STIs and Prevention

A

Asymptomatic STIs

Asymptomatic STIs are sexually transmitted infections that show no visible signs or noticeable symptoms, making them particularly dangerous as they can be unknowingly transmitted to sexual partners and potentially cause long-term health complications if left untreated. Many common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and even HIV, can be asymptomatic for weeks, months, or even years after infection.

C

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis that can infect both men and women, often without showing any symptoms. It can affect multiple areas of the body including the genitals, rectum, and throat, and if left untreated, may lead to serious health complications including infertility.

E

Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)

Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is a public health practice where healthcare providers give patients diagnosed with certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) medication or prescriptions to deliver to their sexual partners without requiring those partners to be examined by a healthcare provider first. This approach aims to reduce the spread of STIs by ensuring that both the patient and their recent sexual partners receive prompt treatment.

G

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1, which typically causes oral herpes, and HSV-2, which is the primary cause of genital herpes. The infection is characterized by painful blisters or sores on or around the genitals, anus, buttocks, or thighs.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Gonorrhea is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Symptoms may include painful urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and testicular pain in men. However, many people with gonorrhea don't experience noticeable symptoms.

H

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can be transmitted through sexual contact. It's caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can lead to both acute and chronic liver disease. While it's not exclusively a sexually transmitted infection (STI), sexual transmission is a common route, especially through unprotected sex with an infected partner.

HIV/AIDS

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells or T cells. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a condition where the immune system is severely compromised, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of needles, or from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects both men and women. It's actually a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which can cause genital warts, while others can lead to various types of cancer, most notably cervical cancer. HPV is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

P

Partner Notification

Partner notification is a public health practice where individuals diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) inform their sexual partners that they may have been exposed to the infection. This process aims to prevent the further spread of STIs by encouraging potentially infected individuals to get tested and treated if necessary.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs, typically affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It's usually caused by bacteria that spread from the vagina or cervix to the upper reproductive organs. PID is often a complication of untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PrEP, which stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a medication-based HIV prevention strategy. It involves taking specific antiretroviral drugs daily by HIV-negative individuals to reduce their risk of contracting HIV if exposed to the virus. PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed, significantly lowering the risk of HIV transmission through sexual contact or injection drug use.

S

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

A sexually transmitted infection (STI), also known as a sexually transmitted disease (STD), is an infection that is passed from one person to another through sexual contact. STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as skin-to-skin genital contact. Some common examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and herpes.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Syphilis can cause serious health complications if left untreated, but it is curable with antibiotics.

T

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, often called "trich" (pronounced "trick"), is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This infection primarily affects the vagina in women and the urethra in men. It's one of the most common curable STIs, but many people don't know they have it because symptoms can be mild or nonexistent.