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What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections you can get by having sex with someone who has an infection. These infections are usually passed from person to person through vaginal intercourse. They can also be passed through anal sex, oral sex, or skin-to-skin contact. STIs can be caused by viruses or bacteria. STIs caused by viruses include hepatitis B, herpes, HIV, and the human papilloma virus (HPV). STIs caused by bacteria include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. How do I know if my partner has an STI?Ask. Although it may be uncomfortable, talk to your partner before having any sexual contact. Ask if he or she is at risk for having an STI. Some of the risk factors are having sex with several partners, using injected drugs and having had an STI in the past. To be safe, protect yourself no matter what the person says. You must also tell your partner if you have an STI. You aren’t doing yourself or your partner any favors by trying to hide it. The most common symptoms of STIs include:
What causes STIs?If you’ve ever had sex, you may be at risk for having an STI. Your risk is higher if you have had many sex partners, have had sex with someone who has had many partners, or have had sex without using condoms. How are STIs diagnosed?Most STIs can be diagnosed through an exam by your doctor, a culture of the secretions from your vagina or penis, or through a blood test. Can STIs be prevented or avoided?The only sure way to prevent STIs is by not having sex. If you have sex, you can lower your risk of getting an STI by only having sex with someone who isn’t having sex with anyone else and who doesn’t have an STI. You should always use condoms when having sex, including oral and anal sex. Do condoms prevent STIs?Male latex condoms can reduce your risk of getting an STI if used correctly. Be sure to use them every time you have sex. Female condoms aren’t as effective as male condoms. However, you should use them when a man won’t use a male condom. Remember, though, that condoms aren’t 100% safe. They can’t protect you from coming into contact with some sores (such as those that can occur with herpes) or warts (which can be caused by HPV infection). How to use male condoms
How to use female condoms
What else should I do to prevent STIs?Limit the number of sex partners you have. Ask your partner if he or she has, or has had, an STI. Tell your partner if you have had one. Talk about whether you’ve both been tested for STIs and whether you should be tested. Look for signs of an STI in your sex partner. But remember that STIs don’t always cause symptoms. Don’t have sex if you or your partner are being treated for an STI. Wash your genitals with soap and water and urinate soon after you have sex. This may help clean away some germs before they have a chance to infect you. Should I use a spermicide to help prevent STIs?No. It was once thought that spermicides with nonoxynol-9 could help prevent STIs much like they help prevent pregnancy — by damaging the organisms that cause the diseases. New research has shown that nonoxynol-9 can irritate a woman’s vagina and cervix, actually increasing the risk of STI infection. Be sure to check the ingredients of any other sex-related products you own, such as lubricants and condoms. Some brands of these products may have nonoxynol-9 added to them. If you are unsure if your spermicide or any other product contains nonoxynol-9, ask your doctor before using it. STI treatmentSTIs that are caused by bacteria (such as chlamydia) can be cured with antibiotics. But STIs caused by a virus (such as HIV or herpes) can’t be cured. Your doctor can only treat the symptoms that the virus causes. Don’t wait to be treated. Early treatment helps prevent serious health problems. Even if medicine can’t completely cure the STI, it can help keep you from getting really sick. If you are given medicine for an STI, take it exactly as the doctor says. Living with STIsSee your doctor if you’re at risk for having an STI, if you have any of the symptoms, or if you have concerns about whether you have one. STIs can cause serious health problems if left untreated. For example, chlamydia can lead to problems that can cause women not to be able to have children (infertility). HPV can lead to cancer of the cervix or penis. Syphilis can lead to paralysis, mental problems, heart damage, blindness, and even death. Questions to ask your doctor
Which sexually transmitted infection is not caused by a virus?Bacteria. Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are examples of STIs that are caused by bacteria. Parasites.
What are 4 types of STDs caused by a virus?Of these, 4 are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other 4 are incurable viral infections: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV).
What are the 3 most common viral STDs?The most common viral STDs are known as the 'four H's' and they include:. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (H.I.V.) H.I.V is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. ... . Herpes Simplex Virus (H.S.V.) H.S.V. ... . Hepatitis. ... . Human Papillomavirus (HPV). What are 5 types of sexually transmitted infections?What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?. Chlamydia.. Genital herpes.. Gonorrhea.. HIV/AIDS.. Pubic lice.. Syphilis.. Trichomoniasis.. |