What are STIs or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)?

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that can be spread through unprotected sex, anal sex, and/or oral sex with someone infected with the disease. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are examples of STIs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2018 surveillance report that 22% of newborn deaths between 2017 to 2018 are due to syphilis. Moreover, the CDC reports that there is a 19% (1.8 million cases) increase in chlamydia, 63% (583,405 cases) increase in gonorrhea, 71% (35,063 cases) increase in primary and secondary syphilis, and 185% (1306 cases) increase in congenital syphilis from 2014. The CDC has designated the week of April 10-16, 2022 as STD Awareness Week.

How to prevent STIs?

• Abstinence from sex (anal, vaginal, or oral)
• Reduce the number of sex partners or mutual monogamy (mutual agreement to be sexually active with one partner)
• Use of condoms (every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex)

Chlamydia is a parasite called Chlamydia trachomatis.

• Symptoms
• Sometimes symptoms can be felt after several weeks of infection.
• Women
• Abnormal vaginal discharge, burning urination.
• Men
• A discharge from penis, burning sensation while urinating, pain and swelling of one or both testicles
• Diagnosis
• A laboratory test is required
• Urine sample
• Cotton swab (vagina sample)

Gonorrhea is a gram-negative bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae

• Symptoms
• Rectal infections can include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, and painful bowel movement.
• Women
• Can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Vaginal discharge, burning sensation while urinating, and vaginal bleeding between periods
• Men
• A burning sensation while urinating. White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Painful or swelling in the testicles.
• Diagnosis
• A laboratory test is required
• Urine sample
• Cotton swab for throat and/or rectum (if oral and anal sex)

Syphilis is caused by a spirochaete bacterium called Treponema pallidum

• Symptoms
• Syphilis is divided into stages with different symptoms. The first two stages symptoms can be unnoticed because it can be mild.
• Primary
• A sore or sores at the original site of infection lasts 3-6 weeks.
• Secondary
• Skin rash on the bottom of hands and feet, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
• Latent
• No symptoms; can continue for years
• Tertiary
• Severe symptoms that can affect the heart, brain, and other organs of the body
• Diagnosis
• A laboratory test is required
• Blood test
• Fluids from syphilis sore (primary stage)

Who should be tested for STIs?

Chlamydia and gonorrhea routine annual screening is recommended for:

• Younger than 25 years old and sexually active
• Older than 25 years old, sexually active with more than one partner, or have a new partner
• Pregnant
• Gonorrhea-infected people should be tested for other STIs.

Syphilis: routine testing is recommended for: 

• Pregnant
• Sexually active men who have sex with men
• HIV positive and sexually active
• Taking PrEP for HIV prevention

How to treat Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis?

• Healthcare providers will prescribe antibiotics depending on the type of infection
• The patient should abstain from sex for 7 days (chlamydia and gonorrhea)
• Follow up with healthcare provider to make sure that the infection is cleared

Resources

1. “Chlamydia”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Read More
2. “Gonorrhea”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Read More
3. “Syphilis”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-  Read More