Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Introduction

An STI or sexually transmitted infection (called Sexually Transmitted Disease before) is a disease that is transmitted through sexual intercourse with one or more person already contaminated, whether or not penetration. STIs can be caused by different microbes: bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi. STIs among the best known include: HIV / AIDS, hepatitis B and C, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, syphilis, HPV etc (see appendix). Some of these infections are not only transmitted through sexual intercourse, which is the case of HIV / AIDS and hepatitis that can be transmitted by blood (Shoquist, 2003). Some STIs can be cured immediately and some stuck with the patient for life time period. In this paper general information regarding STIs will be given along with the discussion on three of the most common yet hazardous STIs will be discussed in terms of their nature, symptoms and treatment. These STIs are HIV, Herpes and Chlamydia.

Discussion

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infection is a disease that is transmitted through sexual intercourse with one or more person already contaminated. Following are the symptoms of such infections:

Symptoms

STI symptoms are often discrete or nonexistent. In the weeks or months following a sexual relationship, it is important to consult a doctor when signs appear: discharge, vaginal important and / or smelly, itchy, burning sensation when urinating, pimples, sores or ulcers on sex or on other mucous membranes, lower abdominal pain, bleeding or other unusual events. These signs can sometimes appear harmless but it is important to take them seriously because untreated STIs can have serious consequences (Shoquist, 2003). Having an STI increases the risk of HIV infection because STDs can weaken the mucous membranes and make them more permeable to HIV. In addition, any wound genitals promotes contamination with HIV/AIDS (Sehgal, 2003).

Screening

According to STI, different types of tests can help diagnose:

Clinical examination of the genitalia

Sampling or local cultures

Blood tests

Prevention

Use of male or female condoms during sex.

Partner notification in cases of infection with an STI in order to consult and it protects.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a disease caused by chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis).Chlamydia is the most common of sexually transmitted infections.

Causes of chlamydia infection

The cause of infection is a bacterium Chlamydia genus Chlamydia. Two species of bacteria Chlamidia trachomatis affect the genitourinary system of men and women and cause urogenital chlamydiosis. Pathogen Chlamydia Chlamidia trachomatis are intermediate between viruses and bacteria, and because of that chlamydia is extremely difficult to diagnose and hard to treat (Faro, 2003). The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks cells of the immune system and destroys or renders ineffective. The early stages of infection, the person has no symptoms. However, the evolution of the infection leads to a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections.

HIV

HIV is transmitted during sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal) unprotected, transfusion of contaminated blood or sharing contaminated needles. The virus is present in all body fluids, especially highly concentrated in semen and blood. By small, usually not visible injuries on the genitals, it is ...