STI Burning Questions and Answers

BURNING QUESTIONS ABOUT STIS

What are STIs, and how do people get them?

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. STIs are a group of infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. STIs are transmitted mainly through unprotected vaginal sex, oral sex, or anal sex. Vaginal sex is the most common mode of transmission. Some STIs, including HIV and syphilis, can be passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. In order for an infection to occur, one person must be infected with an STI and pass the infection to his or her partner. HIV and some other STIs can also be transmitted through unclean injection needles, skin-cutting tools, and blood transfusions (when the blood is not tested).

What are the most serious STIs?

HIV infection, which causes AIDS. It can be treated with ARVs, but cannot be cured. Syphilis can be fatal, but it can be cured with drugs. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia, if left untreated, can cause infertility in both men and women. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is an STI that has different strains, some of which produce genital warts, and some of which can lead to cervical cancer in women. The presence of any STI increases the risk of contracting HIV

How do I know if I have an STI? What are the signs and symptoms?

Many people who have STIs have no symptoms. The 6 most common symptoms when they do appear, may include: Abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis. Pain or burning sensation when urinating. Itching or irritation of the genitals. Sores or bumps on the genitals. Rashes, including rashes on the palms of hands and soles of feet. In women, pelvic pain (pain below the belly button).

Why can STIs increase the risk of contracting HIV?

STIs often cause sores and rashes that are basically open wounds. Having in open wound in your vagina or on your penis gives HIV more access to be able to transmit the virus into the blood stream.

How can I protect myself from STIs during sexual activity

Have sex only with an uninfected partner who has sex only with you. If this is not possible, or if you do not know if your partner is infected: For vaginal or anal sex, use condoms each and every time. For oral sex, use a condom over the penis, or plastic wrap or a condom cut open to cover the vagina or anus. Engage in other forms of sexual activity, such as using your hand to stimulate your partner (always wash your hand immediately afterward).

Can someone without any symptoms of STIs still be contagious?

Yes! Many people who have STIs have no symptoms, but they can still pass the infection on to others. For example, many people infected with chlamydia and gonorrhoea have no symptoms, and individuals infected with HIV may show no signs of infection for many years, but they can still pass the virus on to others. Often, symptoms of STIs don’t appear for weeks, months, or sometimes in the case of HIV for years.

 What should I do if I think I have an STI?

Go to a clinic, and have a medical professional check you as soon as possible. Do not wait and hope the STI will go away. If you have an STI, it is important to tell your most recent sexual partners, so they can also get treatment.

If I do have an STI, can it be cured?

Most STIs can be cured with antibiotics. However, those STIs that are caused by viruses - such as HIV, hepatitis B, and genital herpes - cannot be cured. Genital warts can be removed, but they may return.

If I ignore my symptoms, will the STI go away?

No. The symptoms may go away, but the STI will remain. If the STI is left untreated, it will continue to harm the body, and you can continue to pass the infection to others. Go to a clinic immediately and have a medical professional check you as soon as possible. Do not wait and hope that the STI will go away.