Services
GYNAECOLOGY
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
What are sexually transmitted infections?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections or diseases passed from one person to another through sexual intercourse. These infections occur when a bacteria, virus, or parasite enters the body.
There are different types of sexually transmitted infections, namely:
Chlamydia:
This is a bacterial infection that causes symptoms such as pain during sex or urination, green or yellowish discharge from the penis or vagina, and pain in the lower abdomen. Pregnant women may also get chlamydia. Left untreated, it may result in infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, infections and eye infections in pregnant women.
Human papillomavirus (HPV):
This is a virus that may be passed through skin-to-skin sexual intercourse. It may cause symptoms such as warts on the genitals, mouth, or throat. In some cases, HPV may cause oral, cervical, vulvar, penile and rectal cancer.
Syphilis:
This is a bacterial infection that is often unnoticed in its early stages. Small round sores are the first symptoms to appear and may develop on the genitals, anus, or mouth. It is not painful, but it is very infectious. Left untreated, it may cause loss of vision, hearing and memory, and infections of the brain or spinal cord.
HIV:
This is a virus that affects the immune system and increases the risk of contracting other diseases as well as certain cancers. It may cause symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, sore throat and nausea. Left untreated, it may lead to AIDS.
Gonorrhoea:
This is a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It may cause symptoms such as pain during sex or urination, sore throat, itchiness around the genitals and discharge from the penis or vagina. Left untreated, it may lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease and infections of the urethra, prostate gland or testicles.
Herpes:
This is a virus that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. There are two different types of viruses, namely, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 may cause oral herpes, and HSV-2 may cause genital herpes. It may cause symptoms such as blistery sores that may occur on the genitals or around the mouth.
How are sexually transmitted infections treated?
Treatment for STIs depends on the type of STI you are diagnosed with. If you are diagnosed with bacterial or viral STIs, Dr Vatharajh may recommend antibiotics to treat these STIs. To treat other STIs, oral or topical medications may be prescribed to help treat them.
Dr Rochelle Vatharajh is a family-friendly Gynaecologist and Obstetrician
based at Netcare Parklands Hospital in Durban.
