The essentials
Infections or diseases transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse are called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as venereal diseases or reproductive tract infections. Common examples are gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydiasis, genital warts, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B and HIV leading to AIDS. Hepatitis B and HIV can also spread by sharing injection needles and surgical instruments, by transfusion of infected blood, and from an infected mother to the foetus.
Except for hepatitis B, genital herpes and HIV infections, other STIs are completely curable if detected early and treated properly. Early symptoms are often minor, such as itching, fluid discharge, slight pain and swelling in the genital region. Infected females are often asymptomatic, so the infection may remain undetected for long. Delayed treatment can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), abortions, stillbirths, ectopic pregnancies, infertility or even cancer of the reproductive tract.
Key points
- Simple preventive principles: avoid sex with unknown partners or multiple partners; always use condoms; seek medical help early if in doubt.
- People in the 15–24 years age group are at relatively high risk.
- Fear and social stigma often stop people from getting early treatment.
Exam tips
Know which STIs are not completely curable. Questions often ask about routes of transmission of HIV and hepatitis B other than sexual contact.
Common mistakes
- Not all STIs show clear symptoms; absence of symptoms does not mean absence of infection.