Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that spread from one person to another during unprotected sex. They are caused by microorganisms: viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi. They are very common, and many people who have them do not show symptoms. According to official data, they are currently one of the most important public health issues and are some the leading causes of consultations in local health centers.
STIs can be dangerous, but the good news is that testing is not complicated and most of these infections are easy to treat.
There are several sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We are here to help you understand everything.
Trichomoniasis (Trich)
Causing Agent
Vaginal Trichomonas Protista
Transmission
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Unprotected sex
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Contact with infected toilets
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Infected towels or wet clothes
Symptoms
If you have symptoms of trichomoniasis, these usually appear between three days and a month after you have contracted the infection.
People of any gender can get Trichomoniasis but most often people with vaginas get Trich that in turn causes vaginitis.
Symptoms of vaginitis caused by trich include:
• Green, yellow, gray, frothy, and/or bad-smelling vaginal discharge
• Blood in vaginal discharge
• Itching and irritation in and around the vagina
• Swelling around the genitals
• Pain during sex
Other symptoms of trich include pain and burning when you pee, the urge to pee a lot, discharge from the urethra, and itching and irritation inside the penis.
The signs of trich can be barely noticeable, or really painful and irritating. It’s common for the symptoms to come and go, but that doesn’t mean the infection went away. The only way to get rid of trichomoniasis is to treat it with medicine.
Monoliasis (Candida)
Causing Agent
Candida Albicanis Fungus
Transmission
-
Unprotected sex
-
Contact with infected clothing
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Contact with infected toilets
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During delivery
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Due to deficiencies in the immune system
Symptoms
In women, itching and irritation on the vulva, white discharge accompanied by lumps, vaginal dryness and pain during urination and pain during sexual intercourse.
In men, redness, rashes or irritation on the penis and discharge from the urethra. It can also appear in the form of milkweed in the rectum, mouth or throat.
Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono or the Kissing Disease)
Causing Agent
Epstein-Barr Virus
Transmission
-
From saliva from kissing
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Contact with other objects contaminated with saliva (popsicles, pencils, etc.)
Symptoms
Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and high fever which can be confused with the flu.
Vaginosis
Causing Agent
Bacteria
Transmission
-
Sexual intercourse
-
Lack of hygiene
Symptoms
In women it can appear a grayish discharge accompanied by a very bad smell, itching in the genitals and sometimes pain when having sex.
References:
Planned Parenthood® . (2018). Infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS). Recuperado de https://www.plannedparenthood.org/es/temas-de-salud/enfermedades-de-transmision-sexual-ets
Sosa Josué; Sansores Deily; Suárez Lizandra y Rodríguez Lucía. (2018). Infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS). Recuperado de libro de campaña de promoción de la salud sexual y reproductiva (P. 47).