STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) - Causes and Signs of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Types of STIs

The following types of infections are included in STIs:

• bacterial (gonorrhea, syphilis, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia);
• viral (human papillomavirus, HIV infection and condylomas, herpes virus);
• fungal infections (candidiasis);
• parasitic infections (scabies and pubic pediculosis);
• protozoal infections (trichomoniasis).

A feature of most STIs is the lack of stability in the external environment, therefore, their transmission requires contact between a healthy person and the carrier.

Causes

The main reason for the occurrence STI is the penetration of microorganisms into the body of a healthy person along with the sperm, saliva, blood and vaginal secretions of the patient. Some infections are spread through skin contact, such as genital warts and herpes.

Symptoms

STI symptoms include the following:

• lower abdominal pain;
• rash on the palms, body, or genitals;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• erosions, ulcers in the mouth or on the genitals;
• itching, stinging, and burning when urinating.

If symptoms indicating an STI appear, you should immediately consult a doctor: a gynecologist for women, a urologist for men, or better yet, a venereologist. A correct diagnosis can be established after laboratory tests and examination of the patient.

Sexually transmitted infections can cause inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, as well as inflammation of the genitals.

Symptoms and their severity depend on the aggressiveness of the infectious agent and the patient's immune system. These infections can exist in the body for quite a long time without manifesting themselves in any way, but causing progressive changes in the genitourinary organs. This is due to the fact that STIs have a tissue compatibility factor close to that of humans.

Diagnostics

The most effective method for detecting infections is the polymerase chain reaction method. Very often, additional studies have to be carried out. Pathogens of various infections are very sensitive to drugs, so without an STI test, the treatment tactics may be incorrect.

In men, a scraping of the mucous membrane of the urethra is taken for examination. In women, the analysis is taken from the contents of the vagina, urethra, cervical canal of the uterus.

Treatment

Sexually transmitted infections never go away on their own, without treatment. Most infections are completely curable. STIs are treated by gynecologists, urologists, venereologists and andrologists.

Treatment is carried out in the following complex and includes:

• local treatment;
• use of antibiotics;
• immunostimulating therapy.

Sometimes, repeated treatment is prescribed. However, in this case, new drugs are prescribed, since the effectiveness of repeated treatment with the same drugs may decrease. It is also necessary to involve the sexual partner in treatment.

Prevention

Preventive measures and protection against STIs include:

• refraining from casual sexual relations;
• observing the rules of hygiene in intimate life;
• leading a healthy lifestyle;
• using personal protective equipment;
• drinking alcohol in moderation;
• having strong family relationships;
• refusing drugs.