Uncovering all the myths of one of the most common reasons for consultation.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a group of acquired diseases that a patient might get from another person through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 20 million people get infected with an STI each year in the United States, and most are between 15 and 24 years of age. STIs should not make patients feel ashamed, as a prompt consultation will likely cure or control the disease.
Although there are more than 20 different types of STIs, some of the most common are:
Chlamydia
A bacterial infection that can be asymptomatic for long periods of time. When it does produce symptoms, they can be mild, and easily overlooked. Penile discharge, pain or burning sensation while urinating, and pain in the lower abdomen are the most common symptoms.
Chlamydia can be effectively treated with antibiotics and usually leaves no sequaleae in men.
Gonorrhea
Another bacterial infection that is less frequent than chlamydia but may coexist with it. Symptoms usually include green or yellow discharge from the penis, pain or a burning sensation while urinating, and testicular pain. Gonorrhea is also easily treated with an antibiotic regimen that might require one or more drugs.
Syphilis
While also being a bacterial infection, the clinical picture is completely different from that of chlamydia and gonorrhea. It often starts as a single or multiple sores in the penis, anus, rectum, or oral cavity, according to the site of sexual contact. These sores are usually painless and resolve by themselves without treatment, making it common for them to go unnoticed. Without proper treatment, the disease advances to a second stage that can manifest with a skin rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, malaise, and other generalized symptoms. These manifestations will also go away spontaneously and can lead to a latent stage until a tertiary stage manifests, in which the nervous and cardiovascular systems can be severely affected. Syphilis is successfully treated with antibiotics at any of the stages, but sequeale might persist, depending on the severity of the disease prior to treatment.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
A viral infection that may initially present with mild, generalized symptoms that can progress to a severe and mortal state without treatment. This virus weakens the immune system, making patients more susceptible to other infections. Although it cannot be cured, current treatment plans allow patients to live with a high quality of life and achieve a life expectancy comparable to that of a healthy individual.
Despite being very different entities, all STIs can be prevented by using barrier contraceptive methods such as condoms and practicing sexual activities with partners who have a known medical history.
Reference
• https://www.healthline.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases/men#testing
• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
• https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm
