Have you ever thought about how important your sexual health is?
Maybe not, but the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a reality that potentially affects everyone. Often silent, because they are asymptomatic, they can have serious consequences if not detected and treated promptly.
Knowing about STIs is an act of responsibility towards yourself and your partner.
In this article, we'll explain what they are, how they're transmitted, what signs—even hidden ones—can reveal their presence, and, above all, how to protect yourself. Because being informed is the first step to taking care of your health.
What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that are spread primarily through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
They can be caused by various pathogens, including:
- Bacteria: including Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea) and Treponema pallidum (syphilis).
- Virus: such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), HPV (human papillomavirus), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV).
- Parasites: such as Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis).
- Mushrooms: such as Candida albicans (genital candidiasis), although the latter is often considered an opportunistic condition rather than a true STI.
It is important to note that some STIs can also be transmitted through contact with infected blood or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
What are the symptoms of STIs?
Many STIs can be asymptomatic, especially in the early stages. This means a person can be infected and transmit the infection unknowingly. When symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the infection and the person's gender.
Some common symptoms include:
- Abnormal discharge from the genitals: whitish, yellowish or greenish discharge.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Ulcers, blisters, or warts on the genitals, anus, or mouth.
- Itching, redness, or swelling of the genitals.
- Pelvic pain in women.
- Testicular pain in men.
It is essential to consult a doctor if any of these symptoms appear.
Why is it important to know if you have the infection even if you have no symptoms?
Even in the absence of symptoms, an untreated STI can cause serious long-term complications, including:
- Infertility: in both men and women.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women: which can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
- Complications during pregnancy: such as preterm birth, low birth weight and neonatal infections.
- Increased risk of contracting other STIs, including HIV.
- Damage to internal organs: such as the heart, brain and nervous system, in case of untreated infections such as syphilis.
- Some types of cancer: such as cervical cancer (associated with HPV) and Kaposi's sarcoma (associated with HIV).
Early diagnosis and timely treatment are therefore crucial to prevent these complications.
What tests are used to diagnose STIs?
The diagnosis of STIs is based on different types of tests, depending on the suspected infection.
Tests for the most common sexually transmitted infections:
- Blood tests: for the diagnosis of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C.
- Urethral or vaginal swab: for the diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.
- Urine test: for the diagnosis of chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Pap test and HPV test: for the diagnosis of HPV infections in the cervix.
It is important to consult a doctor to determine which tests are most appropriate for your situation.
What to do if the test is positive
If you test positive for an STI, it is essential to:
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully: for the treatment of infection.
- Inform your sexual partner: to allow him/her to undergo testing and treatment, preventing the spread of the infection.
- Avoid unprotected sex: until treatment is completed and healing is confirmed.
- Undergo follow-up checks: to verify the effectiveness of the treatment and prevent any relapses.
It's important to emphasize that STIs aren't just a sexual health problem; they can significantly impact overall health. As we've seen, some untreated STIs can cause serious long-term complications, affecting multiple organ systems. Furthermore, some STIs can increase the risk of contracting other infections, such as HIV.
Therefore, prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment of STIs are essential for overall health and well-being.
Your sexual health is important: don't neglect it!
If you have any concerns about your sexual health, if you have had unprotected sex or if you experience suspicious symptoms, do not hesitate to contact the Hub Vicenza Medical Center.
Our specialists are at your disposal for a personalized consultation, to carry out specific diagnostic tests and to provide you with all the information and support you need.
BOOK NOW your visit to the HUB Outpatient Clinic in Vicenza.
Call 0444251922 for more information and reservations or book online.
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