It is common for people to confuse sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). An STI develops into STD if not treated.
Sexually transmitted infections are passed through sexual contact. There are many risk factors for STIs. A routine STI check is among the safest and most reliable solutions to lower your risks of getting any STI. Considering how easy it is to contract an STI, it is best to use barrier methods for safer sexual contact.
Understanding the causes and symptoms of different sexually transmitted infections can assist you in addressing the infection before it develops into a fatal disease. Read this guide to learn everything about different types of STIs.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection. It is caused through sexual contact where a bacteria, “Chlamydia Trachomatis,” is transferred from one person to another.
Chlamydia infection can happen in your genitals, throat, anus, and eye. This infection thrives in wet body parts, such as semen, urethra, vagina, anal, and eyes.
Symptoms
The one reason that makes chlamydia so common is its ability to go unnoticed. A person infected with chlamydia may not notice any symptoms until 3-4 weeks. The only reliable way to know if you are infected with chlamydia is to go for an STI check.
The symptoms depend on where the infection has occurred. Some common symptoms may include the following;
- Burning and itchy vaginal sensation
- Unusual vaginal or penis discharge
- Anal bleeding, itchiness, or discharge
- Sore throat
- Lower abdominal pain
- Swelling eye
- Watery eyes
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a common and short-term infection in women. This infection is an imbalance of healthy bacteria naturally found in the women’s sexual organs; the vagina.
It’s common for women to get infected with bacterial vaginosis. It happens when the bacteria levels increase. Multiple reasons are causing bacterial vaginosis. They are;
- Multiple sexual partners
- A partner with a history of an STI
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Douching
Symptoms
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis aren’t so noticeable because this infection doesn’t affect your health for a long-time. It is just a short-term infection that goes away with weekly antibiotics treatment. The symptoms may include;
- Fish-like or foul vaginal odour
- Dark urine
- Excessive vaginal discharge
- Irritation near the vaginal area
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is another common sexually transmitted infection after chlamydia. It is caused by a bacteria called “Neisseria Gonorrhoea Bacterium” entering your body.
The infection occurs inside and outside the genitals and on the anus. The infection is transmitted through bodily fluid, such as pre-ejaculate, semen, vaginal discharge, spot, or anal fluid.
Symptoms
This infection is highly contagious and common, so every sexually active person should go for an STI check to see if they are infected with this. The symptoms of gonorrhoea may include;
- Abnormal vaginal or penis discharge
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Sore penis tip
- Chills and sweats
8 Tips to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections
The most effective way to protect yourself from contracting any STI is to practice safe sex. You can avoid STIs by following this;
- Stay with one sexual partner
- Use condoms
- Get vaccinated
- Wear dental dams
- Go for male circumcision
- Use rectal barriers for anal sex
- Wash after sexual intercourse
- Avoid sharing clothes, towels, brushes, etc.
Final Thoughts
It is common to contract a sexually transmitted infection and even pass it on to someone else without knowing. Practising safe sex and adding barrier methods can help you prevent these infections.
