STIs are infections that are transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected person.
They are caused by either a bacteria, virus,fungal or parasite.
More than one million sexually transmitted diseases or infections are acquired everyday.
Some of the most common infections are:
- Genital herpes.
- HPV( Human papilloma virus).
- Chlamydia.
- HIV/ Aids.
- Gonorrhoea.
- Syphilis.
- Genital herpes.
This is a sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain,irritation and sores.
It is caused by the herpes simplex virus and affects both men and women.
It is especially spread by having unprotected vaginal,anal or oral sex with an infected person. Mothers can also pass the virus to their unborn baby during pregnancy, labour or when nursing the baby.
HPV.
This is an infection that causes warts in various parts of the body like throat,eyes,armpit,genitals,skin depending on the type of the virus.
It is the most common infection. This one is normally spread through sex with an infected person though in most cases they do not know that they carry the virus but they can infect their partners.It can only be prevented through a vaccine and requires a medical diagnosis through lab tests or imaging.
Mothers can pass the infection to their babies during pregnancy
or labour .
A vaccine for preventing the HPV can be given to both boys and girls who are not yet sexually active.
3. CHLAMYDIA.
It is also a common STI and may not show any symptoms.
It affects people of all ages though very common in young women.
It can be treated by a doctor and does not take long to heal.
Chlamydia is also spread through having sex with an infected person.
The most common symptoms is pain in the genitals and discharge from the vagina or penis.
4. HIV/ AIDS.
This infection interferes with the body’s immune system.
The Human Immunodeficiency virus( HIV) causes AIDs( Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
It interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections.
It is transmitted through body fluids like semen,infected blood or vaginal fluids.
Transmitted sexually and can last for years.
It has no cure currently though there are drugs that can help to manage the disease ( ARV therapy).
It can also be transmitted from mother to baby through pregnancy, labour or breast milk.
The severity of these STIs depend on when the diagnosis is made therefore, it is important for someone to seek medical help when someone suspects that he/ she has been exposed.
