There are many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital contact, but which ones are the major STIs that threaten your sexual health? Let’s explore the most common STIs that affect your wellbeing.
1. Chlamydia: According to the NHS, ‘Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the UK and is easily passed on during sex. Most people don’t experience any symptoms so are unaware they are infected. In women, chlamydia can cause pain or a burning sensation when urinating, a vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen during or after sex, and bleeding during or after sex, or between periods. It can also cause heavy periods. In men, chlamydia can cause pain or a burning sensation when urinating, a white, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of the penis, and pain or tenderness in the testicles. It’s also possible to have a chlamydia infection in your rectum (bottom), throat or eyes.’
2. Genital Herpes: ‘Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is the same virus that causes cold sores,’ the NHS explains. ‘Some people develop symptoms of HSV a few days after coming into contact with the virus. Small, painful blisters or sores usually develop, which may cause itching or tingling or make it painful to urinate. After you’ve been infected, the virus remains dormant (inactive) for most of the time. However, certain triggers can re-activate the virus, causing the blisters to develop again, although they’re usually smaller and less painful.’
3. Gonorrhoea: ‘Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI easily passed on during sex,’ the NHS warns. ‘About 50% of women and 10% of men don’t experience any symptoms and are unaware they’re infected. In women, gonorrhoea can cause pain or a burning sensation when urinating, a vaginal discharge (often watery, yellow or green), pain in the lower abdomen during or after sex, and bleeding during or after sex or between periods, sometimes causing heavy periods. In men, gonorrhoea can cause pain or a burning sensation when urinating, a white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of the penis, and pain or tenderness in the testicles. It’s also possible to have a gonorrhoea infection in your rectum, throat or eyes.’
4. Syphilis: The NHS details, ‘Syphilis is a bacterial infection that in the early stages causes a painless but highly infectious sore on your genitals or around the mouth. The sore can last for up to six weeks before disappearing. Secondary symptoms such as a rash, flu-like illness or patchy hair loss may then develop. These may disappear within a few weeks, after which you will have a symptom-free phase.The late or tertiary stage of syphilis usually occurs after many years and can cause serious conditions, such as heart problems, paralysis and blindness.’
5. HIV: ‘HIV is most commonly passed on through unprotected sex,’ the NHS points out. ‘It can also be transmitted by coming into contact with infected blood – for example, sharing needles to inject steroids or drugs. The HIV virus attacks and weakens the immune system, making it less able to fight infections and disease. There’s no cure for HIV but there are treatments that allow most people to live a long and otherwise healthy life. AIDs is the final stage of an HIV infection, when your body can no longer fight life-threatening infections. Most people with HIV will look and feel healthy and have no symptoms. When you first develop HIV you may experience a flu-like illness with a fever, sore throat or rash. This is called a seroconversion illness.’