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Sexually transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections you can get by having sex with someone who has an infection. These infections are usually passed by having vaginal intercourse, but they can also be passed through anal sex, oral sex or skin-to-skin contact. STIs can be caused by viruses or bacteria. STIs caused by viruses include hepatitis B, herpes, HIV. STIs caused by bacteria include genital warts, gonorrhea and syphilis. Penetrative sex tends to have higher risk of acquiring STDs/ HIV.

In India some common STIs are:

- Genital warts which are spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner. They are small growths or bumps that appear inside and outside the vagina, around the anus and on the tip of the penis. There is no cure but visible warts can be treated.

-Gonorrhea: The infection is transmitted from one person to another through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual relations. Condoms mostly prevent transmission. In males, symptoms include a yellowish discharge from the penis, associated with painful, and sometimes frequent, urination. More than half of women have no symptoms but those who do have discharge, difficulty urinating etc. An Gonorrhea infection, especially recurrent infections can cause infertility in woman. It can be cured with an antibiotic treatment.

-Another common bacterial infection is Chancroid (painful bleeding ulcers on the genital area) which can also be treated with drugs.

-Syphilis has many symptoms but primary symptoms are usually lesions at the area of contact with an infected person (usually genitalia). It can be fatal if not treated with antibiotics. Proper and consistent use of a latex condom substantially reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the spread of syphilis through sexual contact.

-Herpes which are red ulcers and vesicles on the genital area or area in contact with an infected person. Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission by about 50%. There is no method to eradicate herpes virus from the body, but antiviral medications can reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of outbreaks.

-Hepatitis B is a an infection of the liver caused by an infection with the Hepatitis B virus. The virus can be found in the blood and body fluids of an infected person. There is a vaccine but it can be very hard or even impossible to treat. Condoms offer the best protection against the virus.

- Chlamydia is an infection that can affect cause painful urinating, penile discharge and discomfort in the lower belly. Occasionally it can cause severe inflammation of the fallopian tubes, this is a serious illness with heavy pain, high fever and potentially fetal if left untreated. Chlamydia is a common cause of infertility in many countries. Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics when diagnosed.

-Pubic lice are bugs that live on the pubic hair in the genital area. Treatment exists.

-Human Immunodeficieny Virus (HIV)-See our page on HIV for more information

What else you need to know 

Several STIs, in particular HIV and syphilis, can also be transmitted to the child during pregnancy or childbirth, and through the transfer of blood products or tissue.

Up until now, condoms have been considered the best way to prevent STIs including HIV but there is no 100% garantee for this. However the risk of getting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases can be greatly reduced if a condom is used properly every time (see:How to use a condom). In addition, we strongly suggest regular health checkups for STIs, in particular if you have multiple partners.

STIs can have severe irreversible health consequence. STIs can also cause infertility in both men and women. Some STIs do not necessarily manifest any symptoms but this does not mean they cannot lead to serious complications.

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