Latest update October 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 15, 2017 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists
By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Sexually transmitted infections, often called STIs, are infections you can catch during sex. They are also
called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. Some STIs are caused by bacteria, and others are caused by viruses.
The most common STIs include:
Many of these infections can be transmitted through any type of sex. That includes not just penis-in-vagina or penis-in-anus sex, but also oral sex and other types of sex play. HIV and hepatitis can be transmitted in other ways, too, such as exposure to body fluids.
WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR STIS?
Different screening tests are appropriate for different people, depending on their gender and sex habits.
The list above includes some general guidelines, but some people might need other screening tests depending on their sex habits and other factors. If you are unsure whether you should be screened, and for what, ask your doctor or nurse for advice.
WHERE CAN I GET SCREENED?
If you have a doctor or nurse you see regularly, he or she should be able to screen you. But if you prefer to have screening done without your regular doctor or nurse, or if you don’t have one, you can go to a clinic or health centre.
WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I WATCH FOR?
In general, watch out for any genital itching, burning, sores, or discharge. But be aware that many STIs do not cause any symptoms. The best way to know for sure if you have an STI is to be screened.
WHAT IF I HAVE AN STI?
If you have an STI, you will need treatment. The right treatment will depend on the type of STI you have. Treatment might include antibiotics or medicines called antivirals, which fight viruses. Treatment will cure your infection or keep it from getting worse. It will also reduce the chances that you spread your infection to others.
If you do have an infection, you might need to tell the people you could have infected. Your doctor or nurse can help you figure out which partners you need to tell based on when you last had sex with them.
CAN STIS BE PREVENTED?
There is no surefire way to prevent all STIs, but there are things you can do to reduce your chances of catching one.
Having a STI is never a good experience. Prevention is obviously better than cure. Be prepared and avoid risky sexual practices.
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