Every day, over a million curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired globally. Dozens of pathogens are responsible for these infections which are passed from person to person via oral, anal, and vaginal sex, as well as genital contact.
There are parasites like Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes trichomoniasis, an STI acquired by over 150 million annually. There are bacteria like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, which together are responsible for 200 million new STIs annually. There are also viruses, such as HPV and hepatitis B, with which hundreds of millions are living with related infections.
While many cases of STIs present asymptomatically (which is a concern, as one may be infected without knowing and inadvertently infect a sexual partner), symptoms often present at locations of sexual contact. These can include unusual genital discharge, pain during urination, rashes, itchiness of the genitals or anus, and blisters, sores or warts around the genitals or anus.
Of perhaps greater concern, however, are the STI-driven impacts that emerge beyond infection and related symptoms.
There are links to severe secondary infections – herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis are all associated with increased risk of getting HIV. These STIs affect mucous membranes and promote skin lesions which make it far easier for HIV to enter the body.
There are links to early life development – many STIs are transmitted from mother-to-child, and can drive increased incidence of neonatal death, prematurity, and congenital deformities.
There are links to cancer – HPV specifically is a leading cause of cervical cancer.
There are links to organ damage – Hepatitis B promotes cirrhosis and is responsible for over a million deaths annually.
The impact of STIs on sexual, reproductive, women’s and global health cannot be understated. How can we minimize infection, and by extension of that, limit the spread of STIs and development of STI-driven medical conditions?
Consider the use of protection! Condoms are the most effective way in which to prevent transmission of most STIs, creating a barrier (preventing the contact of bodily secretions and STI-related lesions or sores) and decreasing the exchange of bodily fluids (which often contain the pathogens that drive STIs).
Look into available vaccines! Efficacious vaccines are available for targeting both hepatitis B and HPV. For women especially, consider vaccinating yourself against HPV early on, ideally before becoming sexually active – such immunization may prevent HPV-driven cancers by upwards of 90%! For those of all ages, look into whether you have been vaccinated already and/or are up for a booster dose – having an appropriate level of circulating antibodies that function to recognize Hepatitis B virions is integral for protection against severe disease related to pathogenesis in the liver.
Be aware of your STI status! If you feel comfortable doing so, be open and honest with your healthcare provider, answering questions about your sexual history and asking to be tested. By taking a small sample of fluid from your genital area or a blood test, laboratory tests can determine whether STI-related bacteria and viruses are or were present. Being empowered with this knowledge allows for early treatment (preventing severe symptoms or disease) and keeps others safe (ensuring that sexual partners are not inadvertently infected).
STIs are completely preventable. Consider taking steps to protect yourselves and your partner from acquiring an infection and developing an STD.
References
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)#:~:text=Eight%20pathogens%20are%20linked%20to,and%20human%20papillomavirus%20(HPV).
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240
- https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/index.html
