Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are some of the most common rarely talked about medical conditions in the country. There is a lot of taboo surrounding sexual wellness in India and STIs, STDs often get overlooked or people are too scared to share their symptoms with doctors. Studies have shown that almost 6% of adults in India, which are lakhs of people suffer from STIs and STDs in India. However, a very small percentage of people among the total affected seek treatment due to the taboo surrounding these conditions. Lack of treatment leads to worsening of conditions and even infertility in the end. It is possible to treat STIs and STDs quite easily. So let’s explore the various STI causes, symptoms, and prevention from the top gynecologist in Delhi available at MASSH.

Causes of STIs

Causes of STIs or Sexually Transmitted Infections and diseases are mentioned in their names itself. These conditions are contracted through unprotected sexual interaction with any person who already has an STI or STD. When you engage in unprotected sexual activity (including oral sex) with a person with an existing condition, the bacteria, viruses, and parasites can enter your body and cause the infection. 

Any sexual activity including but not limited to oral, anal, and vaginal sex can lead to STIs and STDs. The exchange of bodily fluids between an infected and an uninfected person like semen, blood, urine, and saliva are commonly known as the direct cause of STDs and STIs. These conditions are contagious and commonly spread from one person to another through direct or indirect sexual contact.

Now that you know about the causes of STIs and STDs, let’s explore what some of the most common STIs are and their defining symptoms.

STI Conditions & Their Symptoms You Should Know About

Based on the condition you have, the symptoms of STIs can differ, so let’s review some of the most commonly contracted STIs and STDs.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease that’s caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. This condition if not treated in a timely manner can lead to problems with the female reproductive system leading to infertility or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. This condition can affect both men and women while the effects of the condition on men are limited to pain and symptoms like fever. Here are some of the most common symptoms of chlamydia that you need to monitor.

For women

• Pain during urination
• Excess or continuous vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse for women
• Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse

For men

• Pain in the testicles
• Pain during urination
• Pus-like discharge from penis
   

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a very common STI that can affect the throat, eyes, mouth, rectum, female reproductive tract, and the urethra. This condition affects both men and women and can lead to infertility in women, if left untreated. Gonorrhea is spread through unprotected sexual contact most commonly vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with another person who already has the condition. Even babies can get gonorrhea from mothers during childbirth or while nursing if the mother already has the condition. In men the effects of gonorrhea include pain in testicles and infertility in rare cases. Untreated gonorrhea can also spread to the blood and joints of men, which can be life-threatening. Here are some of the most common symptoms of gonorrhea you should monitor.

For women

• Pelvic and abdominal pain between periods
• An increase in vaginal discharge
• Pain during urination
• Bleeding after vaginal sex or spotting between periods

For men

• Pain in testicles
• Swelling in testicles
• Pain during urination
• Pus or discharge from the tip of the penis
   

Herpes & Warts

Herpes is a common STI that’s spread from the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This condition causes painful ulcers and blisters on your skin. The blisters or ulcers can appear in different parts of the body namely the mouth and genitals. It is important to note that HSV-2 is the type of herpes that’s more commonly spread through sexual contact and is more commonly known as genital herpes. This condition mainly causes ulcers and blisters on your genital region known as warts. Here are some of the symptoms to monitor for HSV-2 herpes infection.

For women

• Cold sores (blisters) around genitals, mouth, or rectum
• Fever
• Eye infection
• Pain during urination
• Body pain/aches

For men

• Cold sores (blisters) around genitals, mouth, or rectum
• Pain during urination
• Headaches
• Fever
• Swelling in or around lymph nodes
   

Syphilis

Syphilis is a serious STI that affects both men and women. This bacteria-caused infection can stay dormant in your body for years before showing any symptoms. It surfaces as sores on the genitals, rectum, or mouth and is characteristically painless. This is one of the important distinctions of syphilis from gonorrhea. Without treatment, syphilis can spread to the heart, brain, and other vital organs, leading to fatal consequences. Here are some of the symptoms of syphilis you should monitor.

For women & men

• Constant fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Patchy hair fall and hair loss
• Inflammation of lymph nodes
• Fever
• Sore throat and headaches
   

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a type of virus-borne sexually transmitted infection. This condition can be caused by over 200 viruses some of which can spread through vaginal or anal sex. HPV infections are some of the key risk factors for cervical cancer in women and as such requires vaccination to protect and reduce the risk factors. For men, HPV infections can lead to anogenital warts. Here are some of the most common symptoms of HPV.

For women

• Genital warts near the rectum, vulva, cervix, and inside vagina

For men

• Genital warts near the anus, scrotum, or penis

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis is a common term used to refer to a condition that involves inflammation of the liver. There are several types of Hepatitis, with Hepatitis B being one of the most common sexually transmitted variants of the condition. People who have multiple sexual partners and are regularly involved in unprotected sex are at a higher risk of this condition. It affects both men and women and here are some of its most important symptoms.

For women & men

• Bouts of vomiting and feelings of nausea
• Abnormal appetite or the loss of it
• Headaches and fever
• A darker color of urine
• Abdominal pain just below the ribs
• Symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of skin

AIDS/HIV

AIDS also known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a chronic health condition caused by sexual transmission through the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). As a condition, AIDS attacks the immune system of the body and weakens it to the point the body is unable to fight other health conditions. It is an incurable condition with a relatively high mortality rate, so it is very important that you monitor these symptoms. Also, the condition is often asymptomatic in the first stages and only starts showing these symptoms when it has progressed to AIDS.

For women & men

• Unexplained weight loss
• Symptoms of diarrhea
• Fever, headache, and symptoms of flu including sore throat
• Night sweats and bouts of chronic cough
• Vaginal yeast infections (in women)
• Inflammation in lymph glands around the neck
   

STI Prevention

Now that you know about STI symptoms, it is very important that you know, STI treatment and prevention is quite simple and easily possible. Let’s review the different steps adults need to take in order to prevent STIs and STDs.

• Abstinence

When it comes to “sexually transmitted diseases and infections” the best way to avoid them is to abstain from sex. Even though it sounds not fun, it is in fact the only foolproof and absolutely certain way to avoid and prevent STIs and STDs. With every other prevention measure, there is still a very small chance you can still get STIs and STDs.

• Safe Sex

Safe sex is the most important prevention method for STIs. The key is to use latex condoms during any type of penetrative sex or use dental dams for oral sex. It reduces your risk of STIs and STDs almost completely, while allowing you to indulge in sexual activities. Even practices like maintaining personal hygiene and voiding your bladder after intercourse can help reduce your risk of STIs and STDs along with condoms and dental dams.

• Choosing Partners Responsibly

If you think your partner may have STIs or STDs, don’t engage in sexual activities with them to keep yourself safe. In any case, if your partner has developed these infections suddenly, get it checked out immediately and talk to your doctors regarding how you can move forward with your sex life. In most cases, even if the person is positive for STIs or STDs, practicing safe sex can be a way to keep yourself safe. However, choosing partners responsibly still triumphs in practicing safe sex as it reduces your risk factors significantly.

• Regular Checkups

If you are a sexually active adult, you should go through regular checkups with your urologist or gynecologist to make sure you are safe from STIs and STDs. As mentioned previously, even with all the preventative measures, it is still possible to contract these conditions and early diagnosis can certainly help you minimize its effects on your health and even treat the condition completely. Doctors offer STI and STD diagnostic tests to make sure you are safe and healthy.

• Bonus Point: Educating Yourself

You are already doing it. Educating yourself about the symptoms and common STIs and STDs is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe and get an early diagnosis. With most conditions, even if they are not curable, it is possible to manage the condition and treat it. So, kudos on taking the first step.
 

Conclusion

These are some of the most important STI causes and symptoms that you need to know about straight from the top gynecologist in Delhi only at MASSH. For more information about sexual health and to learn more about how to prevent STIs and STDs, feel free to visit MASSH. Our experts can help you learn more about sexual wellness and help you treat any existing STIs as quickly as possible. Check out our website to learn more about our treatment options for STIs or visit us today to consult our specialists.