Each year, millions of new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STI) are reported, yet STIs can easily be avoided. Previously known as sexually transmitted diseases (STD), they are increasingly being referred as “infections” on account of the term’s greater emphasis on the possibility of contagion without visible symptoms.

It is reported that one out of every four sexually active teens are prone to STIs. While the only sure way to avoid an STI is to not have sex, one of the best defenses against sexually transmitted infections is an awareness of the specific infections and how to protect against them.

About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections are acquired through sexual contact. Infections pass from one person to another through semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. Many STIs do not have immediate symptoms, and people may not even know they carry an infection, increasing the likelihood that they will unknowingly pass it on to someone else.

Abstaining from sex is the only 100 percent effective way to avoid an STI. Other safety tips include avoiding unprotected sex, not engaging in sex with multiple partners, and staying away from risky sexual practices.

When engaging in oral, vaginal, or anal sex, always use latex condoms. Avoid condoms lubricated with spermicides because frequent use of some spermicides can increase the risk of HIV. You can take vaccines to prevent certain STI infections such as hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus, or HPV.

Common STIs and Their Symptoms

Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, which infects the urinary tract in both men and women. Symptoms include painful urination and pain in the lower abdomen. In women, Chlamydia can cause pain during intercourse and vaginal discharge. Men have a discharge from the penis and testicular pain. Chlamydia can be cured by antibiotics. Although it is the most commonly reported STI, many individuals are not aware of their infection due to Chlamydia’s “silent”, often dormant symptoms.

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea and can infect the genital tract, mouth, eyes, and rectum of both men and women. Symptoms include a thick, cloudy, or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina, pain or burning sensations when urinating, frequent urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. Gonorrhea is curable, however, if left untreated, it may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in pregnancy complications or infertility.

Pubic lice (crabs) are small crab-like parasites that cling to pubic hair using claws. They can also be found in coarse hair elsewhere on the body. This includes armpit hair, eye lashes, and facial hair. Pubic lice can be transmitted from one person to other through sexual intercourse or by sharing clothes, bedding, or towels. They cannot be transmitted in swimming pools or from toilet seats. Symptoms of a pubic lice infection occur within five to seven days of infection. They include swelling and intense itching of the affected area, blood spots in the area due to feeding of lice, and visible eggs and lice in the hair. Pubic lice are treated with special lotions, creams, or shampoos that kill the lice and eggs. Shaving pubic hair does not remove all lice. To prevent the spread of lice, it is necessary to wash all the towels, beddings, and clothes that came into contact with the parasites.

Syphilis comes from a spiral shaped bacteria called Treponema pallidum. It appears with one or more lesions or ulcers around the genital area. Infection can occur through contact with the syphilis sore or by transmission to a child during pregnancy. Syphilis can be dormant for up to seven years between active outbreaks. Taking penicillin or a similar antibiotic can cure syphilis, but it will not undo previous damage. In serious cases, syphilis can cause severe complications including death.

Trichomoniasis is caused by the single cell parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. This STI affects both men and women, but most symptoms are found in women and include vaginal discharge, itching or irritation, pain during sexual intercourse and urination, and light vaginal bleeding. Trichomoniasis is a curable STI, but since men and some women are often symptomless it is important to be screened for infection.

Genital Herpes is a result of the Herpes Simplex virus. Signs of infection appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. These blister form small, fluid-filled clusters that break open, leaving painful sores. Genital herpes is not curable, but treatment that reduces symptoms and minimizes the chance of transmission is available.

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a viral infection that can appear in the mouth, throat, or genital areas of both men and women. In ninety percent of cases, there are no outward symptoms. However, the disease can also manifest itself as warts on the genitals, or more rarely, in the throat. Certain strains of HPV can result in potentially life threatening cancers, including cervical cancer. There is no medical cure for HPV infection, but there are treatments for the diseases that HPV can cause. The warts and lesions caused by the infection often go away on their own or your physician can help treat them. Because cervical cancer is most treatable when caught early, routine cancer screenings are essential. There are HPV vaccines available for both men and women.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It is considered life threatening, and, if untreated, can cause chronic liver disease. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, and mild nausea and vomiting. Serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention and possibly hospitalization include severe nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes and skin ("jaundice"), and a bloated or swollen stomach. There is no cure to eliminate the hepatitis B virus from the body, however certain lifestyle measures, including eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, can help prevent the condition from deteriorating.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which progressively damages the immune system and makes the body vulnerable to infections. It might take years for HIV to permanently damage the immune system and develop into AIDS. Early symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, rashes, and fatigue. Once these early signs disappear, chronic symptoms may appear such as diarrhea, weight loss, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms in the later stages of HIV include fatigue, sweating at night, continued chills or fever, swelling of the lymph nodes for more than three months, chronic diarrhea, and continued headaches. There is no cure for AIDS, but there are ways to manage the disease and increase the prospect of a long, healthy life.

Risk Factors

STIs are common in people who engage in unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse or have been sexually active at an early age. Having a history of STIs also increases the chances of a second infection. People who have multiple sex partners or share needles are at a higher risk of developing STIs.

Because a woman’s cervix contains constantly changing cells that make it more vulnerable to infection, females are also more prone to complications of STIs than males. This means that, while both men and women are equally at risk of an STI, a man is more likely to have an STI and not know it.

Many STIs do not show any visible symptoms and some do not show themselves in testing for weeks or even months. If a person is sexually active and feels they are at risk of STIs, they should discuss testing with their doctor.

Viral STIs are confirmed through blood tests while bacterial STIs are diagnosed through lab tests. There are exceptions, such as Chlamydia, which can go unnoticed in early stages and lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Additionally, herpes sores are tested by their fluid and a sample of the sore.

The most effective way to prevent sexually transmitted infections is to abstain from vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Sexual intercourse with multiple partners greatly increases the risk, even more so with unprotected sex. Using a latex condom every time a person has sex significantly cuts down sexually transmitted infections. A dental dam is also recommended before having oral sex. Drugs and alcohol are discouraged, as they can impair a person’s judgment and lead to risky sexual behavior.

Vaccinations are available for protection against Human papillomavirus and Hepatitis B virus. The Hepatitis B vaccination is given to newborn babies while HPV vaccination is given to girls between 9 to 26 years of age.