Embedded Files
STIs are sneaky, and they can affect more than just down there. Think:
Most Common Spots:
Genitals (yep, all parts!): Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes
Rectum: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HPV (Genital Warts)
Mouth & Throat: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Oral Herpes
The Silent Spreaders:
Inside (Women): Vagina, cervix, and can spread to the uterus and ovaries: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis. Often, no symptoms!
Inside (Men): Urethra, and sometimes the testicles: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma Genitalium. Symptoms can be mild.
When into the Organ and untreated, STD can
Reproductive System (Women):
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
Can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes, resulting in tubal occlusion and infertility.
Increases the risk of ectopic pregnancies (pregnancies outside the uterus), which can be life-threatening.
Can cause chronic pelvic pain due to scar tissue formation.
Cervical Cancer (HPV):
Certain high-risk strains of HPV can cause cellular changes in the cervix, leading to the development of cervical cancer.
Reproductive System (Men):
Epididymitis (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea):
Can cause scarring and blockage of the epididymis, potentially leading to infertility.
In severe cases, can result in testicular atrophy.
Urethral Stricture (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia):
Can cause the Urethra to narrow, causing problems with urination.
Liver (Hepatitis B):
Cirrhosis:
Chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to scarring of the liver, resulting in cirrhosis.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma:
Increases the risk of developing liver cancer.
Nervous System (Syphilis):
Neurosyphilis:
Can cause damage to the brain and spinal cord, leading to:
Blindness.
Loss of coordination.
Cardiovascular Syphilis:
Can damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to:
Aortic aneurysms.
Heart valve problems.
Key Considerations:
The severity of organ damage can vary depending on the STI, the duration and recurrebce of infection, and individual factors.
Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent or minimize long-term complications.
It is important to remember that STI's are preventable, and treatable
Skin, lips, hair, nails are not causing STD or less affected by STD, so it is not to guess people w STD from the outside
What are the health outcomes if STDs are treated and not?
Untreated STDs: What You Need to Know
it's important you understand the risks of leaving STDs untreated. If we don't address these infections, they can cause harm that you might regrete not acting earlier. For women, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can lead to infertility in 10-15% of you after just one episode—and the more you or your partern have it, chance of not having babies is higher. For men, untreated epididymitis can affect your fertility, and urethral strictures can develop. Late-stage syphilis, if left unchecked, can damage your heart in about 10% of cases. Chronic pain from PID can impact roughly 40% of you women, and the emotional stress of untreated STDs can affect your sexual well-being. and remember, the risk of passing these infections to your children during birth is very high.
The Power of Treatment: Protecting Your Health
The good news is If we treat STDs early, we can reduce the risk of PID complications by over 90%. Early detection and vaccine of HPV greatly lower your risk of cancer. Treating epididymitis lowers 80% infertality, equal rate to preventing cardiovascular syphilis. Reduce chronic pain on the hips and clear. And most importantly, treatment during pregnancy lowers the risk of passing STDs to your baby by over 90%.
-
Why STDs cause fresh pain and life long aches
Untreated STDs can lead to persistent pelvic pain, often worsening over time. Initially, pain might be sharp or burning, but can develop into a dull, aching, or even nerve-related burning sensation in long-term cases.
Conditions like endometriosis, musculoskeletal issues, or even psychological stress can significantly amplify this pain. Don't ignore persistent pelvic pain; early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life."
Which stds can be prevented by vaccination
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine:
Type: Recombinant (VLPs).
Route: Intramuscular (IM).
Schedule:
Ages 9-14: 2 doses.
HIV+: 3 doses.
Ages 15-45 (recommended, need to talk to your doctor): 1 to 2 doses
Protection: Long-lasting; crucial for HIV+ due to increased risk of HPV-related cancers.
Key: Vaccination before sexual activity is most effective; safe sex is still recommended; regular screening is vital, especially for those with HIV.
Hepatitis B (HBV) Vaccine:
Type: Recombinant.
Route: Intramuscular (IM).
Schedule: Typically 3 doses in national immunization activities (0, 1, 6 months). Some adult vaccines are two doses with one
Protection: Long-term, possibly lifelong.
At risk populations: adults with risk factors such as multiple partners, intravenous drugs use. HIV+ people are highly recommended
Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine:
Type: Inactivated.
Route: Intramuscular (IM).
Schedule: 2 doses, 6 to 18 months apart. Some adult witk compromised immune system
Protection: Long-term.
At risk populations: everyone
Mpox Vaccine (JYNNEOS):
Type: Live, attenuated.
Route: Subcutaneous (SC).
Schedule: 2 doses, 4 weeks apart.
Protection: Reduces risk of severe illness.
At risk populations: People at risk of exposure
General Vaccine Considerations:
Vaccination schedules can vary; consult a healthcare provider.
These vaccines are vital for those at increased risk.
Vaccines are a powerful preventative measure, but safe sexual practices remain essential.
People with HIV are recommended to receive all of these vaccines.
Hepatitis B vaccine
Type:Recombinant.
Route:
Intramuscular (IM).
Schedule:
Typically 3 doses (0, 1, 6 months).
Some adult vaccines are a 2 dose schedule.
Infants often receive the first dose at birth.
Protection:
Long-term protection, possibly lifelong.
At-risk populations:
All infants.
Adults with risk factors: Sexual activity with multiple partners, Injection drug use, People with chronic liver or kidney disease.
Healthcare workers.
Key points:
Hepatitis B can cause serious liver damage, including liver cancer.
Vaccination is highly effective in preventing infection.
Which STDs can be prevented soon after I contact them?
Eligibility:
Primarily recommended for individuals at increased risk, particularly gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender women with a history of bacterial STIs.
Protection:
Reduces the risk of syphilis and chlamydia significantly, and gonorrhea to some degree.
Dose:
200 mg of doxycycline orally, ideally within 24-72 hours post-exposure (best is within 48 hours
Side Effects:
sun sensitivity, nausea, and stomach irritation
Important note:
Doxy-PEP does not protect against viral STIs like HIV, or Mpox.
Purpose:
Doxycycline PEP aims to prevent bacterial STIs like syphilis, chlamydia, and, to a lesser extent, gonorrhea after potential exposure.
Guidelines: The SF AIDS Foundation and CDC has released clinical guidelines to inform Doxy-PEP practices (Doxy PEP for Bacterial STI Prevention - CDC)
Which STDs do you want to know more?
Blog us!D
Page updated
Report abuse