Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infection previously known as sexually transmitted diseases are, as the name implies, diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact.

According to a study done in 2010 by CDC, "19 million men and woman are infected each year in the United States". (2010)

So what are STIs?

STDs or STIs are infections that are transmitted between humans by contact of sexual organs, mouth or anus. Therefore mucus membranes are the routes of entry of these infections.

Types

There are several types of sexually transmitted infections:

1. Bacterial such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
2. Fungal such as Candiditis
3. Viral such as Herpes simplex
4. Parasites such as lice
5. Protozoa such as Trichomoniasis

All these infections if left untreated can serious diseases and septicemia which is the spread of an infection throughout the blood to the whole body and death.

Prevention

• Sex education is essential in preventing the diseases. Delaying sexual intercourse decreases the risk for having STDs.
• People should try to avoid sexual intercourse with more than one partner if they cannot maintain abstinence.
• Safe sex and use of condom is also important.
• Vaccines against some STDs such as HPV (human papiloma virus)

Treatment

If however prevention was not established and if the patient is infected with any disease then he/she should take antibiotic medication either by mouth or cream until the dosage prescribed is completed, it should never be stopped if symptoms subside.

Citation:

Cates, Willer Jr. (1999). Estimates of the incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in the united states. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 26(4), Retrieved from http://journals.lww.com/stdjournal/Abstract/1999/04001/Estimates_of_the_Incidence_and_Prevalence_of.2.aspx

Canada. Sexually Transmitted Infections. Retrieved July 2,2010 from: http://hullstudent.com/admin/files/display_img.php?file_id=2355

Cyprus Chart. (2004). Retrieved July 1,1020 from: http://www.eurosurveillance.org/images/dynamic/ew/v10n24/050616STICypr1.gif