Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
As sexually transmitted infection/disease can be introduced through the skin, GI tract, or vagina and can be bacterial, fungal, viral, come from parasites, or protozoal. These disease include but are not limited to chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HIV/AIDS, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). If left untreated that they can cause fertility issues, cancer, or in some cases death.
Risk Factors
- Multiple sexual partners
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
- A history of an STI
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Injecting drugs
- Being an adolescent female
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that affects 4 million women a year and is eight times more likely to affect African American women compared to white women. It can be found in the cervix and urethra but can live on the throat or rectum. This STI can be detected by doing a cervical swab and is treated using antibiotics.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Many times asymptomatic
- Vaginal discharge
- Abdominal pain
- Can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through sexual contact. Many times those infected with gonorrhea are also infected with chlamydia. It is most commonly found in the vagina and the cervix and is diagnosed through a swab of the cervix. This STI is usually treated with penicillin however, there are new strands that have become resistant to the drug but can still be treated with other medications.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Many times asymptomatic
- Yellowish vaginal discharge
- Redness and swelling of genitals
- Burning or itching in the vaginal area
- Can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease if left untreated
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is a viral infection that is transmitted through sexual contact of the mucous covered linings of the moth or the vagina and is transferred through microscopic tears on the skin. Herpes is diagnosed through either a culture of the fluid from the blisters or a blood test. There is no cure for genital herpes but there are oral medications that stop the virus from multiplying and shorten the length of outbreaks.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Outbreak usually begins within 2 weeks of the infection and starts as itching or tingling followed by skin redness
- Blisters around genitals or anus
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immundeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
HIV is a viral infection that is transmitted through sexual intercourse or sharing needles. This disease weakens the body’s immune system which can leave the person susceptible to other illnesses. When the patient’s symptoms have become much worse it is referred to as AIDS. HIV is diagnosed though and HIV antibody test and there are various treatment options that delay the progression of symptoms.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- No specific symptoms
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle and joint pains
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Painful lymph nodes
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infects squamous epithelial cells of skin and mucous membranes. It is a leading viral STI in the United States and more than 70 types have been identified. HPV can increase a person’s risk for cancer and should be treated as soon as possible. About 91% of HPV infections disappear within 24 months of women having an abnormal cytological results but the remaining infections can persist. HPV is diagnosed through a Pap smear or a biopsy and is treated by removing the precancerous area of the cervix using a knife, laser, or cryotherapy. There is a vaccine, Gardasil, available for four common types of HPV that are associated with the development of genital warts and cervical cancer.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Usually asymptomatic
- Genital warts