An interview with Dr Aparna Srivastav, Senior Gynaecologist. She answers questions about “Sexual Transmitted Infection– STI” or “Sexual Transmitted Disease – STDs” that are commonly spread by sex, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex and oral sex. Many People experience it but it is easily cured !!
Question 1. What is an STI?
Answer: STI is an infection, that passes from one person to another through intimate contact or while having unprotected sex.
Question 2. How does it spread?
Answer:
- It can spread during oral, vaginal or anal sex.
- It can even be passed on by skin to skin genital contact.
Question 3. What are types of Infections?
Answer: STIs are of many types . The common ones are
Sexual Transmitted Infection STI
Viral Bacterial Parasitic Fungal Yeast Infection
HIV Syphilis Public Lice ( Like Candida)
Hepatitis B Gonorrhoea Scabies Human Papilloma Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus Chlamydia Trichomoniasis
Question 4. What are the symptoms of STI?
Answer:
- Ulcer/Sore/Blisters on private parts or around anus or mouth.
- Irregular growth (warts) in genital area
- Unusual smelling and discoloured vaginal discharge.
- Discharge from penis
- Rash/Itching on private areas of body
- Pain during intercourse.
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting after sexual intercourse.
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain or swelling of glands around genital region.
Question 5. Who are at risk?
Answer:
- People who are sexually active. The risk increases with multiple partners.
- Risk of STI also depends on sexual behavior.
Question 6. What are the Complications of STI?
Answer:
- Infertility
- Complications in pregnancy.
- Untreated STIs can cause cancer.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Damage to reproductive organs
- Discomfort in genital areas
- Transmission of infection to fetus.
- STIs like HIV and HBV ( hepatitis B ) cause decrease in life span.
Question 7. How can it be tested?
Answer: You need to talk to your doctor in case of any symptoms. STI screening involves;-
- Physical/Pelvic examination – to rule out any rash, wart, discharge.
- Blood Investigation.
- Urine test
- Fluids or tissue sample.
Question 8. How can I prevent STI?
Answer:
- Practice safe sex.
- Use condom every time.
- Avoid having multiple partners.
- Routine hygiene measures like , washing before & after intercourse, not sharing towels/underwearsetc
- Vaccinate yourself against Hepatitis B
- Get tested for HIV.
- Annual pelvic examination.
- Avoid alcohol or drugs. Consumption of these before a sexual encounter increases the risk of unsafe sex manifold.
