The Basics
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are passed from person to person through sexual contact. HIV is an STI. There are more than 25 other sexually transmitted infections that are mainly spread by sexual contact such as vaginal, anal, and MouthAction. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than one million people get an STI every day.

STIs are also sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). While "STD" is often used interchangeably with "STI," they are not exactly the same. A "disease" is usually an obvious medical problem with clear signs and symptoms. "Infection" with an STI may or may not result in disease. This is why many individuals and organizations working in health are moving toward using the term "sexually transmitted infection" more than "sexually transmitted disease." Most people with STIs do not have any symptoms and are therefore often unaware of their ability to pass the infection on to their sexual partner(s).

If left untreated, STIs can cause serious health problems including cervical cancer, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and pregnancy problems. Having some STIs (such as chancroid, herpes, syphilis, and trichomoniasis) can increase the risk of your getting HIV if you are HIV-negative and get exposed to HIV. People living with HIV may also be at greater risk of getting or passing on other STIs. If and when people living with HIV get STIs, they can experience more serious problems from them or have greater difficulty getting rid of the infections.

The US has the highest rate of STIs in the resource-rich world. In the US, about 20 million new infections occur each year. Half of these occur among American young people (15-24 years old), who are more at risk for STIs than older adults. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that in 2017, the US experienced its fourth year of steep increases in the number of people who got chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis (the three nationally reportable STIs). Despite being only a small proportion of sexually active people overall, young people accounted for half of all new STI cases.
In the case of Nigeria, the situation is alarming, 2 of out 10 nigerians has at one time being infected and it is becoming a major health issue especially among the most sexually active population

There are several reasons why teenage girls and young women are more at risk for sexually transmitted infections. First, the cervix (passage between the vagina and womb) in adolescents and young women is lined with cells that are more likely to become infected with STIs. Second, teenagers and young adults may have problems getting the information and supplies they need to avoid STIs. They may also have trouble getting STI prevention services because they do not know where to find them, do not have transportation to get there, or cannot pay for them. Even if teenagers and young women can get STI prevention services, they may not feel comfortable in places designed for adults. They may also have concerns about confidentiality.
Regardless of race or age, less than half of those who should be tested for sexually transmitted infections receive STI screening. This is especially important for women, since women suffer more frequent and more serious complications from STIs than men.

Many sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms, but can still be passed from person to person. A lot of people who have an STI do not even know it. They may look healthy, and still have an STI. The only way to know for sure is to get tested - to have regular sexual health screenings by your health care provider. In the Nigeria, you can find an STI screening site in your area by looking here.

While many people with sexually transmitted infections show no signs or symptoms of their infection, when there are signs of STIs they are most likely to be in the genital area. The genital area in women includes the vulva (the area around the vagina including the lips), vagina (the opening where menstrual blood comes out), buttocks, urethra (the opening above the vagina where urine comes out) and anus (the opening where a bowel movement comes out). The genital area in men includes the penis, scrotum ("balls", urethra, and anus.

Fortunately, you can reduce your chances of getting many sexually transmitted infections by practicing safer sex. Most STIs, though not all, can be successfully cured through treatment. For other STIs, there are effective herbal medications which are natural remedy that can help you .
Chlamydia
This is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by a bacterium that exists in vaginal secretions and semen ("cum". It can be spread by vaginal, oral, or anal sex without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier. Pregnant women can pass it on to their babies during delivery. Symptoms may include vaginal discharge and burning sensational during urination, but most women do not have any symptoms. Chlamydia can be successfully treated with natural antibiotics. If left untreated, it can spread to a woman's upper, internal reproductive organs (ovaries and fallopian tubes) and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to infertility and make it difficult or impossible to become pregnant.

Yearly chlamydia screening is recommended by the CDC for all sexually-active women under the age of 25, as well as for older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners. Unfortunately, recent reports show that less than half of sexually active women under 26 are screened for chlamydia, in part because of a lack of awareness among health care providers. If you are not offered a chlamydia test, you may want to request one from your health care provider.

Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by viruses. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the name of a large group of viruses. Certain types of HPV cause warts on the hands or feet. Other types cause infections in the genital area that can lead to genital warts, cervical cancer, or cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus, and penis. Genital HPV is spread easily through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Condoms do not totally prevent transmission. People living with HIV are more likely to be infected with HPV than HIV-negative people. People living with HIV and HPV are also more likely to develop genital warts, as well as cervical or anal cancer.
Gonorrhea
Often called "the clap," this bacterial sexually transmitted infection exists in vaginal secretions and semen. It can be spread through vaginal, anal, or MouthAction without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier. Symptoms may include a yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge and a burning feeling when urinating. Gonorrhea can also affect the anus and the throat. Many women have no symptoms. Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can cause PID and infertility. All sexually active women should be screened for gonorrhea.

Herpes
This sexually transmitted infection is caused by a virus that lives in the nerves. There are two common types of herpes. Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) usually causes cold sores around the mouth. Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) usually causes sores in the genital area. However, it is possible to get HSV-2 in the mouth and HSV-1 in the genital area. Symptoms include itchy or painful blisters. The virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact with sores, but it may also spread even before sores can be seen on the infected person. In most people, the sores come and go, but the virus stays in the body for life. Sometimes there are no symptoms because the virus is "hiding" in the nerves. Some women living with HIV never had blisters or sores before they became infected with HIV, and are then surprised when they develop an "outbreak" of sores because their immune systems are weakened by HIV.

HIV
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is present in blood, vaginal secretions, semen, and breast milk. HIV can be spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier. As many as one in five people living with HIV in the US do not know they have the virus. Many people living with HIV look and feel healthy and do not think they are at risk for becoming sick or passing HIV to others.

It is important that you also get tested if:

You have ever had vaginal, anal, or MouthAction without a condom
You have ever shared needles or syringes to inject drugs or other substances
You are uncertain of your partner's status or your partner is living with HIV
You are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant
You have ever been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection or disease
You have hepatitis C
You begin treatment for tuberculosis (TB)
If left untreated, HIV can cause serious illness and death. If you test HIV+ there are effective medications to help you stay well. But you cannot get the health care and treatment you need if you do not know your HIV status. For more information on HIV, go to the section on The Well Project website called HIV: The Basics.

Syphilis
This sexually transmitted infection is caused by a bacterium. It can be spread by vaginal, anal, or MouthAction without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier. The disease has several phases. People with primary syphilis (early disease) may have pain-free open sores, called chancres, in the genital or anal area or around the mouth. The sores usually heal on their own in three to six weeks. People with secondary syphilis (a later stage of the disease) often have a rash and/or hair loss. If left untreated, syphilis can proceed to the latent stage during which it may have no visible symptoms but can cause damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Syphilis can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Without treatment, it can hurt your body's organs, leading to severe illness and even death. Pregnant women can pass syphilis to their babies during pregnancy and childbirth, so it is important that pregnant women get tested for syphilis.

Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the liver. Some types of hepatitis are caused by viruses that exist in blood, vaginal secretions, semen, and breast milk. These include hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV), all of which can be sexually transmitted. There is a vaccine to prevent HAV and HBV, but not for HCV. HAV goes away on its own, but HBV and HCV can become chronic (long-term) and very serious. Because HBV and HCV often have no symptoms, most people are not aware that they have the infection. It is important for people living with HIV to be tested for HBV and HCV and treated if necessary. For more information, see our article on Treatment of Hepatitis C in People Living with HIV.

Pubic Lice ("Crabs"
Pubic lice live in the pubic hair and can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. They can also be spread through infected clothes and bedding. Symptoms may include intense itching and seeing lice or eggs in the hair. Pubic lice can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, pregnant women must use products specially designed for them. Contaminated clothes, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and towels should be washed in hot water and laundry soap to kill lice and eggs and to prevent being infected again.

Trichomoniasis
This sexually transmitted infection is caused by a single-celled germ called a protozoa. It can be spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier. Trichomoniasis is a common cause of vaginal infections. Symptoms may include a foamy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and itching. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Trichomoniasis can be successfully treated with antibiotics. When a woman is infected with trichomoniasis, she and her sexual partner must both be treated, or the untreated partner can re-infect her.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TREATMENT AND COUNSELLING KINDLY CONTACT DR MOSES A WILLIAMS OF GILGAL HERBAL CONSULT 07036507238: