List of the most common sexually transmitted infections

“Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent.”

RD Laing

What are sexually transmitted infections or STIs?

They are those diseases caused by infections whose mechanism of contagion is sexual contact.

This happens because in sexual intercourse skin and mucous membranes of two people come into contact with each other, in sufficient extension and time so that transmission from the sick person to the healthy one is possible, as long as it is not avoided with specific means of prevention.

The most common sexually transmitted infections are:

Human papillomavirus infection

The main manifestations are flat or acuminate warts, better known as condylomas, located in the genital, anal, nasal, oral areas… It may not cause any manifestations but it can infect partners.

Genital herpes simplex virus infection

It is a recurrent and incurable viral infection. The lesions are very typical: cluster, clusters of micro-vesicles on a reddened skin that erode covirtiéndose in micro-ulcers that are subsequently covered with a crust and heal spontaneously about a week. There are two types:

Type 1: Located mainly on the lips and mouth.

Type 2: Causes most cases of genital infection.

Due to oral sex practices, there may be cases of interchange of location and types. Recurrences are frequent, especially in the first year. They are more frequent and aggressive in people with HIV/AIDS infection. Previous herpes simplex infection favors the acquisition of HIV/AIDS infection due to the small ulcers that are produced, thus facilitating the entry of HIV.

HIV/AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome An infectious, chronic and fatal disease that destroys the body’s defenses, exposing it to multiple infections that can range from mild to very serious. It is called acquired because it is not congenital (you are not born with it). Complete information about HIV/AIDS here.

Syphilis

It has three periods or stages:

Primary – Develops in 20-30 days an ulcer that heals on its own, but does not cure the disease, which continues its infection inside.

Secondary – It develops in 1-2 years general manifestations, such as fever, rash and a long etc…

Tertiary – Develops 10-20 years later, affects vital organs such as the heart, nervous system, etc….

Candidiasis

It is a very common infection caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus lives in small amounts in the mucous membranes of the vagina, mouth, digestive tract and skin. Complete information on candidiasis here.

Gonococcia or Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Its most frequent manifestation is urethritis. It develops 2-14 days later. Mainly in males. This disease can lead to non-genital syndromes such as pharyngitis or prostatitis and if not cured can lead to general syndromes such as arthritis.

Chlamydea trachomatis

It is similar to gonorrhea, but with a longer onset time, from 7 to 20 days.

Hepatitis B

It is transmitted sexually as well as through the exchange of syringes, the use of the same glass, cutlery, kissing. Vaccination is currently available.

Scabies

Appearance of small pimples scattered over the body with intense itching especially at night (nocturnal activity).

Crabs

Lice that settle with their eggs in the pubic hair, causing intense itching. It is transmitted by sexual contact or infected bedding. It affects any hairy area of the body except the head.

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