Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can be easily spread from one person to another through various forms of sexual activities. It is essential to be aware of these infections, their symptoms, and ways to prevent them to ensure a healthy and safe sexual life. In this article, we will discuss the top 20 sexually transmitted infections that you should know about.
1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, which help the body fight off infections.
It spreads through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, or mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding. Symptoms of HIV vary but may include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes.
2. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common STIs globally. It can affect both men and women and often exhibits no symptoms.
However, some symptoms may include abnormal discharge, painful urination, and pelvic pain. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) in women and infertility in both sexes.
3. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can infect both men and women. It is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse and can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
Symptoms in men may include burning sensation while urinating, discharge from the penis, and swollen testicles, while women may experience increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, and pelvic pain.
4. Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete bacteria Treponema pallidum. It spreads through direct contact with syphilis sores during sexual activity. Syphilis progresses in stages, with each stage presenting different symptoms.
Primary syphilis is characterized by a painless sore, secondary syphilis may cause rash and flu-like symptoms, while tertiary syphilis can lead to severe organ damage and neurological complications if left untreated.
5. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a common viral infection that affects both men and women. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activities.
HPV can lead to various health issues, including genital warts and certain types of cancers, such as cervical, anal, and throat cancer. Many people with HPV show no symptoms, making regular screenings essential for early detection.
6. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
HSV is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1, primarily causing oral herpes (cold sores), and HSV-2, primarily causing genital herpes. Both types can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Herpes outbreaks often include sores, blisters, itching, and flu-like symptoms. Although there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
7. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It spreads through contact with infected blood, unprotected sex, or sharing needles. Symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, and dark urine.
Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease and increase the risk of liver cancer if not properly managed or treated.
8. Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It spreads through contact with infected blood, most commonly through injecting drug use and, to a lesser extent, through sexual contact.
Many people with hepatitis C show no symptoms until the infection causes severe liver damage. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
9. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is more common in women than in men. It spreads through sexual contact with an infected person.
Many infected individuals do not show any symptoms, while others may experience itching, burning, redness, or a foul-smelling discharge from the genitals. It can also increase the risk of other STIs.
10. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria. While not exclusively sexually transmitted, sexual activity can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and contribute to BV.
Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal discharge, fishy odor, itching, and discomfort.
11. Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Pubic lice, often called crabs, are tiny insects that infest the pubic hair and cause itching and irritation. They spread through close physical contact, including sexual activity.
Pubic lice can also infest other areas with coarse hair, such as armpits and eyebrows. Treatment involves using medicated shampoos or lotions to eliminate the lice and their eggs.
12. Scabies
Scabies is a contagious skin infection caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity. Scabies causes intense itching and a pimple-like rash that may have burrow lines.
Treatment involves prescription creams or lotions that kill the mites and their eggs.
13. Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a poxvirus. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact and sexual activity. The infection results in small, raised bumps on the skin with a central dimple or indentation.
Molluscum contagiosum is usually self-limiting, but treatment options include cryotherapy, curettage, or topical medications to remove the bumps.
14. Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
Lymphogranuloma venereum is a bacterial infection caused by certain serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis. It is a rare form of chlamydia but can cause serious complications if left untreated.
LGV typically starts as a painless sore or ulcer on the genitals and can progress to swollen lymph nodes in the groin or pelvis. Treatment involves antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional.
15. Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is a relatively new and emerging sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma genitalium and can cause urinary and genital tract infections in both men and women.
Many people with Mycoplasma genitalium do not experience symptoms, but when present, they may include urethritis in men and inflammation in the cervix and uterus in women.
16. Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Candidiasis, commonly known as a yeast infection, is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. Although not exclusively an STI, sexual activity can contribute to the development of a yeast infection.
Symptoms include itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge. Over-the-counter antifungal medications are usually effective in treating yeast infections.
17. Bacterial Infections (Enteric Pathogens)
Some bacterial pathogens can be sexually transmitted, primarily through oral-anal contact. Examples include Shigella, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. These infections typically cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes bloody stools.
Antibiotics may be necessary to treat these bacterial infections.
18. Zika Virus
Zika virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. However, it can also be sexually transmitted, especially from a male partner to their sexual partners. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly.
Preventive measures include using barrier methods during sex and taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites in areas where Zika is prevalent.
19. Chancroid
Chancroid is a bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus ducreyi. It is more common in certain parts of the world with limited resources.
Chancroid results in painful open sores on the genitals, which may enlarge and develop a soft center, resembling a crater. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat chancroid.
20. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease is not an STI itself but rather a complication that can arise from certain STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
PID refers to inflammation of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Symptoms may include lower abdominal pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during sex. Prompt and appropriate treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent further complications.
