What is STI?
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection (bacterial, viral or parasitic) that can easily be passed on through any type of sexual contact. These infections are spread by contact with sexual fluids such as:
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
- With exposure to blood and in some cases saliva.
There are many other infections that can be passed on incidentally through sexual contact (like colds, flu etc.), but we only use the definition STI for the infections where the most likely (or only) way of transmitting it is, is through sexual contact.
About the terms STI, Sexually transmitted disease (STD) Venereal disease (VD)
The term sexually transmitted disease (STD) has more or less been replaced by sexually transmitted infection (STI), as this has a broader definition. The main distinction is that someone can have a sexually transmitted infection without actually showing symptoms or signs of a disease. Therefor it makes more sense to call them STI’s
The even older term, venereal disease (VD) has fallen out of favour mainly due to the stigma attached to it.
Most common ways STI’s are spread
The most common ways sexually transmitted infections are spread is through bodily fluids such as:
- Semen
- Vaginal secretions
- Blood
- Some can be passed on through skin to skin contact (scabies/crabs , etc.)
Risk Factors for STI’s
- Multiple sexual partners
- Unprotected sex
- Sharing sex toys
- IV Drug use and needle sharing
- Already having an underlying infection such as herpes for instance.
Complications
- Damage to reproductive organs
- Infertility
- Damage to other organs (heart, eyes etc)
- Pelvic Inflammatory disease
- Passing an infection to unsuspecting partners
- Passing on an infection to a newborn baby (mom to child)
Importance of routine screening
It is important to note that several of the sexually transmitted infections can be asymptomatic so it is vital to have regular routine screens, especially if you have multiple partners and/ or you are having sex with someone other than your regular partner. This is also the advice if you only perform oral sex.
Condoms will offer protection against most infections. However, condoms do not always protect against HPV/genital warts and genital herpes infection.
