Sexually transmitted infections are some of the most contagious infections that continue to affect many individuals despite many advances in medicine. While HIV/AIDS might be the most well known and most lethal sexually transmitted infection there are many others that can have severe consequences, including death.

What is a sexually transmitted infection?

Dr. Brett Hodge

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. Anyone who has vaginal, anal or oral sex with another person who has a sexually transmitted organism can get a sexually transmitted infection. People with an STI may not know they have it. Often there are no symptoms, but this does not mean that the infection will not affect them. Symptoms may vary from one person to another. There are many different types of STIs. Some are caused by bacteria while others are caused by viruses. Sexually transmitted infections seen in Anguilla are gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, human papillomavirus infection, syphilis, genital herpes, trichomonas, hepatitis and HIV infection.

Gonorrhoea

The incidence of this infection seems to be on the decline but it is still present on the island. The individual may have few symptoms but a discharge from a woman’s vagina or a man’s penis is very common. So is painful or frequent urination. Gonorrhoea can be treated successfully if diagnosed in its early stages. Late or no treatment can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. This is a cause of infertility. Poor treatment in men can lead to strictures in the penis resulting in problems with micturiction (peeing).

Chlamydia

Occurs very frequently in adolescents and frequently the individual is unaware he/she has the infection until he/she visits a doctor for a routine check. Chlamydia can be successfully treated with antibiotics but, if left untreated, can cause PID.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection

This infection is caused by a virus and has no known cure at this time. There are more than 100 different types of viruses that cause this infection. One type causes genital warts. Different types are linked with cervical cancer. The majority of women with HPV do no develop any form of cancer.

Syphilis

This disease has seen a recent resurgence due mainly to the increase incidence of HIV/AIDS. If syphilis is detected in its early stages it can be cured with antibiotics. The majority of individuals with syphilis do not have any signs or symptoms. The first sign of this illness may be a painless, smooth sore. Syphilis may be passed from a pregnant woman to her unborn child and if this infection is not treated it can cause severe consequences including miscarriage and fetal death.

Trichomonas

This infection commonly occurs in women and often has few symptoms. If the woman has symptoms they are usually a discharge from the vagina and vaginal itching. This infection can be cured with the use of appropriate antibiotics.

Hepatitis

This serious infection of the liver is caused by a virus. Both Hepatitis B and C can be sexually transmitted. There is a vaccine against Hepatitis B but not against Hepatitis C. While many individuals with Hepatitis B or C recover completely from their illness a small percentage go on to develop chronic liver disease.

HIV/AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. This sexually transmitted infection is present in Anguilla and there are indications that the incidence is increasing. Many individuals in Anguilla do not know their HIV status. This is worrying as HIV infection may not have any symptoms for a number of years but the infected individual can still transmit the virus to other individuals. The use of antiviral medications can halt the progression of this infection. These drugs can only be used if individuals know that they are HIV positive.

Are you at risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection?

You are at an increased risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection if you:

• Have or have had more than one sexual partner

• Have a partner who has or had more than one sexual partner

• Have sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted infection

• Have a history of a sexually transmitted infection

How can you protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections?
The following are just some ways you can protect yourself:

If you are married be faithful to your partner.

If you are a teenager abstain from sex.

Practice safe sex including the use of condoms.

You should know your sexual partners and limit their number.Your partner’s sexual history is as important as your own. The more partners you or you partners have, the higher your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection.

Avoid risky sex practices. Sexual acts that tear or break the skin carry a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections. Anal sex poses a significant higher risk as tissues in her rectum break easily.

If you are at risk for Hepatitis B infections get immunised.

Getting tested

Individuals at risk of sexually transmitted infections should see their doctor on a regular basis and get tested if indicated. Many sexually transmitted infections have few or no signs and symptoms hence the importance of having a complete physical examination when you visit your doctor; and for women a pelvic examination is often necessary to detect signs of sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusion

Prevention is the key to fighting sexually transmitted infections. Individuals are encouraged to become better educated about the many sexually transmitted infections that are now occurring and seek ways of protecting themselves. Those sexually transmitted infections that are caused by bacteria that are detected and treated appropriately can be successfully treated. There are many medications to halt the progress of infections caused by viruses but at this time there is no known cure for viral transmitted sexually illnesses. Many of the sexually transmitted infections have few or no signs or symptoms therefore individuals, especially those at an increased risk, should see their doctor at regular intervals and have appropriate tests as necessary.

Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr. Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty years in clinical practice. Dr. Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.

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