Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) have been a public health issue for multiple decades. Despite advancements in medicine and public health initiatives, they continue to impact millions of lives every year. One of the most important steps to eradicate the transmission of STIs is to spread awareness of the different types and provide preventative measures to the masses.
Prevalence and Impact of STIs
According to estimates from the World Health Organization, approximately a million people worldwide become infected by an STI every day, illustrating how pervasive the problem is in our culture. If not identified or treated, STIs can have major negative effects on an individual’s health, which would further affect the economy due to their inability to work. As a result, STIS must be identified quickly and effectively. Because of this, it's critical that STIs are identified early and efficient therapies are implemented. The most common STIs are chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea, alongside many viral infections such as HPV (Human Papillomavirus), HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
Types of STIs
Bacterial STIs → These STIs, include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis, which are treated with antibiotics, though early detection is important in preventing further complications.
Viral STIs → These STIs include Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), for which we are to find a permanent cure; instead, their symptoms can be managed with antiviral medications.
Parasitic STIs → Antiparasitic drugs can be used to treat STIs such as trichomoniasis.
Fungal STIs → Commonly called yeast infections and can be treated with antifungal medications.
Transmission and the Risks associated with STIs
STIs are transmitted in a multitude of different ways, but the primary means of transmission continues to be through sexual contact, this can range from vaginal, anal, or oral. The other ways of transmission are through blood transfusions, the sharing of needles, or from an infected mother to her child through childbirth. The factors that increase the likelihood of being infected by an STI are:
Having more than one Sexual Partner → When a person has more than one sexual partner, the individual faces a higher risk of being infected and transmitting an STI. This could be due to a lack of communication between the sexual partners, so one of these partners may not disclose their STI status, likely leading to the STI being transmitted to the others.
Having Unprotected Sex → As mentioned before, the main means of transmission is via sexual acts; therefore, during unprotected sex the body fluids from someone who is infected will mix with the others, resulting in transmission.
Use of Intravenous Drugs → During substance sharing, it is common for needles to be shared, which results in the intermixing of body fluids (blood), resulting in transmission.
Complications and Symptoms of STIs
The complications that are associated with an STI are severe and include chronic pain, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and an increased likelihood of contracting HIV. To prevent these complications, STIS must be diagnosed early and effectively.
The symptoms of an STI can vary depending on certain factors such as the infection type and the person, but common symptoms include:
Unusual Genital Discharge
Burning Sensations in the genital region when urinating
Blisters on the genital or oral region
Itching or irritation in the genital area
Lower abdominal pain
Prevention of STIs
The most effective and affordable way of STI prevention is by educating the public, using sexual education in school, and creating programs dedicated to providing knowledge and skills to the mass public, which would allow them to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health. The key components of effective STI education include:
Information on the types, symptoms, and transmission of STIs
Promoting regular STI screenings. → It is crucial that STIs are detected early because it allows effective healthcare against the symptoms and complications associated with an STI.
Stressing the importance of using condoms to reduce transmission risks. → Condoms are one of the most effective ways to reduce the transmission of STIs because they prevent the exchange of bodily fluids during sexual activity.
Promoting getting vaccinated. → Certain STIs have vaccines available, such as HPV and hepatitis. It is recommended that both males and females are vaccinated because it can prevent cervical cancer and genital warts.
Public Healthcare against STIs
Effective STI prevention and treatment can only be achieved if there is access to affordable and private healthcare services, this can guarantee that people have access to the necessary STI testing and treatment. To achieve this, they must first be provided to underprivileged communities where the spread of STIs is uncontrolled and reduce the stigma surrounding STIs through social media and public talks. This can also be achieved through public health campaigns, which have the added benefit of providing a reliable source of information about such a personal topic and promoting the use of condoms to ensure safe sexual practices in these areas.
Written By: Trisha Saju
Comments