Reproductive tract virus in women. The likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. What infections are sexually transmitted? Stages of infection development after entry into the body

How to identify and get rid of STI infections?

STI ( sexually transmitted infections) are diseases whose route of transmission is predominantly sexual. You can become infected with them through any form of contact: oral, anal, vaginal. Some diseases are transmitted at home (syphilis). STIs are often transmitted from mother to fetus during childbirth. Diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis enter the body through the blood.

Humanity has been familiar with STIs since ancient times. Previously, such diseases became the cause of death. Until the 90s of the last century, they were called venereal diseases. Currently, doctors have learned to successfully treat these ailments. Some infections can be transmitted in other ways: through blood or household contact. However, in 95% of cases, people become infected during unprotected sex.

What is the difference between the terms STI and STD?

The latter refers to sexually transmitted diseases. The main difference is in the condition of the patient. When a person has just become infected and does not have any symptoms, they speak of an STI. The use of the term STD is justified in the case of severe symptoms of the disease. In addition, some STIs are hidden and do not show any symptoms. A person learns that he is a carrier only by chance - during an examination.

Most pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases are not viable outside the human body. Therefore, the household route of infection is very rare and does not occur in all infections. The exceptions are syphilis, herpes, and scabies.

Infectious agents are able to attach to the mucous membranes of the genitals and oral cavity, penetrate them and multiply. This is how a focus of inflammation is formed. Then, with the lymph flow, viruses and bacteria spread throughout the body, affecting ever larger areas.

Many pathogens penetrate other organs, even the brain and spinal cord, causing irreparable harm to health. A person can become infected from a sick partner, regardless of whether he or she has pronounced symptoms of the disease.

STI symptoms

Sexually transmitted infections can cause obvious symptoms, but can also be hidden. Often the patient does not suspect that he is a carrier of an STI, thus serving as a source of infection.

Of course, for each disease there are specific signs, but most manifestations are similar.

Common signs of STIs:

• Burning, itching, swelling, redness of the external genitalia.
• Ulcers, erosions, spots, blisters in the groin and genitals.
• Discharge with an unpleasant odor, greenish color, cheesy or mucous consistency.
• Pain, burning sensation when urinating, frequent urge to go to the toilet.
• Discomfort, pain during sexual intercourse.
• Enlargement and tenderness of the inguinal lymph nodes.
• Temperature increase.

The following infections have a latent course:

• Ureaplasma.
• Mycoplasmosis.
• Human papillomavirus.
• Genital herpes.
• Cytomegalovirus.
• Candidiasis (in men).
• Syphilis.

Other diseases that have become chronic due to incorrect treatment can also occur latently.

List of hidden STI symptoms:

• Slight increase in discharge volume.
• Minor itching in the genital area.
• Discomfort when urinating, which goes away quickly.

Major STIs

There are a lot of sexually transmitted diseases. Some of them are rare and not common in Russia.

The 12 most commonly diagnosed STIs are:

• Syphilis.
• Gonorrhea.
• Trichomoniasis.
• Chlamydia.
• Mycoplasmosis.
• Gardnerellosis.
• Human papillomavirus.
• Genital herpes.
• Cytomegalovirus.
• Hepatitis.
• Candidiasis.

The list of infections, symptoms and pathogens of STIs is given in the table:

Complications

At first glance, STIs seem harmless, especially those that occur without obvious symptoms. However, these diseases have very serious consequences. They often cause infertility. Some are fatal without treatment (syphilis, HIV, hepatitis). Infectious agents penetrate other organs, disrupting their functioning.

The most common complications of diseases caused by STIs:

• Urethritis.
• Cystitis.
• Pyelonephritis.
• Prostatitis.
• Bartholinitis.
• Erectile dysfunction in men.
• Impotence.
• Menstrual cycle disorders in women.
• Vaginitis.
• Endometritis.
• Inflammation of the uterine appendages.
• Extensive erosion of the cervix.
• Scars, adhesions in the uterus, tubes.
• Infertility.
• Miscarriages, premature births, stillbirths.

Many diseases are transmitted to a newborn baby during passage through the birth canal. There is also a risk of intrauterine infection (with syphilis, hepatitis). In children, these diseases often lead to fatal complications.

Consequences of STIs for a child:

• Congenital syphilis.
• Neonatal herpes. Usually leads to death.
• Laryngeal papillomatosis (with HPV to the mother).
• Gonorrheal conjunctivitis, corneal damage, loss of vision.
• Chlamydial pneumonia.
• Neonatal death.

Diseases such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis are deadly for humans. With tertiary syphilis, damage to the nervous system and bones occurs, which leads to death. HIV attacks the human immune system, so any cold or scratch causes the death of the patient.

The oncogenic type of human papillomavirus provokes the development of cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men. The relationship between papillomavirus and breast cancer has also been proven.

At the fourth stage of hepatitis, the patient develops cirrhosis of the liver, which leads to death. The herpes virus cannot be cured, so a person remains a carrier of the infection for life.

Diagnostics

Testing for STIs includes the following diagnostic methods:

• Microscopic examination of a smear from the urethra and vagina. It can be simple and luminescent. The resulting sample is treated with special dyes or fluorochromes. Then the biomaterial is examined under a microscope.
• Cultural examination. The sample is placed in a special nutrient medium where viruses and bacteria actively multiply.
• Enzyme immunoassay blood test. Detects specific antigens to a specific pathogen. It is based on the fact that antibodies bind exclusively to their own antigens and not to any others. In this way, it is possible to determine the type of pathogen.
• Blood test for torch infections. It is mandatory for all pregnant women. The abbreviation torch is made up of the first letters of the English names of the following infections: toxoplasmosis, syphilis, hepatitis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes. These diseases have a negative impact on the fetus, causing abnormal intrauterine development. The woman's blood is taken and tested for antibodies to torque infections. The number of antibodies shows whether the woman is currently sick or has ever had these diseases. In the latter case there is no danger to the child. If the expectant mother becomes infected during pregnancy, she is offered to terminate the pregnancy.

The gold standard in diagnosis is the study of STIs using the PCR method. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a highly accurate research method that aims to increase the DNA fragment of certain cells.

DNA copying occurs only if it is present in a given sample. PCR for STIs is used for infections that occur latently. The advantages of this method include: speed, accuracy, information content.

The following diseases are studied using the PCR method:

• Chlamydia.
• Cytomegalovirus.
• Hepatitis.
• Ureaplasma.
• Gardnerellosis.

How are PCR results for STIs interpreted?

There can only be 2 options here: positive and negative. If the result is positive and there are no symptoms, then PCR is trusted, this means that the disease is latent or is at the preclinical stage. Also, specific tests are used to diagnose STIs, for example, the Wassermann reaction to diagnose syphilis. For hepatitis, liver tests are performed.

If there is a suspicion of a complication of an STD, then additional instrumental diagnostic methods are prescribed:

• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women, prostate gland in men.
• Blood test for tumor markers (in case of infection with human papillomavirus).
• Ultrasound of the liver to detect hepatitis.

Preparing for tests

In order to get the most reliable results, you need to prepare before taking a smear. Stop taking antibiotics, vaginal suppositories, and sprays within a week. Sexual contacts are excluded 3 days before the study. In women, a smear is taken after the end of menstruation. You should not urinate 3 hours before the test.

No specific preparation is required for analysis by PCR or ELISA.

Treatment

Treatment of STIs should be carried out by a venereologist and gynecologist. Self-medication is excluded, since a person only muffles acute manifestations, contributing to the transition of the disease to a chronic or latent form. In this case, there will be no external symptoms, but the infection will begin to spread throughout the body and affect organs and systems.

The principles of treatment for all STIs are the same:

Sometimes, as an additional measure, doctors prescribe baths or douching with decoctions of medicinal herbs. This will help relieve inflammation, swelling, eliminate itching, but will not have a toxic effect on the body, unlike medications.

It is necessary to treat not only the patient himself, but also his permanent partner, sometimes all family members, for example, with syphilis. In the case of syphilis and HIV, doctors try to find out all the patient’s recent contacts in order to examine those who may have become infected or determine the source of the infection.

Drugs

When choosing medications, the doctor uses an individual approach. He is guided by test data, the severity of symptoms, the patient’s health status, age, and the presence of concomitant diseases.

Antibacterial agents are used to treat STIs. For each pathogen, a different type of antibiotic is prescribed. For example, gonococci do not respond to penicillin antibiotics and are persistently resistant to them. Syphilis, on the contrary, is successfully treated with penicillin.

Medicines used in the treatment of STIs:

Treatment of HIV, hepatitis, herpes, and papilloma is particularly difficult. These diseases are incurable. With the help of special drugs, viruses are prevented from spreading and causing irreparable harm to health. But a person remains a carrier of this infection for the rest of his life and can infect his partner.

The spread of the virus can only be stopped with the help of very strong systemic antiviral drugs. They are called antiretroviral drugs. So, for the treatment of HIV-infected people, drugs such as Zidovudine, Stavudine, Nevirapine, Ritonavir are used.

Hepatitis is treated with Enterferon Alfa, Telbivudine, Tenofovir. Patients with human papillomavirus are prescribed immunostimulating agents: Cycloferon, Ingaron, Lavomax, vitamin-mineral complexes.

Prevention

Prevention of STIs is a task not only for the patient himself, but also for the state and society. Intentional transmission of an STI is subject to criminal penalties.

At the state level, preventive measures are as follows:

• Conducting educational work with young people on the prevention of diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, papilloma.
• Promotion of protected sexual acts.
• Vaccination of girls against HPV.
• Regular medical examinations of catering workers, medical and pedagogical institutions.
• Screening of all pregnant women for STIs and torque infections.
• Creation of anonymous rooms for STI testing.

Also, the prevention of these diseases is the task of each person personally. Of course, no one is immune from infection, but using barrier contraception and avoiding casual sex significantly reduces the risk of infection.

The high prevalence of STIs is a huge problem. According to WHO data, the number of cases of syphilis and gonorrhea has recently decreased. However, the number of cases of chlamydia and ureaplasmosis is rapidly growing. The situation with HIV remains alarming. It is possible to protect yourself from STIs by being selective in sexual intercourse and using personal protective equipment.

Sexually transmitted infections are a large group of diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact.

At the same time, you should know that the infection does not always penetrate the body in the absence of protective equipment, such as a condom; some sexually transmitted infections can penetrate through friction of the skin.

The average age is from 18 to 40 years. The manifestations of infections are completely different, depending on the type of pathogen.

Causes of sexually transmitted infections

Due to the rapid development of these pathological conditions, the number of pathogens is constantly growing.

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Currently, among the diseases that can lead to pathologies of the genital organs, several main groups can be distinguished:

Symptoms

General symptoms for sexually transmitted infections are an ambiguous concept. This is due to the fact that each disease has certain characteristics that are difficult to combine into a single group.

We can highlight:

Transmission routes

There are the following routes of infection:

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Types of infections

Bacterial infections

Syphilis

Syphilis- This is one of the most life-threatening infections for both women and men.

It is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

This is a fairly stable microorganism in the external environment that can be maintained for a long time.

This infection can enter the human body through several ways, the most common being sexual and household contact. Using a condom may not always protect a woman from contracting syphilis.

During the primary process, the pathogen is contained on the surface of the skin near the area where the infection and initial introduction of the bacterium occurred.

If a woman has used such an unconventional type of sex as oral contact with a man who has syphilis and has clinical manifestations of the genital organs, the disease will manifest itself on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity or in the lip area.

Stages of syphilis:

There is a possibility of transmission of syphilis from mother to fetus, which will lead to the child receiving a congenital form of syphilis with multiple defects in growth and development.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia– this is one of the most insidious diseases related to sexually transmitted infections. It is associated with chlamydia, intracellular microorganisms that can only live in the human body.

This infection is transmitted primarily through sexual intercourse; almost no domestic cases have been identified.

The pathogen attaches to the mucous membrane of the genital organs and penetrates the cell. Gradually it spreads to all internal genital organs. Both women and men can get sick equally. It is worth noting that the distribution of infections between the sexes is approximately equal.

The disease is insidious in that it is almost asymptomatic in men and women, so sexual partners may not see a specialist for a long time, and the sexually transmitted infection develops complications in the body.

Symptoms of chlamydia include:

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea– one of the most common diseases, which refers to pathologies of a bacterial nature.

The causative agent of this infection is a diplococcal microorganism of the same name.

Men and women can be affected equally, but among women there are significantly fewer cases of gonorrhea infection.

In many ways, doctors attribute this difference to one of the features in the structure of the genital organs, relative to each of the sexes.

Gonorrhea is transmitted through several routes:

• Sexual, which is one of the most basic and
• Contact and household. Less common, it is largely associated with infection of other family members who acquired gonorrhea through unprotected sexual intercourse.

The disease manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• Possible increase in body temperature to subfebrile or febrile levels.
• In women, purulent discharge begins to be detected from the genital organs, which is abundant at home. The color is yellow-green, the consistency is quite thick, the smell is unpleasant, reminiscent of purulent.
• The most dangerous manifestations of gonorrhea are pain in the lower abdomen associated with the spread of infection to the upper parts of the reproductive system. Severe inflammation appears in the uterus and appendages, as well as the fallopian tubes, accompanied by swelling and the development of adhesions.

In women, gonorrhea often causes infertility, which is expressed in the inability to become pregnant without visible clinical problems. In this case, the menstrual cycle does not suffer, just as there is no pathology on the part of the uterus.

Gonorrhea, as a sexually transmitted infection, requires immediate treatment, as there is a possibility of a generalized infection with the development of sepsis.

is a disease that belongs to the class of venereal, i.e. sexually transmitted.

The causative agent of the disease is a bacterium, which is a bacillus.

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This microorganism is resistant to environmental factors, in particular in cold areas, but in warm climates the cocobacilli die very quickly.

The main factor in transmission of infection is sexual contact. Through microtraumas received even during normal sexual intercourse, the pathogen penetrates into the internal environment.

The disease appears within a few days after infection:

• It begins with the development of painful ulcerative defects, which are characterized by purulent inflammation. The formation can be quite deep, and in some cases extends to the muscle layer.
• A yellow layer of fibrin appears in the bottom area, which subsequently suppurates.
• Painful redness and slight swelling appear near the formation.
• The woman is worried not only about severe pain, but also about the appearance of bleeding.

After the moment of healing, a dense scar is formed. These chancroids can be located on any part of the genital tract, most often on the labia, skin of the thighs, etc.

This is one of the sexually transmitted diseases that can appear on the genitals.

This infection is caused by a sexually transmitted gram-negative bacterium, which is located inside cells in the body.

This infection is most widespread in hot countries with low living standards.

A symptom of this sexually transmitted disease is the appearance of formations in the area of ​​the external genitalia, which looks like an ulcer.

It is characterized by a violation of the integrity of the skin, which is quite large in size. But at the same time, the distinguishing feature of inguinal granuloma from chancroid will be the absence of any clinical symptoms, there is no pain syndrome, as well as involvement of the lymphatic system.

This type of defect can bleed easily and have the appearance of fresh meat, reminiscent of beef. Very often, other infectious agents are associated with inguinal granuloma.

Viral infections

Condylomas with HPV

Currently, the problem of the appearance of condylomatous eruptions plays a large role in gynecological pathology.

This is largely due to the widespread prevalence of the virus that causes this disease.

INThe causative agent that promotes the development of condylomas is the human papillomavirus.

It has a very small size and is highly resistant in the environment and has a high degree of pathogenicity.

It is transmitted in different ways, but for genital warts it is predominantly sexual; there is a small chance that it can be through household contact. The latter is associated with the use of hygiene items such as underwear, razors, washcloths, etc.

There is an assumption that this infection can be transmitted sexually through the pores of the condom, i.e. Presumably protected sexual intercourse may not completely protect against papilloma.

The duration of the incubation period can be completely different. In a normal state of immunity, it can last up to several years, and if it decreases, the first manifestations can be noticeable within a few days.

Pathology manifests itself in two different forms:

In most cases, infection caused by papilloma when transmitted through sexual intercourse is asymptomatic.

Only genital warts can cause discomfort during life, the integrity is disrupted and bleeding appears. Condylomas located in the area of ​​the external genitalia can lead to disruption of the act of defecation or urination.

Regardless of the clinical manifestations, the condition requires mandatory treatment, since an infection associated with the human papillomavirus can be quickly transmitted through sexual intercourse, and also lead to such serious consequences as cervical malignancy.

Genital herpes

This is another infection that can affect the genitals.

Genital herpes occurs equally in both men and women.

Moreover, the age period is the time of greatest sexual activity, on average it is 20-35 years.

The causative agent is a viral microorganism that belongs to the herpes simplex virus.

Currently, there are several varieties of the virus, one of which can only affect the genital area; other parts of the body are rarely affected.

There are several methods of transmission:

• The main one is sexual. It occurs due to close contact of the mucous membranes, as well as the presence of microtraumas on it.
• Another method is also possible, the most dangerous of which is the path from mother to fetus, as well as to the born child, at the moment of birth.

Symptoms of this pathology are:

• The appearance of formations resembling translucent bubbles, which are filled with transparent or yellowish content.
• If the vesicle is damaged, severe pain occurs. In some cases, other types of infection are associated with damaged skin, which is accompanied by suppuration of the lesions.

In women, the herpes simplex virus can affect almost the entire lower genital tract. Mainly this is the vagina, labia, as well as the skin in the groin.

HIV infection

HIV infection is a disease that is currently very common and the number of cases is constantly growing.

The disease is caused by a virus that is small in size and can persist in the environment for a long time.

The average age of people infected with this disease can be completely different.

Currently, the main method of transmission of infection is sexual, but about twenty years ago injection, contact or household routes were possible.

This is due to the fact that viral particles are found in biological fluids, such as blood or vaginal secretions. The virus content in urine or saliva is very minimal. Therefore, a sufficient number of viral particles is necessary for infection.

Most often, infection occurs in women, this is due to the fact that during the sexual tract the infection enters the woman’s body through microtraumas that normally form in the vagina.

There can be quite a lot of symptoms, but they are not specific. They begin to appear as the infection progresses, as the virus suppresses the immune system.

In the later stages of a generalized infection, diseases that are not sexually transmitted are added. This is, for example, tuberculosis, liver cirrhosis, etc.

Hepatitis B

This is a disease that belongs to hepatotoxic viruses.In the environment, this virus, which contains DNA, can persist for a long time.

If the virus is in the blood, it can persist there for several decades.

The virus remains in the environment for months when it is contained in the blood on clothing or household items.The infection can be destroyed quite easily by exposure to any disinfectant containing chlorine.

This infection can be transmitted through sexual contact, injection and household contact, etc.The infection penetrates through the genital tract quite quickly.

Symptoms:

The course of viral hepatitis can be complicated by the development of a coma, as well as damage to the nervous system.

Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus- This is another sexually transmitted disease. It belongs to the viral group, since the causative agent is a viral particle related to the herpes virus. It is small in size, but has become widespread.

The incidence rate by the age of 35 can reach more than half of the examined population. Often the process of transmission and infection can be completely asymptomatic, this is due to the slow growth of the virus in the body. That is why the detection of cytomegalovirus can be completely random.

In women, the presence of this infection is dangerous because it mainly affects reproductive function. A woman may complain of infertility, as well as the development of recurrent miscarriage. The frequency of miscarriages or missed pregnancies is very high. It is also possible for children to develop defects, since viral particles are able to penetrate the placenta.

The high frequency of sick people is explained by the fact that the virus can be transmitted not only sexually, but is often transmitted through household contact, airborne droplets and other methods.

Kaposi's sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma- This is the most unknown disease at present.

This is due to the fact that scientists still cannot figure out the possible cause and mode of transmission of the infection.

It can also be classified as a sexually transmitted infection, since viral particles circulate in all biological fluids.

The danger of such a disease is due to the fact that an infection penetrating into the body can damage all parts of the immune system and provoke the development of cancer cells.

Manifestations will depend on the time of infection of a person with this pathology.

First, the woman notices the appearance of formations on the surface of the body, which have a dark red color and a lumpy surface; later they begin to ulcerate and become painful.

The duration of the process may vary, but ultimately it leads first to gangrene of the extremities, and subsequently to death due to the addition of other infections.

is one of the diseases that is caused by a virus that is part of the smallpox group.

Despite the fact that this infection is not a sexually transmitted infection, it is a group of sexually transmitted infections.

The route of transmission can be either sexual or contact after prolonged contact with the skin of the affected person.

When affected by molluscum contagiosum, the infection manifests itself as formations on the surface of the skin, which are not accompanied by any other manifestations.

If the formation is damaged, the released mass contains a large number of pathogens, so if the surface is not treated in time, the infection will progress.

Protozoal infections

Trichomoniasis

This disease is a sexually transmitted infection. The causative agent of this pathology is Trichomonas, a microorganism that currently belongs to the class of protozoa.

This bacterium has a flagellum, due to which it can move quite easily; its shape can be different, from round to oval. Trichomonas can penetrate the body due to the enzymes they produce, these are hyaluronidase and other proteolytic substances that break down cell walls.

They can enter the body only through sexual intercourse, since they cannot exist in the environment for a long time and quickly die.

There is a possibility that children can get trichomoniasis through the placental transition, as well as from mother to child.

The main symptoms of trichomoniasis are:

They pose a great danger due to the possible development of adhesions, as well as subsequent infertility.

Fungal infection

Candidiasis

Currently, it can be classified as a disease caused by opportunistic flora and a sexually transmitted infection.

Normally, in the vagina of a healthy woman, a small amount of fungi of the genus Candida is allowed, but the amount is so small that they are not detected in smears to determine the inflammatory process.

While with a decrease in immune strength, after contact with a partner who has a pronounced clinical picture of thrush, the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus, as well as many other factors, a clinical picture of the disease appears.This infection is most often transmitted through the salt route.

Symptoms appear quite quickly; after 2-3 days, a woman may present active complaints, including:

• Deterioration in general health.
• The appearance of copious discharge from the genital tract. The discharge is thick in nature, reminiscent of drunkenness or fragments of cottage cheese, which is why they can also be called curdled, and the disease itself is thrush. They have a specific smell, some compare it to sour.
• WITH severe itching in the external genital area. The discharge has a strong irritating effect on the skin, causing the woman to experience severe itching. In some cases, it leads to maceration of the skin.

Infection can occur in several ways, including household contact, the most common, and transmissible or sexual transmission. In this case, the infection can enter through sexual contact if it is localized on the surface of the skin in the area of ​​the external genitalia.

When the pathogen gets on the skin, it begins to penetrate the layers of the epidermis, destroying it and building passages for itself where it lays eggs. The duration of existence in the human body can be long.

Symptoms:

Ftiriaz

Ftiriaz– this is a currently not so common pathology, known to everyone, this infection is caused by sexually transmitted insects – pubic louse.

The peak incidence of phthiriasis occurred in the 90s of the 20th century.

This pathogen is quite unpretentious to living conditions, but cannot live for a long time without food, so outside the human body it can quickly die.

The infection is transmitted mainly sexually, due to friction of the skin of partners.

As a result, lice simply fall off one organism and remain on another. There is a possibility of contact-household infection, this could be the use of shared towels, clothes, etc. from a sick person.

The pathogen can be located either on the surface of the body, attaching to the hair, or embedded in the skin. Small brown balls can be seen on the body of the infected person. The pathogen is clearly visible only at high magnification.

The main symptom of this sexually transmitted infection is itching in the affected area. It becomes pronounced and appears at different times of the day. The patient is forced to comb the skin, which contributes to the progression of the disease, as more nutrients - blood - appear for the lice.

It should be noted that this sexually transmitted infection can be localized not only in the pubic area, but also in the armpits, and in rare cases, on the scalp.

All this leads to the formation of crusts, which are subsequently difficult to separate, as well as the addition of a secondary, often bacterial, infection. In this case, suppuration of the elements will be detected.

Diagnostics

Detecting a sexually transmitted infection is quite simple in modern medicine.You can check the presence of the pathogen in the body in various institutions.

Private laboratory centers are very popular, they have a confidentiality policy, but at the same time they can carry out diagnostics in a very short time, and the number of reagents allows them to identify a large number of pathogens.

There are many different ways to determine a pathological condition:

When is it necessary to get tested for STIs?

Situations in which you need to be tested for infections:

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Treatment

Currently, there is a concept of prescribing medications, taking into account the determination of sensitivity to the pathogen. The selection of drugs should begin as early as possible, the success and further condition of the body will depend on this.

Treatment of bacterial infections

Treatment of such diseases that are caused by bacteria begins with antibacterial agents. There may be several of them; it is better to select them in combination.

In case of severe intoxication, agents can be used to relieve itching, burning, and remove toxins.

Treatment of viral infections

Viral infections are treated by prescribing antiviral drugs, as well as immunomodulators and immunostimulants. NSAIDs can be used to relieve pain and irritation. Antihistamines are used to reduce tooth size.

Treatment of infection caused by human papillomavirus

Treatment of candidiasis

Treatment of phthiriasis and scabies

Based primarily on the use of local remedies. They can be used in the form of ointments, shampoos, sprays, etc.

These drugs are aimed at destroying the causative agent of this sexually transmitted infection. Some of them are capable of destroying the pathogen in a short period of time.

The only difficulty is the treatment of pregnant women: for whom the drugs currently being tried can be toxic. That is why the only means of eliminating the infection for them is the use of sulfur ointment.

Sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy

Sexually transmitted infections pose a greater danger to pregnant women.

This is largely due to the fact that at this time the body is most vulnerable to various factors, including infectious ones.

Pregnancy can be complicated in women infected with sexually transmitted infections, this is associated with the development of isthmic-cervical insufficiency, as well as inflammation of the placenta.

In case of severe inflammatory process associated with a sexually transmitted infection, interruption is possible at various times.

Some pathogens can penetrate the fetus and lead to developmental defects. Sometimes the fetus may simply not be viable or have multiple developmental defects leading to disability.

With a long-term infection caused by a sexually transmitted pathogen, infertility or recurrent miscarriage may develop.

Sexually transmitted infections in adolescents

This is the most pressing issue at present, due to the fact that the public is associated with the insufficient level of development of adolescents in sexual terms.

It is in this age group that this type of infection may occur frequently due to the lack of preventive measures and non-use of a condom as a method of contraception.

In addition, there is fear when symptoms appear, going to the doctor and how parents will react to what happened. That is why the likelihood of complications developing is high.

In adolescents, the possibility of infection increases due to unstable hormonal levels and a natural decrease in immune strength.

Complications and consequences

Almost every sexually transmitted infection does not go away without a trace, which is why it is so important to start treatment as early as possible in order to avoid the development of complications.

Among them the most important are:

• Attachment of a secondary infection.
• The development of an ascending infection with a transition not only to the upper genital tract, but also to the abdominal cavity and neighboring organs.
• The appearance of adhesions, which can lead to infertility and disruption of the functioning of neighboring organs.
• The most dangerous consequences are the development of infertility, which can sometimes be difficult to eliminate, as well as a septic condition, which can lead to a threat to a woman’s life.

Prevention

Measures to protect against sexually transmitted infections will consist, first of all, in preventing possible infection:

Based on the possible consequences and complications, it should be concluded that such diseases require mandatory treatment and methods of prevention.

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Classification

Signs and symptoms

Not all STIs are symptomatic, and symptoms may not appear immediately after infection. In some cases, the disease may occur without any symptoms, which poses a greater risk of transmitting the disease to others. Depending on the disease, some untreated STIs can lead to infertility, chronic pain, or even death. The presence of an STI in prepubertal children may indicate sexual abuse.

Cause

Broadcast

Risk of having unprotected sex with an infected person

Oral sex with a man (performing): chlamydia in the throat, gonorrhea of ​​the throat (25-30%), herpes (rare), HPV, syphilis (1%). Possible: hepatitis B (low risk), HIV (0.01%), hepatitis C (unknown)

Oral sex with a woman (performing): herpes, HPV. Possible: gonorrhea of ​​the throat, chlamydia of the throat.

Oral sex, male recipient: chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis (1%). Possibly HPV

Oral sex, female recipient: herpes. Possibly HPV, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea

Vaginal sex, man: chlamydia (30-50%), pubic louse, scabies, gonorrhea (22%), hepatitis B, herpes (0.07% for HSV-2), HIV (0.05%), HPV (high : about 40-50%), Mycoplasma Hominis infection, syphilis, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, possible hepatitis C

Vaginal sex woman: chlamydia (30-50%), pubic louse, scabies, gonorrhea (47%), hepatitis B (50-70%), herpes, HIV (0.1%), HPV (high; about 40- 50%), Mycoplasma Hominis infection, syphilis, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, possible hepatitis C

Anal sex - active partner: chlamydia, pubic louse, scabies (40%), gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV (0.62%), HPV, syphilis (14%), hepatitis C

Anal sex - passive partner: chlamydia, pubic louse, scabies, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV (1.7%), HPV, syphilis (1.4%), possibly hepatitis C

Anilingus: amoebiasis, cryptosporidiosis (1%), giardiasis, hepatitis A (1%), shigellosis (1%), possibly HPV (1%)

Bacterial infections

Fungal infections

Viral infections

Viral hepatitis (hepatitis B virus) – saliva, sexually transmitted fluids. (note: hepatitis A and hepatitis E are transmitted by the fecal-oral route, hepatitis C is rarely transmitted sexually, and the mode of transmission of hepatitis D (only if the person is infected with hepatitis B) is uncertain, but may include sexual transmission).

Herpes simplex virus (HSV 1, 2) of the skin and mucous membranes, transmitted with or without visible blisters

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) – genital fluids, semen, breast milk, blood

HPV (human papillomavirus) – skin and mucous membranes. “High-risk” types of HPV cause almost all types of cervical cancer, as well as some types of cancer of the anus, penis, and vulva. Some other types of HPV cause genital warts.

Molluscum contagiosum - close contact

• Pubic louse (Pthirus pubis)

  Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei)

Protozoal infections

Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis)

Main types

Sexually transmitted infections include:

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. In women, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal discharge, burning during urination, and bleeding between menstrual cycles, although most women do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms in men include pain when urinating as well as abnormal discharge from the penis. If left untreated in both men and women, chlamydia can lead to urinary tract infection and can potentially lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause serious problems during pregnancy and even has the potential to cause infertility. This can lead to a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy in a woman, and the birth of a baby outside the uterus. However, chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.

The two most common forms of herpes are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 is usually transmitted orally and causes herpes, HSV-2 is usually transmitted through sexual contact and affects the genitals, but either strain can affect any part of the body. Some people show no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. People who have symptoms typically notice them 2 to 20 days after exposure, which lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms may include the formation of small fluid-filled blisters, headaches, back pain, itching or tingling in the genital or anal area, pain while urinating, flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, or fever. Herpes spreads through skin contact with a person infected with the virus. The virus affects the areas where it enters the body. Infection can occur through kissing, vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex. The virus is most contagious when there are visible symptoms, but asymptomatic people can also transmit the virus through skin contact. The initial attack of the disease is the most severe because the body does not have any antibodies against it. After the initial attack, repeated attacks are possible, which are weaker. There is no cure for the disease, but there are antiviral medications that treat symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission (Valtrex). Although HSV-1 is typically the "oral" version of the virus and HSV-2 is typically the "genital" version, a person with oral HSV-1 can transmit the virus to their partner genitally. Any type of virus will settle in a nerve bundle either at the top of the spine, producing an "oral" outbreak, or in a second nerve bundle at the base of the spine, producing a genital outbreak.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in the United States. There are more than 40 different types of HPV, and many of them do not cause any health problems. In 90% of cases, the body's immune system eliminates the infection naturally within 2 years. In some cases, the infection cannot be cleared and can lead to genital warts (blisters around the genitals that can be small or large, raised or flat, or cauliflower-shaped) or cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Symptoms may not appear until the cancer is in an advanced stage. It is important for women to have pap smears to test and treat cancer. There are also two vaccines available for women (Cervarix and Gardasil) that protect against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. HPV can be transmitted through genital contact and also during oral sex. It is important to remember that the infected partner may not have any symptoms.

Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium that lives in the moist mucous membranes of the urethra, vagina, rectum, mouth, throat and eyes. The infection can spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth or anus. Symptoms of gonorrhea usually appear 2-5 days after exposure to an infected partner, but some men may not experience symptoms for up to one month. Symptoms in men include burning and pain during urination, increased frequency of urination, penile discharge (white, green, or yellow), red or swollen urethra, swollen or tender testicles, or sore throat. Symptoms in women may include vaginal discharge, burning or itching during urination, pain during intercourse, severe pain in the lower abdomen (if the infection has spread to the fallopian tubes), or fever (if the infection has spread to the fallopian tubes), but many women have no symptoms. There are some strains of antibiotics that are resistant to gonorrhea, but most cases can be cured with antibiotics.

Syphilis is an STI that is caused by a bacteria. If left untreated, it can lead to complications and death. Clinical manifestations of syphilis include ulceration of the genitourinary tract, mouth, or rectum. Without treatment, symptoms worsen. In recent years, the prevalence of syphilis has decreased in Western Europe, but has increased in Eastern Europe (countries of the former Soviet Union). A high incidence of syphilis occurs in Cameroon, Cambodia, and Papua New Guinea. Syphilis is also spreading in the United States.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) damages the body's immune system, which negatively affects its ability to fight disease-causing organisms. The virus kills CD4 cells, which are white blood cells that help fight various infections. HIV is carried in body fluids and is also spread through sexual activity. It can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated blood, through breastfeeding, during childbirth, and from mother to child during pregnancy. The most advanced stage of HIV is called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There are different stages of HIV infection. The stages include primary infection, asymptomatic infection, symptomatic infection, and AIDS. During the primary infection stage, a person exhibits flu-like symptoms (headache, fatigue, fever, muscle pain) for about 2 weeks. During the asymptomatic stage, symptoms usually disappear and the patient may remain asymptomatic for many years. As HIV progresses to the symptomatic stage, the immune system is weakened and low CD4+ T cell counts are observed. When HIV infection becomes life-threatening, it is called AIDS. People with AIDS become victims of opportunistic infections and die. When the disease was first discovered in the 1980s, people with AIDS did not live more than a few years. There are currently antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) available to treat HIV infection. There is no known cure for HIV or AIDS, but medications help suppress the virus. By suppressing the amount of virus in the body, people can live longer and healthier lives. Even though their virus levels may be low, they can still transmit the virus to others.

Diseases that cannot be screened

There are many species of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses, many of which remain undocumented or poorly understood regarding sexual transmission. Sexually transmitted germs are far from limited to the list above. Because sexual transmission is not thought to be common and/or the microbe itself is not part of a major study on the disease, the following pathogens are simply not eligible for screening in sexual health clinics. Some of these germs can be transmitted sexually. Sexually transmitted germs (but not usually considered STDs/STIs) include:

Pathophysiology

Many STIs are (more easily) transmitted through the mucous membranes of the penis, vulva, rectum, urinary tract, and (less commonly, depending on the type of infection) the mouth, throat, respiratory tract, and eyes. The visible membrane covering the head of the penis is the mucous membrane, however, it does not produce mucus (like the lips). Mucosal membranes differ from the skin in that they allow certain pathogens to enter the body. The number of exposures to infectious sources that cause infection varies among pathogens, but in all cases, disease can result from even light mucosal contact with host fluids, such as venereal fluids. This is one reason that many infections are much more likely to be transmitted through sex than through more casual means of transmission such as non-sexual contact - skin contact, hugging, shaking hands - but it is not the only reason. Although the mucous membranes in the mouth are similar to those in the genitals, many STIs are more easily transmitted through oral sex than through deep kissing. Many infections that are easily transmitted from mouth to genitals or from genitals to mouth are much more difficult to transmit from mouth to mouth. In the case of HIV, sexual fluids contain much more of the pathogen than saliva. Some infections considered STIs can be transmitted through direct skin contact. Examples are herpes simplex virus and HPV. Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus, on the other hand, can be transmitted through deep kissing and when saliva is used as a sexual lubricant. Depending on the STI, a person may still be able to spread the infection even if they show no signs of the disease. For example, a person is much more likely to spread a herpes infection when blisters are present than when they are absent. However, a person can spread HIV infection at any time, even if he/she does not have AIDS symptoms. All types of sexual activity that involve contact with another person's body fluids should be considered to have some risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases. The focus has been on fighting HIV, which causes AIDS, but each STD presents a different situation. As the name suggests, sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted from one person to another through certain sexual activities, rather than being caused by those sexual activities themselves. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa or viruses are the causative agents of these diseases. It is impossible to “catch” any of the sexually transmitted diseases through sexual activity with a person who does not have the disease; conversely, a person who has an STI got it from contact (sexual or otherwise) with a person whose bodily fluids contained the disease-causing agent. Some STIs, such as HIV, can be passed from mother to child or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Although the likelihood of transmission of various diseases through different sexual activities varies greatly, in general, all sexual activities between two (or more) people should be considered a two-way route for the transmission of STIs, that is, both “transmitting” and “receiving” are risky , although the receiving party bears a higher risk. Doctors suggest that safe sex, such as using condoms, is the most reliable way to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases during sexual activity, but safe sex should in no way be considered an absolute guarantee of protection. Transfer and exposure to bodily fluids, such as through transfusions of blood and other blood products, sharing of injection needles, needlestick injuries (when medical personnel carelessly use needles during medical procedures), sharing of tattoo needles, and childbirth are other ways transfers. Certain groups of the population, such as health care workers, people with hemophilia, and drug users, are at particularly high risk. Recent epidemiological studies have examined networks, specific sexual relationships between people, and have found that the properties of sexual networks are critical to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. In particular, assortative mixing among individuals with a large number of sexual partners is an important factor. You can be an asymptomatic carrier of sexually transmitted diseases. In particular, sexually transmitted diseases in women often cause serious pelvic inflammatory disease.

Prevention

Prevention is key for incurable STIs such as HIV and herpes. Sexual health clinics promote condom use and reach the most vulnerable in society. The most effective way to prevent sexual transmission of STIs is to avoid contact of body parts or fluids that could lead to transmission with an infected partner. Not all sexual activities involve contact: cybersex, phone sex, or long-distance masturbation are ways to avoid contact. Proper use of condoms reduces the risk of transmitting STDs. Although a condom is an effective means of limiting exposure, disease transmission can occur even when a condom is used. Both partners should be tested for STIs before engaging in sexual contact, or before resuming contact if the partner is involved in contact with someone else. Many infections are not detected immediately after exposure, so sufficient time must pass between possible exposure and testing. Some STIs, particularly some persistent viruses such as HPV, may not be detectable using available medical procedures. Many diseases that involve the development of persistent infections can become so occupied by the immune system that other diseases can be more easily transmitted. The innate immune system, led by anti-HIV defensins, can prevent HIV transmission when the viral load is very low, but if the immune system is occupied or overwhelmed by other viruses, HIV can gain a foothold. Some viral STIs also significantly increase the risk of death in HIV-infected patients. Strategies to increase HIV and STI testing have been successful. Some facilities use at-home testing kits where the person is asked to return the test for later diagnosis. Other institutions strongly recommend that previously infected patients be retested to ensure that the infection has been completely eliminated. New strategies to encourage retesting include using text messages and email as reminders. These types of reminders are now used in addition to phone calls and letters.

Vaccines

There are vaccines that protect against some viral STIs, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and some types of HPV. Vaccination before sexual intercourse is recommended to provide maximum protection. The development of vaccines to protect against gonorrhea continues.

Condoms

Condoms and female condoms only provide protection when used correctly as a barrier, and only in the area they cover. Uncovered areas remain susceptible to many STIs. In the case of HIV, sexual transmission almost always involves the penis, since HIV cannot spread through intact skin; thus, proper protection of the penis, proper use of a condom during vaginal or anal sex effectively stops the transmission of HIV. Contact with infected fluid on broken skin is associated with direct transmission of HIV infection, which would not be considered a "sexually transmitted infection" but could still theoretically occur during sexual contact. This can be avoided by simply not engaging in sexual intercourse when there is an open, bleeding wound. Other STIs, even viral infections, can be prevented by using latex, polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms as a barrier. Some microorganisms and viruses are small enough to pass through the pores of natural skin condoms, but are still too large to pass through latex or synthetic condoms.

Correct use of male condoms:

Do not put the condom on too tightly, leaving a 1.5 cm tip for ejaculation. Avoid inverting or spilling liquid from a used condom, whether it contains ejaculate or not.

If the user tries to roll out a condom but realizes that they have used it on the wrong side, then the condom should be thrown away.

Be careful with the condom if you use it with long nails.

Avoid using oil-based lubricants with latex condoms, as the oil may cause holes in them.

Use flavored condoms only for oral sex, as the sugar in the flavoring can lead to yeast infections if used for vaginal/anal sex.

To best protect yourself and your partner from STIs, an old condom and its contents should be considered contagious. Therefore, the old condom must be disposed of properly. A new condom should be used for each sexual act, as repeated use increases the likelihood of the condom breaking.

Nonoxynol-9

Researchers hoped that nonoxynol-9, a vaginal microbicide, would help reduce the risk of STIs. Trials, however, have shown that this remedy is ineffective and may be associated with a higher risk of HIV infection in women.

Survey

Sexually active women under 25 years of age and at risk over 25 years of age should be screened annually for chlamydia and gonorrhea. After treatment for gonorrhea, all patients should be retested for the disease after three months. Nucleic acid amplification tests are the recommended method for diagnosing gonorrhea and chlamydia. These tests can be done using urine in men and women, smears from the vagina and cervix in women, or urethral swabs in men.

Diagnostics

Testing may be for a single infection, or it may consist of multiple tests for a range of STIs, including tests for syphilis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, hepatitis and HIV. There is no procedure for testing for all existing infections. STI tests can be used for a number of reasons:

as a diagnostic test to determine the cause of symptoms or disease

as a screening test to detect asymptomatic or presymptomatic infection

to check the health of potential sexual partners if unprotected sex is planned (for example, at the beginning of a long-term mutually monogamous sexual relationship, with the consent of both partners to practice unprotected sex, or for procreation).

as a check before or during pregnancy to prevent harm to the baby

as a test after birth to check that the baby has not contracted an STI from the mother

to prevent the use of contaminated donated blood or organs

to trace sexual contacts of an infected individual

as part of mass epidemiological control

Early detection and treatment is associated with reduced chances for the disease to spread, as well as improved treatment outcomes for some diseases. There is often a window period after infection during which an STI test will be negative. During this period, the infection may be transmissible. The length of this period varies depending on the infection and the test. Diagnosis may also be delayed due to the infected person's reluctance to seek medical attention. One report indicates that people turn to the Internet rather than health professionals for information about STIs more than for other sexual problems.

Treatment

In cases of high risk of infection, such as rape, combinations of antibiotics such as azithromycin, cefixime and metronidazole can be used. An option for treating partners of patients (disease carriers) diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea is partner therapy, in which the doctor gives a prescription or medications to the patient and their partner at the same time, without the need for additional testing of the partner.

Epidemiology

STD incidence rates remain high in most countries of the world, despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances that can quickly make many patients with sexually transmitted diseases non-infectious and allow most diseases to be quickly cured. In many cultures, changing sexual morals and the use of oral contraceptives have removed traditional sexual restrictions, especially for women, and both doctors and patients have difficulty talking openly and frankly about sexual problems. In addition, the development and spread of resistant bacteria (such as penicillin-resistant gonococci) makes it difficult to treat some STDs. The effect of travel is most clearly illustrated by the rapid spread of the AIDS virus (HIV-1) from Africa to Europe and the Americas in the late 1970s. The most common STIs among sexually active adolescent girls with and without lower genital tract symptoms include chlamydia (10-25%), gonorrhea (3-18%), syphilis (0-3%), and trichomonas (8-16%). ), and herpes simplex virus (2-12%). Among adolescent boys without urethritis symptoms, incidence rates include chlamydia (9-11%) and gonorrhea (2-3%). A 2008 CDC study found that 25-40% of American teenage girls have sexually transmitted diseases. AIDS is one of the leading causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV/AIDS is transmitted primarily through unprotected sex. More than 1.1 million people in the United States have HIV/AIDS. and these diseases disproportionately affect African Americans. Hepatitis B is also considered an STD because it can be spread through sexual contact. Rates are highest in Asia and Africa, with lower rates in the Americas and Europe. Approximately two billion people worldwide have been infected with the hepatitis virus.

Story

The first well-documented outbreak of syphilis in Europe occurred in 1494. The disease broke out among French troops besieging Naples during the Italian War of 1494-98. The cause of the disease could be the exchange that followed Columbus's discoveries. From Naples, the disease spread throughout Europe, killing more than five million people. Jared Diamond says, "When syphilis was first definitely documented in Europe in 1495, sufferers often developed pustules that covered the body from head to knees, causing people's facial skin to peel off and leading to death within a few months." The disease was much more fatal then than it is today. Diamond concludes, "By 1546, the disease had developed into a disease with symptoms so well known to us today." Gonorrhea has been documented since at least 700 years ago and is associated with an arrondissement in Paris formerly known as "Le Clapiers". It was a place where prostitutes gathered. Before the invention of modern drugs, sexually transmitted diseases were generally incurable, and treatment was limited to treating the symptoms of the disease. The first charitable hospital for the treatment of venereal diseases was founded in 1746 at London's Lock Hospital. Treatment was not always voluntary: in the second half of the 19th century, the Contagious Diseases Acts were used to arrest suspected prostitutes. In 1924, a number of states negotiated the Brussels Agreement, in which states agreed to provide free or low-cost medical care in ports for merchant seamen with venereal diseases. The first effective treatment for sexually transmitted diseases was salvarsan, a drug used to treat syphilis. With the discovery of antibiotics, a large number of sexually transmitted diseases became easily curable, and this, coupled with effective public health campaigns against STDs, led to society no longer viewing these diseases as serious health hazard. During this period, the importance of contact tracing in the treatment of STIs was recognized. Tracing the sexual partners of infected individuals, testing them for infection, treating those infected, and tracing their contacts has allowed clinics to effectively suppress infections in the general population. In the 1980s, the idea arose in the public consciousness that there were sexually transmitted diseases that could not be cured by modern medicine, the first of which was genital herpes, and the second was AIDS. AIDS in particular has a long asymptomatic period during which HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS) can replicate and the disease can be transmitted to others, followed by a symptomatic period that quickly becomes fatal if the disease is left untreated . HIV/AIDS entered the United States from Haiti around 1969. Gavin L, Moskosky S, Carter M, Curtis K, Glass E, Godfrey E, Marcell A, Mautone-Smith N, Pazol K, Tepper N, Zapata L (Apr 25, 2014). Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC. "Providing Quality Family Planning Services: Recommendations of the CDC and the U.S. Office of Population Affairs". MMWR. Recommendations and reports: Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports / Centers for Disease Control. 63(RR-04): 1–54. PMID 24759690

Quilliam Susan (2011). "The Cringe Report" J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. 37 (2): 110–112.

Expedited Partner Therapy in the Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (2 February 2006) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention

“CDC study says at least 1 in 4 teen girls have a sexually transmitted disease; HPV most common." The Oklahoman. March 11, 2008.

Diamond, Jared (1997). Guns, Germs and Steel. New York: W.W. Norton. p. 210. ISBN 84-8306-667-X.

Gilbert MT, Rambaut A, Wlasiuk G, Spira TJ, Pitchenik AE, Worobey M (November 2007). "The emergence of HIV/AIDS in the Americas and beyond." Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 104(47):18566–70. doi:10.1073/pnas.0705329104. PMC 2141817free to read. PMID 17978186. Retrieved March 20, 2010.

STI is an acronym that stands for "sexually transmitted infections." The development of these infections does not depend on the type of contact they received: vaginal, anal or oral. More recently, such diseases were usually called sexually transmitted diseases; now they are more often called STIs, but what is important is not their name, but the fact that they can be transmitted by a person who does not even suspect that he is sick. There are a number of infections that can be transmitted during injections (or through careless needle sticks), when a needle is shared, or when breastfeeding a child.

Show all

Difference from STDs

In the 1990s, these diseases were classified as sexually transmitted diseases. Currently 2 terms are used:

1. 1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
2. 2. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

If the term “infection” is used, this means that a person is affected by one or another virus, microbe or bacterium that is in his body, but there are no external signs and symptoms of the disease yet, although viruses are already infecting the body.

If the term "disease" is used, then not only is the virus, microbe or bacterium present and damaging the body, but there are also obvious signs and symptoms of the disease.

If a person is sick, he begins to notice deviations from the norm and feels unwell. The term “sexually transmitted infection” is considered broader and covers not only those who are clearly sick and who have all the manifestations of the disease, but also those who are its carrier, but for whom it has not yet manifested itself.

Often patients do not even suspect that they are infected with STIs and continue to infect other people with them, so the term STD is used much less frequently than the term STI, which is more true.

Another feature of the term STD is that it can be used depending on the factors and means of transmission of the disease. For example, a disease such as meningitis can be transmitted through sexual contact, but it is not an STI because transmission during sexual intercourse is not the primary cause of contracting the disease.

There are a number of other infections that can be sexually transmitted, but this method is not the preferred one. STIs include those diseases that are mainly transmitted during sexual intercourse. If a person is sick with chlamydia or gonorrhea, then he could only get such diseases through sexual contact. But there are a number of pathologies that, in addition to sexual transmission, can be transmitted in other ways, the list of them is considerable. For example, AIDS can be transmitted both through sexual contact and through blood, and SARS can be transmitted when a sick person sneezes or coughs.



Generally accepted classification

There are a large number of infections that can be transmitted during sexual contact, so there are certain qualifications for them, namely:

Bacterial infections include:

• bacterial vaginosis, which, although not an STI, is transmitted during sexual intercourse;
• lymphogranuloma venereum;
• staphylococcal infection;
• chancroid;
• nongonorrheal urethritis;
• syphilis;
• gonorrhea;
• donovanosis.



Diseases caused by fungi are:

• yeast infection;
• shingles.

The list of viral diseases is as follows:

• adenoviruses, they can be present in respiratory and fecal fluids;
• viral hepatitis: hepatitis B is transmitted both through sexual secretions and through saliva, hepatitis A, E can be transmitted both oral and fecal, hepatitis C is rarely transmitted during sexual intercourse, but can lead to the development of liver cancer, hepatitis D is very can rarely be transmitted sexually, but this possibility cannot be excluded;
• herpes - transmitted through mucous membranes;
• HIV AIDS;
• genital papillomas;
• molluscum contagiosum;
• Kaposi's sarcoma;
• mononucleosis.
• scabies;
• pubic lice.

Abdominal infections include various bacteria, viruses and protozoa that are transmitted during sexual contact that occurs through the oral or anal route. This can happen due to the general use of sex toys and poor hygiene.



Oral infections such as influenza, adenoviruses, colds, papilloma, herpes, and hepatitis B can be transmitted sexually.



Symptoms of infection

There are so-called internal and external symptoms of STIs. The first category includes deterioration in health, fever, muscle pain, i.e. symptoms similar to those of a cold.



If gonorrhea or trichomoniasis develops, then discharge appears from the urethra, the person experiences pain and pain during urination.

When identifying diseases such as cervical erosion, chronic prostatitis, infertility, it is imperative to check for the presence of STIs.

With the development of syphilis, ulcers begin to appear on the skin, which are often confused with the development of herpes. Some people treat the sores that appear with soap and they disappear. Despite this, if the body is affected by syphilis, then in the absence of external manifestations, the damage to the body continues, and if treatment is not started, serious complications develop.

The appearance of a rash may indicate the development of both scabies and syphilis. The size of the pubic lice is no more than 1-2 mm, infection occurs both through sexual contact and through underwear or clothing. It develops in all areas where there is hair, except the head. As a result of itching, the skin scratches and infections enter the body.



If the mother has STIs, they can be passed on to the baby in the womb, during childbirth, or during breastfeeding.



Patterns of emergence and development

Most of these infections are easily transmitted through the mucous membranes found on the penis, vulva, rectum, mouth, and eyes. If we talk about the mucous membrane of the glans penis, although it does not produce mucus, it contains it. The mucous membrane differs from the skin in that pathogenic microorganisms penetrate into it more quickly. They penetrate easily even in the presence of any damage to the skin, for example, a tear, cut or crack.



If we talk about the surface of the head of the penis, then during friction that occurs during sexual intercourse, it becomes especially susceptible. Most often, infections are transmitted through genital secretions, followed by saliva and mucous membranes, followed in descending order by skin, feces, urine and sweat. The number of microorganisms that is necessary to infect a person cannot be seen with the naked eye and, depending on the type of infection, it will vary.

The likelihood of transmitting most infections is much higher during sexual intercourse than through other types of contact. For example, with a deep kiss, the likelihood of infection is much lower than during oral sex. If we talk about HIV, then there will be much more of it in the genital secretions than in the saliva of a sick person.

Depending on the type of STI, the spread of infection can occur either with or without signs of its presence. It is more likely to become infected with herpes when its external manifestations are present than when they are not, and HIV can be infected even when the carrier does not have obvious signs of AIDS.

To reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, it is recommended to use condoms. Although this method of protection is the most reliable and affordable, even it cannot completely guarantee security.



Carrying out diagnostics

When conducting diagnostics, an examination may be performed for one infection or several. Although there are rapid tests that can cover several infections at the same time, there is no test yet that can be used to test for all STIs at once.



Tests carried out to determine STIs are carried out:

• as a diagnosis so that the symptoms of the disease can be determined;
• as a screening test to detect infections that occur without symptoms;
• to check partners who intend to have unprotected sex, for example, to conceive a child;
• a newborn to check whether he was infected from his mother;
• Before using donated blood or organs, make sure they are from a healthy person;
• to ensure the effectiveness of the patient’s treatment;
• for the purpose of conducting a mass epidemiological survey.

Many STIs are asymptomatic, and often symptoms do not appear until some time after infection has occurred. Such infections lead to women developing pain in the pelvic area. Both women and men can experience infertility and in some cases can be fatal.

Early diagnosis allows for timely initiation of treatment, which in this case is carried out much more effectively than in cases with an advanced form of the disease. Depending on the type of infection, the length of the "window" - the time after infection when tests are negative - will vary, during which time a person can continue to infect other people.

Testing for STIs should be carried out in every case when there is a suspicion that you have had contact with a sick person. First of all, you need to get tested for sexually transmitted infections. If this is done right away, the doctor can carry out active prevention, in which the external genitalia are treated with special preparations. This allows you to significantly reduce treatment time and prevent the development of serious complications.

A blood test is required for HIV or hepatitis; a smear for STDs is taken for urogenital infections. Reliable results from a smear are obtained when the infection was recently introduced. In case of advanced diseases, bacteriological culture is carried out, the PCR method is used, and a blood test is performed. To correctly diagnose an STI, a comprehensive analysis must be carried out, which includes several types of studies.



It is necessary to be tested for sexually transmitted infections if you have had unprotected sexual contact with a stranger, even in cases where there are no signs of the disease.

Treatment methods

There is a high risk of contracting an STI during rape; in this case, a complex of drugs that contain antibiotics is prescribed. If you are infected with gonorrhea or chlamydia, it is possible to carry out independent treatment, but before doing this you must consult a doctor.



When carrying out such treatment, the doctor can use antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs; it is much easier to carry out treatment when the disease is detected on time. Some people believe that there is a pill that you just need to take to get rid of STIs, but this is not true; such infections require complex and long-term treatment.

The treatment process is especially difficult when several such diseases are detected at once, and there is a high risk of complications.

If a person has several infections, it is necessary to take complex drugs or combine them.



In any case, treatment is necessary; there are no cases of self-healing from such diseases. It can be misleading when the disease enters a chronic stage and there are no external symptoms of its development. In this case, the person also continues to infect other people, and there is a high risk of developing serious complications. Self-medication is also dangerous; treatment should only be carried out by a specialist after a full diagnosis.

Preventive actions

The best way to protect yourself is prevention, and the most accessible way is safe sex. It protects against direct contact with a possibly already infected partner, and if you use a condom correctly, the risk of infection is significantly reduced.



The ideal option would be for both partners to be tested for STIs before engaging in sexual relations, then the risk of infection is minimized. It is not always possible to detect an infection immediately after infection; in many cases, this requires a certain period of time. If you had a suspicious contact, then time should pass from this time until the test is taken.

The immune system of a healthy person is able to prevent infection only in cases where the viral load is small. If other viruses appear, the load on the immune system increases, and it can no longer cope with its functions independently.

Timely vaccination can protect against some viruses, such as hepatitis B. Condoms only protect the area of ​​the body they cover, so those areas of the body that are left exposed remain susceptible to infection. For HIV, a condom provides a high degree of protection, since it is not transmitted through intact skin.

You must be able to use a condom correctly, and in order to do this, you must adhere to the following rules:

1. 1. When putting on, 1-1.5 cm recede from the beginning of the condom, this is the place for the ejaculate. It must be put on carefully so as not to damage it.
2. 2. It should not be too loose, otherwise it will not be able to fully provide your protection.
3. 3. A used condom should not be turned inside out.
4. 4. Only latex or polyurethane condoms can protect against HIV.
5. 5. Oil-based lubricants should not be used with latex products, as this may damage them.
6. 6. Flavored condoms are best used only for oral sex. The presence of sugar on them can cause yeast infections in women upon penetration.
7. 7. You cannot use a condom repeatedly, as this increases the chances of its damage, and it cannot fully perform its barrier function.

The most effective way to protect against STIs is complete abstinence from any sexual contact. Few people can decide to do this, so it is necessary to give preference to secure contacts and have a relationship with 1 trusted partner.

If unprotected contact occurs, it is immediately recommended to douche and wash the external genitalia with a solution of chlorhexidine or miramistin. This must be done immediately, otherwise this procedure will not produce results.

If you see a doctor in the first days after infection, he may administer medications that block the development of certain infections. This is a good method of prevention, but it is often not recommended.

Igor Mikhailovich asks:

What types of sexually transmitted infections are there?

Bacterial infections.

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections include:

• Syphilis. Syphilis is a severe chronic sexually transmitted disease caused by the microorganism treponema pallidum ( treponema pallidum). It affects not only the organs of the reproductive system, but also many internal organs, including the brain, causing serious consequences.
• Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is venereal disease which is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Has tropism for the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system ( that is, it grows and reproduces best in this environment), therefore it mainly affects only them, but the mucous membranes of the rectum, oral cavity, and eyes can also be affected.
• Chlamydia. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by the microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis, which can affect the entire genitourinary system of men and women.
• Other infections. This includes many other bacterial infections that are much less common. These are granuloma inguinale, chancroid, ureaplasma, etc.

Viral infections.

Sexually transmitted viral infections include:

• HIV infection. The human immunodeficiency virus is an extremely dangerous pathogen that causes HIV infection. In the final stages of infection it leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( AIDS).
• Genital herpes. Genital herpes is caused by a virus of the Herpesviridae family. It affects the genitals, but soon also infects nerve fibers and the brain.
• Hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis B and C viruses can enter the body through unprotected sexual contact with a carrier of the infection. They affect the liver; if chronic, severe consequences are possible.
• Human papillomavirus. The virus causes growth of the skin and mucous membranes in the form of genital warts and warts. Sometimes it can cause the development of cancerous tumors.
• Cytomegalovirus. Cytomegaly virus also belongs to the Herpesviridae family. It poses a great danger to people with reduced immunity and pregnant women.

Fungal infections.

The fungal infection is candidiasis, also known as thrush. It is caused by conditionally pathogenic fungi, which are part of the normal microflora of the intestines and vagina. If one of the partners, for any reason, has an excessive proliferation of these fungi, the disease can be transmitted during sexual intercourse.

Infections caused by protozoa.