Project In
Science
Submitted by: Ella Marbella
Submitted to: Mrs. Irish Asis
(10-RD1)
January 29, 2025
What is a sexually transmitted infection?
A person can contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) when certain bacteria, viruses, or
parasites are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The terms "sexually
transmitted infection" and "sexually transmitted disease" (STD) are often used interchangeably.
The difference comes down to whether a person has symptoms of infection. A person can have
an STI without symptoms, but a person has an Std when an Std causes symptoms and other
complications.
This article discusses the causes and types of STIs, as well as symptoms, diagnosis, and
treatment, and why protection against STIs is so important.
What causes STIs?
Certain bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause sexually transmitted infections. The organisms can
pass from one person to another in the blood, semen, saliva, or vaginal fluid.
Transmission usually occurs from unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who has
an STI.
STI Statistics
Approximately one in five people in the United States have an STI, and almost half of new cases
are among people between the ages of 15 and 24 years.
Types
There are many types of STIs, but the most common ones include:
World Health Organization. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Bacterial: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis
Viral: Hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus 2 (genital herpes), human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV)
Parasitic: Trichomoniasis
Half of these common STIs—the bacterial and parasitic ones—are curable. However, the viral
infections (hepatitis B, herpes, HIV, and HPV) currently have no cure.
Fortunately, both HPV and hepatitis B have effective vaccines that help prevent the chances of
getting an infection and, in the case of HPV, help prevent against certain cancers.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with STIs vary depending on the type of infection.
Symptoms may appear a few days after exposure, but not everyone develops symptoms. Once
symptoms are noticeable, the infection is classified as an STD.
General symptoms to look for include:
Discharge from the penis or vagina
Sores or warts in the genital or anal area
Itching or redness around the sores
Sores in and around the mouth
Painful urination
Abnormal vaginal odor
Pain during sex
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
More severe infections might also have:
Abdominal pain
Fever
Joint pain
Rash to the entire body
Some people mistake symptoms of an STD for a urinary tract or yeast infection. It's important to
see a healthcare provider and be tested for a wide range of STIs when symptoms begin.
Diagnosis
STIs are diagnosed in several different ways, including:
Physical exam: Often a healthcare provider can diagnose an infection based on a physical
or pelvic examination, particularly for infections that cause warts, rashes, or discharge.
Blood tests: Sometimes a blood test is used to diagnose certain infections like syphilis
or HIV.
Urine tests: Urine testing is a standard method to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Fluid samples: Fluid samples can be taken from the vagina or penis to be examined under
a microscope for organisms like the parasite that causes trichomoniasis.
If you are sexually active, consider your need for STI testing. Local health departments are the
easiest way to obtain free STI testing. Most health insurance plans and Medicaid cover the costs.
At-home STI testing is also available, and it is a convenient, user-friendly option. 4 However, there
are some considerations with at-home testing, including:
Insurance might not cover the costs.
A positive test result means that you will need to set up an appointment with a
healthcare provider.
It's more likely that the test can give you an incorrect diagnosis when used at home.
Only certain states allow at-home STI testing.
If you have symptoms and suspect an STI, it's best to meet with your healthcare provider for
formal testing and diagnosis.
Treatment and Prevention
Antibiotics can treat and cure STIs caused by bacteria and parasites, but they cannot cure viral
infections.
For viral infections, some medications can help treat the symptoms and prevent
complications. They can also help prevent the spread of the virus to another person.
Prevention is the best way to avoid an STI. Protective devices like condoms and dental dams can
significantly reduce the risk of spreading an STI. There are also vaccines for certain infections,
specifically HPV and hepatitis B virus.
If you have been diagnosed with an STI, your sexual partner must be tested and treated for STIs,
too. US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. Sexually
transmitted infections. Bacterial and parasitic STIs are curable with treatment, but a person can
always be reinfected. Limiting your number of partners can also help prevent STIs. The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of a combination of medicines, called HIV
pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people at high risk. These
medications require a prescription, need to be taken every day, and can be expensive.
Let’s have a short summary
Sexually transmitted infections are common, but they are easily diagnosed with various testing
methods, and many of them can be treated. It's essential to see a healthcare provider if you
suspect you have an STI. Prevention is the best way to avoid complications from STIs.
Although STIs are common, they can be frustrating and embarrassing. In many cases, you may
not even know that you have an STI. If you are sexually active, avoid infection by reducing your
number of sexual partners and using protection.
