Common sexually transmitted infections

HIV

SYFILIS

GONORROE

CHLAMYDIA

HPV

HEBATITIS,B

Trichomoniasis

What is an STI (sexually transmitted infection)

An STI sexually transmitted infection is an infection that is most often passed on through sexual contact vaginal anal or oral sex STIs can be caused by bacteria viruses or parasites Examples include chlamydia gonorrhoea syphilis HPV human papillomavirus herpes and HIV

But not all STIs are transmitted only through sex Some infections can also be passed from mother to child during birth or through infected blood and unsafe medical instruments such as needles

The difficulty is that many STIs cause no symptoms at first A person may be infected and spread the infection without realising it That is why regular testing is important especially for people who are sexually active or have multiple partners The World Health Organization WHO stresses the importance of early detection as this helps with prompt treatment and prevents further spread

If left untreated STIs can lead to serious complications such as infertility chronic inflammation ectopic pregnancy or an increased risk of HIV The good news is that many STIs are treatable or manageable particularly when detected early

Prevention is better than cure Protect yourself by using condoms male or female correctly getting tested regularly taking vaccinations such as the HPV vaccine and most importantly by staying well informed Sexual health is not only about yourself but also about those around you

How can you get an STI

In most cases an STI is transmitted through sexual contact vaginal anal or oral Direct contact with bodily fluids such as semen vaginal secretions or blood carries a high risk of infection especially when no condom is used

But it is not only about bodily fluids Some infections such as herpes and HPV human papillomavirus can also be passed through skin to skin contact with an infected area even when there are no visible symptoms or sores

There are also other ways an STI can be transmitted

Sharing needles or contaminated sharp instruments Blood transfusions or organ transplants from an infected donor From mother to child during birth and sometimes through breastfeeding

In short STIs are usually transmitted through sex but there are several other ways infection can occur That is why it is important to understand the risks and take prevention and testing seriously not only to protect yourself but also those around you

What types of STIs are there

Bacterial STIs

Viral STIs

Parasitic STIs

What increases the risk of an STI

Een soa ontstaat niet zomaar. Er zijn verschillende factoren die de kans op een besmetting vergroten. Dit verschilt per persoon, afhankelijk van levensstijl, het type seksuele contacten en bepaalde medische of hygiënische omstandigheden.

Deze factoren betekenen niet dat iemand per se een soa krijgt, maar ze verhogen wél het risico. Het kennen van deze risico’s helpt om bewustere en gezondere keuzes te maken.

Unprotected sex

Not using condoms during sex greatly increases the risk of an STI even if your partner shows no visible symptoms

Multiple sexual partners

Having multiple sexual partners or sex with someone who has several partners themselves greatly increases the risk of getting an STI

No regular testing

Skipping regular STI tests means an infection may be discovered later This increases the risk of complications and of unknowingly passing the infection on to others

Drug use with injection needles

Sharing needles or syringes among drug users greatly increases the risk of infections such as HIV or hepatitis

Young age

Teenagers and young adults are more likely to contract an STI This is partly due to less experience with safe sex and less consistent use of condoms

No vaccination

Not receiving vaccinations such as those against HPV or hepatitis B increases the likelihood of contracting these infections in the future Vaccination is one of the most effective...

Having had an STI before

Anyone who has had an STI in the past is at greater risk of becoming infected again especially if no lasting precautions are taken

Substance abuse drugs or alcohol

Using drugs or alcohol can impair the ability to make sensible decisions This increases the likelihood of risky sexual behaviour such as unprotected sex or having multiple partners

How is an STI test done

An STI can be detected in different ways depending on the infection being tested for A blood test is usually required for HIV and syphilis while chlamydia and gonorrhoea are often found through a urine test Sometimes a swab is taken from the throat vagina penis or anus for example in the case of herpes or HPV For women a cervical smear Pap test can help detect cell changes linked to HPV There are also highly accurate DNA tests PCR or NAAT that can identify the genetic material of a virus or bacterium at an early stage The type of test used depends on a person’s sex the kind of sexual contact they have and whether there are any symptoms Regular testing remains important in all cases especially with multiple partners or unprotected sex Early detection makes treatment easier and reduces the risk of passing on an infection unknowingly

Can ordinary drugs lead to an STI Yes and this is why

When people think about STIs many only consider the risk of shared needles or contaminated instruments That is partly true but there is another important factor that is often overlooked the effect of drugs even non injectable ones on sexual behaviour

Substances such as cannabis alcohol or stimulant pills do not directly cause infection but they do influence how a person thinks and makes decisions Simply put under the influence a person is more likely to have unprotected sex sex with unknown partners or to skip conversations about sexual health

👇 What actually happens

When someone uses drugs the brain produces extra dopamine the chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and euphoria In that moment the brain wants to maintain that high even at the expense of safety This can lead to skipping condom use or ignoring testing simply to keep the temporary rush

As a result the focus shifts from prevention to short term pleasure leading to a much greater risk of an STI

Can ordinary drugs lead to an STI Yes and this is why

With repeated use drugs reprogramme the brain

Sex that feels exciting becomes unconsciously linked to unsafe reckless and boundaryless behaviour This creates an association between pleasure and risk pushing protection into the background

💡 What research shows including WHO and CDC

More sex without condoms More random or changing partners Less self awareness during sex Poorer memory afterwards and weaker risk assessment

📌 The key message

It is not only injection needles that connect drugs to STIs the loss of control the effect on your choices and the lack of alertness at the crucial moment do so as well

Think of it this way the drug does not bring the infection into your body but it opens the path for it Every time you skip protection you often without realising it open the door to new risk

How can you recognise an STI

STIs can cause a range of symptoms and it is important to recognise them early so that treatment can be quick and effective The symptoms vary from person to person but there are several signs that occur quite often

Changes in vaginal or genital discharge for example a different colour smell or amount can indicate an infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea Pain or a burning sensation when urinating can also be a sign of an STI or a urinary tract infection

Sores small wounds or warts around the genitals can point to genital herpes or HPV Persistent itching or irritation in the genital or anal area may also indicate an infection sometimes alongside a fungal infection

In women pain in the lower abdomen or symptoms of pelvic inflammation can be caused by chlamydia or gonorrhoea Pain during intercourse can also be a warning sign

Some infections such as HIV can cause flu like symptoms in the early stage including fever tiredness and swollen lymph nodes

It is important to remember that not all STIs show clear symptoms That is why regular testing remains the most reliable way to detect an infection in time even when there are no visible signs

🧫 Syphilis

Painless sores Skin rash on the body or palms Later neurological or heart problems if left untreated

🦠 Human papillomavirus HPV

Genital warts soft and raised Often no symptoms Some types are linked to cervical cancer

🦠 Genital herpes

Painful blisters or sores Itching or burning around the genitals Symptoms may return from time to time

🦠 HIV human immunodeficiency virus

Flu like symptoms fever tiredness swollen lymph nodes Later a weakened immune system if left untreated

🦠 Hepatitis B and C

Chronic fatigue Abdominal pain Jaundice yellowing of the skin or eyes

🪱 Trichomonas trichomoniasis

Frothy discharge with a strong smell Itching or irritation around the genitals Burning sensation when urinating Sometimes no symptoms

You’ve just found out you’ve got an STI… what should you do next

First things first you’re not on your own

Getting told you have an STI can bring up all sorts of feelings worry embarrassment even a bit of fear and that’s completely normal The most important thing now is to stay calm and remember that many STIs are easily treated Having one doesn’t define you or say anything about your worth as a person

Get in touch with your GP or a sexual health clinic where you can talk through the results and discuss the best treatment option together Your privacy will always be respected

If your test comes back positive we offer free and complete treatment for three of the most common STIs chlamydia gonorrhoea and trichomonas Health care should never be a privilege it’s a right and everyone deserves access to it

But it’s not just about you It’s also important to let your sexual partners know in an honest and considerate way Not to place blame but to protect them and give them the chance to get tested and treated too It might feel uncomfortable but it’s a brave responsible and caring thing to do both for yourself and for them

Always follow your doctor’s advice whether it’s about medication or follow up appointments And don’t forget to look after your mental wellbeing Talk to someone you trust or reach out for professional support if you need it

Finally don’t see an STI as a label or a fault It can happen to anyone What really matters is how you handle it by getting tested getting treated staying aware and being kind to yourself

Sexual health isn’t a luxury it’s a vital part of your overall wellbeing Take it seriously and give yourself the care you deserve We’re here to help

Treatment of STIs

🦠 Viruses not fully curable but manageable with antiviral medication such as HIV and herpes

🧫 Bacteria effectively treated with antibiotics such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea

🪱 Parasites treated with antiparasitic medicine such as trichomonas

📌 Important always complete the full course of treatment and avoid sex while being treated

The treatment of an STI depends greatly on the type of infection There is no single solution that works for everyone

For bacterial infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea antibiotics are usually prescribed It is essential to complete the full course for successful treatment

Viral STIs such as herpes and HIV cannot be completely cured but their symptoms can be controlled with antiviral medication These help to reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of transmission

For viruses such as hepatitis B and C treatment focuses on slowing liver damage often with specialised antiviral medicines For HPV human papillomavirus there are effective vaccines that offer protection and in many cases the body clears the virus on its own

Parasitic STIs such as trichomonas are treated with antiparasitic medicines which are highly effective when taken as prescribed

It is very important to finish the treatment completely and not stop early even if symptoms improve It is also wise to inform sexual partners so that they can be tested and treated too

During treatment it is advised to avoid sexual contact until the course is finished and recovery has been confirmed

Regular testing practising safe sex and following medical advice are key to long term sexual health Remember following the guidance of your healthcare provider is the quickest and safest way to recover