Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) are generally acquired by sexual contact. The organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, vaginal and other bodily fluids/secretions.
Sometimes these infections can be transmitted non-sexually, such as:
From mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth
Through blood transfusions
Through needles
It is possible to contract sexually transmitted diseases from people who seem perfectly healthy, and who may not even be aware of the infection.
Symptoms
STI can have a range of signs and symptoms, including no symptoms. That is why they go unnoticed until complications occur or a partner is diagnosed. Signs and symptoms that may indicate an STI include:
Sores, itching or lumps in the genital area
Sores, itching or lumps in and around the mouth
Sores, itching or lumps in the rectal area
Pain or burning when you pass urine
Passing urine many times
Unusual or odd-smelling vaginal discharge
Discharge from the urethra
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Pain during sex
Bleeding during or after sex
Sore, swollen lumps, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
Lower abdominal pain
Lower backache
Fever
Rash over the trunk, hands or feet
Signs and symptoms may appear a few days after exposure, or it may even take years before you have any noticeable problems, depending on the type of infection.
Please remember: STDs don't always cause symptoms. So it is important to get regular check up to make sure you do not have the infection and to avoid long-term serious complications.
Types
The most common organisams causing STIs are as below:
Bacteria
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
Parasites
Trichomoniasis
Actinomyces
Viruses
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Genital Herpes (HSV II)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS
Hepatitis B Virus
Hepatitis C Virus
Effect on Your Life
In addition to the problems of bleeding, pain, vaginal discharge that seriously affect women’s lives, STIs can cause the following serious problems:
Transmission from mother to infant
Certain STIs — such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis — can be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or delivery. STIs in infants can cause serious problems and may be fatal.
All pregnant women should be screened for these infections and treated.
Complications
These include:
Pelvic pain
Infertility
Pregnancy complications
Eye inflammation
Arthritis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Heart disease
Certain cancers, such as HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers
Treatment Options
In STIs the best treatment is Prevention. Dr Salma Kayani provides detailed information on how to prevent these serious infections.
However once you have been infected, the sooner you receive treatment, the better you will recover without the long-term complications. Once infection is confirmed, your partner will also need screening and treatment.
Because many people in the early stages of an STI experience no symptoms, screening for STIs is important in preventing complications.
Dr Salma Kayani provides a state-of-the-art screening and evidence-based treatment service to ensure you remain sexually healthy and infection free.
Training, Skill and Experience of Dr Salma Kayani
Consultant Dr (Mrs) Salma Kayani has been formally trained and certified by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist (London, UK) in the expert management of this very important and sensitive issue.
She has been certified since (2002). Dr (Mrs) Salma Kayani undergoes regular re-certification by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (UK) every five years, in order to make sure that she is up-to-date and is providing the best evidence-based care to her patients.
