Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites

contracted through: unprotected sex, intravenous drug users sharing needles, children of mothers who are infected with HIV may be infected before or during birth or through breastfeeding

Impact on general health and reproductive ability

Examples of STIs:

HIV/AIDS- attacks a particular form of helper T cells in the immune system - as the level of helper T cells is low in the blood, an infected person becomes more vulnerable to infections

Hepatitis A - Transmission: Contact with infected blood, unprotected sex, and sharing needles. Symptoms: Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, loss of appetite. Complications: Liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure. Prevention: Vaccination, practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing needles. Diagnosis: Blood tests for HBsAg, HBcAb, and HBV DNA. Treatment: Antiviral medications, supportive care, liver transplant.

HIV/AIDS- attacks a particular form of helper T cells in the immune system - as the level of helper T cells is low in the blood, an infected person becomes more vulnerable to infections

Hepatitis A - contracted through contact with infected blood, unprotected sex, and sharing needles. causes fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure. Prevention: Vaccination, practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing needles. Treatment: Antiviral medications, supportive care, liver transplant.

Hepatitis B- contracted through Blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and other body fluids. Causes Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Prevention: Vaccination, safe sex practices, avoiding sharing needles. Causes: Liver cirrhosis, liver cancer. Treatment: Antiviral medications, and supportive care.

Genital Herpes- Caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), Transmitted through sexual contact. Primary symptoms: painful blisters, sores, itching. Can be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. There is no cure, but antiviral medications can manage outbreaks and can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Practice safe sex to prevent transmission. Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks. can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact.

Syphilis- Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Transmitted through sexual contact or from mother to baby during pregnancy. rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes to severe complications affecting the heart, brain, and other organs. Can be diagnosed through blood tests. Treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin. Untreated syphilis can lead to serious health problems and even death. Prevention includes practicing safe sex and regular testing

Chlamydia- a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common STIs worldwide. Chlamydia can be asymptomatic, leading to delayed diagnosis and potential complications. Common symptoms include abnormal discharge, painful urination, and pelvic pain. Untreated chlamydia can cause serious complications like infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Chlamydia can be diagnosed through laboratory tests, including urine or swab samples. It is treated with antibiotics, and sexual partners should also be treated to prevent reinfection. Prevention includes practicing safe sex, using condoms, and getting regular STI screenings.

Gonorrhea- Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Transmitted through sexual contact. Symptoms include painful urination, discharge, and pelvic pain. Can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Diagnosed through laboratory tests on urine or swab samples. Treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant strains are emerging. Prevention through safe sex practices and regular testing. Untreated gonorrhea can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Screening recommended for sexually active individuals. Partner notification and treatment is crucial to prevent reinfection

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)- transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, develops flat or raised warts around the genital area, some forms can lead to cervical cancer, raised risk of tumours of the vulva, vagina, anus, and penis