Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a set of infectious diseases that are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact (vaginally, anally or orally). There are numerous types of STIs, including:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Genital herpes
- HIV
- Genital warts
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Pubic lice (‘crabs’)
What symptoms do STIs present?
Sexually transmitted infections can cause symptoms, although not always. Some patients may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain when peeing
- Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
- A rash
- Itchy genitals
- Vaginal bleeding
- Blisters or sores around the genitals
- Flu-like symptoms
- Skin growths around the genitals
What causes sexually transmitted infections?
The cause of sexually transmitted infections is either bacteria, parasites, fungi or viruses.
Can STIs be prevented?
Abstinence is the only way to completely prevent STIs, however, making sexual contact safer will also reduce the possibility of contracting an STI. If used properly, condoms can provide effective protection against many STIs. However, whilst condoms protect you from contact with fluids (semen or blood), they may not protect you from skin-to-skin transmission. It is also a good idea to have regular STI health checks if you are sexually active, to allow for early diagnosis and treatment and to stop the spread of STIs among the population. It is also a good idea to have the HPV vaccine, which is currently offered to girls at school.
What is the treatment for STIs?
Not all sexually transmitted infections can be cured. Those that are caused by bacteria, such as chlamydia, are treated with antibiotics. However, those that are caused by a virus, such as genital herpes, treatment is limited to alleviating the symptoms. STIs such as lice or trichomoniasis can be treated with topical medications.
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STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are very common. In fact, about 20 per cent of people in their 20s have experienced an STI. Usually, patients will first go straight to a GP or sexual health clinic for symptoms. However, if first-line treatment doesn’t work, patients may be referred to a genitourinary specialist (a urologist who also looks after the sexual reproductive system) to investigate the cause. See more
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While we still don't have a widespread drug that can cure the disease, there are a wide variety of effective treatments available for people with HIV, allowing them to live a long and healthy life with no risk of transmitting the virus to their partners. So, we spoke to Dr Indrajith Karunaratne, a leading consultant in genitourinary medicine to understand more about these treatments and what the general outlook is like now for people living with HIV. See more
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Dr Charles Mazhude
Genitourinary MedicineExpert in:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Syphilis
- Sexual health
- Genital warts
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- HIV
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Dr Indrajith Karunaratne
Genitourinary MedicineExpert in:
- Sexual dysfunction
- Female sexual dysfunction
- HIV
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Sexual health
- Contraceptive methods
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Dr Daniel Wright
GP (general practitioner)Expert in:
- Sexual health
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- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Allergy
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Dr Wayne Cottrell
GP (general practitioner)Expert in:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
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Dr Ferhat Uddin
GP (general practitioner)Expert in:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Women's health
- Gynaecological examination
- Sexual health
- Well-woman screening
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- See all
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The London Dermatology Centre
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