  is a virus that causes 99 per cent of all cases of cervical cancer – the second most common cancer affecting women worldwide. There are more than 100 different types of the HPV. It is important to remember that the infected partner might not have any symptoms.

Syphilis – is a sexually transmitted infection. Although it is not as common as other STIs, it if left untreated it can cause very serious health problems in both men and women.

Trichomoniasis – is a common STI that is caused by infection of a  parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The infection affects both women and men, but symptoms are more common in women Most patients are treated with an antibiotic which is very effective.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) – Once someone is infected with HIV the virus will remain in their body for the rest of their life. There is currently no cure for HIV and no vaccine to prevent people from becoming infected. However, treatment can help most people with HIV to live much longer and feel well.

Here is some more information taken from the Family Planning Association website.