Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Basics

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Definition and Prevalence

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread through sexual contact with an infected person
• Also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds
• Estimated 1 in 5 people in the US have an STI

Types of STIs

• Bacterial STIs:
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Chancroid
• Viral STIs:
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Hepatitis B
• Parasitic STIs:
  • Pubic lice (crabs)
  • Scabies

Causes and Risk Factors

• Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral)
• Multiple sexual partners
• Prior history of STIs
• Sharing of sex toys
• Intravenous drug use
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Many STIs are asymptomatic, making it difficult to detect without testing
• Common symptoms:
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Abnormal discharge
  • Sores or lesions
  • Itching or burning in the genital area
• Diagnosis through:
  • Physical examination
  • Laboratory tests (e.g., urine, blood, or swab samples)
  • Imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan)

Treatment and Prevention

• Bacterial STIs: treated with antibiotics
• Viral STIs: managed with antiviral medications, but not cured
• Parasitic STIs: treated with medicated creams or shampoos
• Prevention through:
  • Safe sex practices (e.g., using condoms, dental dams)
  • Regular testing and screening
  • Vaccination (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B)
  • Avoiding sharing of sex toys and personal items

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Definition and Prevalence

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections spread through sexual contact with an infected person
• Also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds
• Estimated 1 in 5 people in the US have an STI

Types of STIs

• Bacterial STIs:
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Chancroid
• Viral STIs:
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Hepatitis B
• Parasitic STIs:
  • Pubic lice (crabs)
  • Scabies

Causes and Risk Factors

• Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) increases risk of STI transmission
• Multiple sexual partners increase the risk of STI transmission
• Prior history of STIs increases the risk of future infections
• Sharing of sex toys increases the risk of STI transmission
• Intravenous drug use increases the risk of STI transmission
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding is possible

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Many STIs are asymptomatic, making detection without testing difficult
• Common symptoms include:
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Abnormal discharge
  • Sores or lesions
  • Itching or burning in the genital area
• Diagnosis involves:
  • Physical examination
  • Laboratory tests (e.g., urine, blood, or swab samples)
  • Imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan)

Treatment and Prevention

• Bacterial STIs: treated with antibiotics
• Viral STIs: managed with antiviral medications, but not cured
• Parasitic STIs: treated with medicated creams or shampoos
• Prevention involves:
  • Safe sex practices (e.g., using condoms, dental dams)
  • Regular testing and screening
  • Vaccination (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B)
  • Avoiding sharing of sex toys and personal items

Learn about the definition, prevalence, and types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including bacterial and viral STIs.