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Overview of STIs

There are many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Medication can cure some, but some are incurable diseases. Treatment can manage incurable STIs if diagnosed early. All of these can cause severe damage to people's health and even threaten their lives. However, a person can still have an STI, although they may not have symptoms. The only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to get tested.

Picture Source: https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/lowdown/lowdown-text-only.htm

Syphilis

Syphilis is a curable bacterial infection spread when exposed to a syphilis sore (chancre) through oral, anal, and vaginal sex. If left untreated, it can cause permanent health problems. Untreated syphilis can also harm a pregnant woman’s unborn child. Although symptoms are a good sign of a syphilis infection, people can have no symptoms at all and still be infected! The best way to know if you have syphilis is through testing.

Picture Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/syphilis-signs-and-symptoms-49530

Genital Herpes

Herpes Simplex Virus is an incurable (but treatable!) viral infection. It can cause painful, itchy sores on your vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, scrotum, butt, anus, or upper thighs. Genital herpes is common, with most people not having symptoms at all! However, even without the "sores" or "bumps," herpes can be spread to other sex partners through saliva and touching of the skin. There are two types of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 & 2:

HSV-1: usually causes oral herpes (upper body)

HSV-2: usually causes genital herpes (lower body)

However, either strain can affect any area of the body.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus is an incurable (but treatable!) viral infection. There are many types of HPV, causing different symptoms such as cancers or genital warts. Vaginal, anal, or oral sex spread HPV. Safe sex practices and the HPV vaccine can help with preventing HPV.

Viral Hepatitis

There are several types of viral hepatitis. The hepatitis B (HBV) type is an incurable (but treatable!) viral infection that can cause liver disease. Vaginal, anal, and oral sex and blood spread Hepatitis B. The virus can cause mild cold or flu-like symptoms. But if untreated, hepatitis B can cause severe liver and organ disease. However, most individuals do not show signs, so testing is the only way to be sure of an infection. In addition, safe sex practices and the HBV vaccine can help with preventing disease.