A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that is transmitted through sexual contact involving the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis. The most common symptoms of STI include discharge, burning, and itching around your genital area. Sexually transmitted infections are very contagious, if you are sexually active, you are at risk of having an STI. <h2>What are the types of sexually transmitted infections?</h2>The most common types of STIs are:<ul><li>HIV/AIDs</li><li>Chlamydia</li><li>Genital herpes</li><li>Genital warts</li><li>Gonorrhea</li><li>Hepatitis B&nbsp;</li><li>Human papillomavirus</li><li>Syphilis</li><li>Trichomoniasis</li><li>Vaginitis</li></ul> <h2>What are the risk factors for sexually transmitted infections?</h2>Being sexually active means you are at risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection. There are other means through which STIs can be shared like the use of contaminated needs. This may occur in the following cases:<ul><li>Unregulated piercings</li><li>Unregulated tattoos</li><li>Use of the same needles for intravenous drugs</li></ul> <h2>What causes STIs</h2>Sexually transmitted infections develop when viruses, bacteria, or parasites infect your body. These microorganisms can be obtained from bodily fluids like blood, urine, semen, saliva, and other mucous-lined areas. <h2>What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections?</h2>It is important to note that you might not have symptoms however, if you do they may appear around the genitals and they include:<ul><li>Sores, warts, and bumps near the vagina, penis, mouth, or anus.&nbsp;</li><li>Swelling near penis or vagina.</li><li>Itching around the penis or vagina.</li><li>Pain during sexual encounter</li><li>Pain during urination</li><li>Vaginal discharge that has a very foul odor.</li><li>Vaginal bleeding when not on your period.</li></ul><h4>Other symptoms in the body include:</h4><ul><li>Skin rashes</li><li>Body aches&nbsp;</li><li>Pain</li><li>Fever</li><li>Weight loss</li><li>Chills</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Night sweats</li></ul> <h2>What are the complications of sexually transmitted infections?</h2><h4>When not treated STIs can cause lifelong complications in women like:</h4><ul><li>Pelvic inflammatory diseases</li><li>Infertility&nbsp;</li><li>Chronic pelvic pain</li><li>Ectopic pregnancy</li><li>Increased risk of cancers like cervical cancer</li></ul><h4>When not treated STIs can cause lifelong complications in men:</h4><ul><li>Infertility</li><li>Swollen testicles</li><li>Infections in the urethra and prostate</li></ul> <h2>How to maintain sexual health</h2><ol><li>Regular testing - Ensure you get tested regularly, most especially if you have multiple sexual partners. Early detection and treatment are very important for the spread of STIs. You may choose to get tested as often as every 3 to 6 months.&nbsp;</li><li>Use of Condoms as a means of protection to decrease the risk of STI transmission.</li><li>Vaccinations - Get vaccines against some STIs like HPV and Hepatitis B.&nbsp;</li><li>Open discussion with your sexual partners about your STI history and testing.&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid risky behaviors - This includes having multiple sex partners.&nbsp;</li></ol> <h2>How are sexually transmitted infections treated?</h2>The goal of sexually transmitted infection treatment is to:<ul><li>Reduce your symptoms</li><li>Cure many STIs not all</li><li>Decrease the risk of spread.</li></ul>The treatment of STIs includes taking&nbsp;<ul><li>Antibiotics&nbsp;</li><li>Antivirals</li></ul> <h1>Key Takeaways</h1><ul><li>Early recognition of symptoms is very important in improving the general health</li><li>Maintaining your sexual health is very important for the prevention and treatment of STIs</li><li>Regular testing, open communication, and safe sex practices are key strategies.</li></ul>

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