Sexually transmitted infections are diseases most often spread when people have sexual intercourse. Sexually transmitted infections like HIV can also be spread by coming into contact with body fluids such as blood. A breastfeeding woman can transmit HIV to the infant during breastfeeding, while a birthing mother may infect the baby during delivery with various STIs. HIV may also be transmitted through sharing contaminated needles, as is the case for injecting drug users are also considered to be risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases. There are many sexually transmitted diseases with varying causative pathogens. Some are caused by virus, some bacteria, while others are caused by fungus.
Chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea are examples of bacterial, sexually transmitted infections. Genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis and HIV are examples of viral sexually transmitted infections (WebMD, 2019). There are sexually transmitted infections that are transmitted by parasites such thrichomoniasis. These are just but examples of sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted through skin contact and by the sharing of personal items with someone who has the infection.
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Sexually transmitted infections, like other diseases, affect the body physiologically and in some cases, hinder the normal functioning of the body. When one is affected by sexually transmitted diseases, there is need to seek medical care so that treatment is provided. Untreated sexual infections can cause inflammation, scarring and consequently damage to the reproductive organs. Infertility is a common consequence of sexually transmitted infections. Chlamydia and gonorrhea have been attributed to infertility due to blockage of fallopian tubes and pelvic inflammatory disease. Infertility, such as tubal factor infertility is a public health issue globally. Some infertility cases are preventable as they develop when sexually transmitted diseases go untreated (Tsevat, Wiesenfeld, Parks, & Peipert, 2017).
Tubal factor infertility is among the most common causes of infertility. It is associated with inflammation of fallopian tubes and consequent pelvic inflammatory disease (Tsevat et al., 2017). It is, therefore important that both men and women are screened regularly, and they seek treatment when sick to avoid future complications such as infertility.
There are various methods of contraception, with the main one being sexual. Oral, anal and vaginal sex can transmit viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases. Other mechanisms of transmission include; mother to child transmission during delivery, a mother is also capable of transmitting, for example, HIV virus to their baby during breastfeeding, sharing of contaminated personnel items also provides an opportunity of transmission. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sharing personal items with an infected person. It is important that people use protection during sex and regularly go for screening to ensure that one is not infected and prevent transmission to one’s sexual partner.
Infertility can be caused by various factors, one of them being sexually transmitted infections. Infertility, especially in women, can be attributed to various factors such as hormonal, vaginal, pelvic and uterine factors, among others (Gottlieb, Newman, Amin, Temmerman, & Broutet, 2013). Not all causes of infertility can be explained, and it is still an area with opportunities for learning by healthcare providers and researchers among others. More knowledge is needed to prevent infertility especially that caused by sexually transmitted diseases.
In conclusion, sexually transmitted diseases are diseases transmitted mostly through sexual intercourse. There are other channels of transmitted which include; mother to child transmission during delivery, and while breastfeeding, other channels of transmission include sharing contaminated needles as is the case of injecting drug users, sharing personal items among other things. Sexually transmitted infections can cause infertility when left untreated. Infertility caused by sexually transmitted infection is preventable as such people should seek treatment soonest possible to avoid infertility. Knowing the methods of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is also important as it will help people know how to protect themselves and their sexual partners. Regular screening is also recommended.
References
Gottlieb, S. L., Newman, L.M., Amin, A., Temmerman, M., & Broutet N. (2013). Sexually transmitted infections and women's sexual and reproductive health. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 123 (3):183-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.09.013
Tsevat, D. G., Wiesenfeld, H. C., Parks, C., & Peipert, J. F. (2017). Sexually transmitted diseases and infertility. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 216 (1), 1–9. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2016.08.008
WebMD. (2019, January 30). Understanding Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). WebMD. Retrieved from www.webmd.com: https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/understanding-stds-basics
