If you think you still have some doubts about sexually transmitted infections, here are 5 things that are important to know and that will answer your questions

Infections are a large group of infectious diseases that are mainly transmitted sexually.

They cause serious consequences, even after some time, for millions of people every year.

1. Sexually transmitted diseases: why it is more correct to call them infections

Infections are also known as sexually transmitted diseases, but it is preferable to call them sexually transmitted i..

Often, in fact, the person with an infection does not show the signs of an actual disease, but only has mild or no symptoms.

This allows these types of diseases, which are often asymptomatic, to spread easily.

2. Sexually transmitted infections: why they are risky

These infections are a health problem all over the world for several reasons:

• the high number of people who become infected;
• the high probability of transmission to partners
• the presence of subgroups of people who are more likely to become infected;
• the large proportion of people without symptoms but still infected;
• the possibility of developing serious complications in the event of missed or incorrect diagnosis and treatment.

3. Causes of sexually transmitted infections

Infections are caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and parasites.

Those caused by bacteria are chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.

Those due to a protozoan are trichomoniasis.

Viruses are genital condylomas, genital herpes, HIV and hepatitis.

4. How are sexually transmitted infections transmitted?

These types of infections are transmitted through all types of sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, oral), whether heterosexual or homosexual.

They can be transmitted through semen, pre-spermatic secretions, vaginal secretions, saliva or through direct skin contact in the genital area, genital mucous membranes, anal mucous membranes and mouth.

They can also be transmitted through blood (e.g. by contact with open, bleeding wounds, exchange of syringes, tattoos, piercings) and finally by passage from mother to foetus during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.

It is not possible to become infected through coughing or sneezing, or on public transport, in the office, at school or through social contact in general.

5. Sexually transmitted infections: symptoms not to be underestimated

Immediately after infection, the incubation period begins, during which the infection can be transmitted, even if there are no symptoms.

The length of the incubation period varies depending on the type of infection acquired.

At the end of this period, symptoms or visible signs may develop on the body, but in many cases symptoms of the disease may be absent.

Different infections have common symptoms and signs.

The most frequent are

• genital discharge;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• presence of itching and/or lesions in the region of the genitals, anus or mouth;
• the need to urinate frequently, sometimes with pain or burning.

Read Also:

Candida Albicans And Other Forms Of Vaginitis: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Sexual Harassment In Medical Profession: Legal And Ethical Responsibilities

Nymphomania And Satyriasis: Sexual Disorders Of The Psychological-Behavioural Sphere

Source:

GSD