Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

HIV/AIDS

• Definition: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight off infections and diseases.
• Transmission: HIV is transmitted through:
  • Unprotected sex with an infected person
  • Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person
  • From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
  • Blood transfusions (rare)
• Symptoms: May not appear immediately, but can include:
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Night sweats
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
• Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage HIV, but there is no cure.
• Prevention: Use condoms, get tested regularly, and avoid sharing needles or syringes.

Chlamydia

• Definition: A bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Transmission: Through:
  • Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Sharing sex toys
  • Infected mother to child during childbirth
• Symptoms: May not appear immediately, but can include:
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Painful sex
  • Heavy bleeding or spotting
  • Testicular pain
• Treatment: Antibiotics can cure chlamydia.
• Complications: Untreated chlamydia can lead to:
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Infertility
  • Ectopic pregnancy

Gonorrhea

• Definition: A bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Transmission: Through:
  • Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Sharing sex toys
  • Infected mother to child during childbirth
• Symptoms: May not appear immediately, but can include:
  • Thick, yellowish discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Painful sex
  • Heavy bleeding or spotting
  • Testicular pain
• Treatment: Antibiotics can cure gonorrhea.
• Complications: Untreated gonorrhea can lead to:
  • PID
  • Infertility
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI)

Herpes

• Definition: A viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
• Transmission: Through:
  • Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
  • Unprotected sex
  • Kissing or touching an infected person
• Symptoms: May include:
  • Painful blisters or sores around the genitals, mouth, or anus
  • Itching or burning sensation
  • Flu-like symptoms
• Treatment: Antiviral medications can manage symptoms, but there is no cure.
• Prevention: Use condoms, avoid skin-to-skin contact during outbreaks, and get tested regularly.

Syphilis

• Definition: A bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
• Transmission: Through:
  • Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
  • Infected mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth
• Symptoms: May include:
  • Painless sore or chancre at the site of infection
  • Rash on the hands and feet
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Swollen lymph nodes
• Treatment: Antibiotics can cure syphilis.
• Complications: Untreated syphilis can lead to:
  • Neurological problems
  • Blindness
  • Dementia
  • Death