Sexually transmitted infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other organisms. In Singapore, several STIs are increasing in frequency.
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Sexually transmitted infections include those infections that can be transmitted by sexual activity of any type. They used to be referred to as “sexually transmitted diseases.” This terminology is still used; however, because many people who have a sexually transmitted infection don’t have any symptoms and therefore don’t have an obvious disease, it’s now considered preferable to refer to them as “sexually transmitted infections,” or STIs.
In Singapore, STIs are extremely common. For instance, it’s estimated that nearly all sexually active people will become exposed to a virus known as HPV (human papillomavirus) at some point during their lives. Different strains of this virus cause different problems. Some strains cause genital warts, while other strains cause cervical cancer in women. (There are other strains of HPV that cause warts on other parts of the body, such as plantar warts on the feet.) Many people with an HPV infection never get any symptoms, so they don’t know they’ve been infected. This makes the infection very easy to spread.
Another reason HPV is so easily spread is that it’s transmitted by direct contact with infected areas; it doesn’t require the mixing of bodily fluids to spread. Another infection that spreads by direct contact is herpes. Herpes is a viral infection that can affect the genitals, anus, or mouth. Once the infection is acquired, it persists for life; there’s no cure, and it’s common for herpes to reactivate many times throughout life. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads through direct contact with a sore on the genitals or in the anus. The sore isn’t always visible, but the bacteria can still be transmitted. Once syphilis is acquired, it can spread throughout the body and cause many health problems and even death. However, it’s easily treated with antibiotics, although the damage caused is irreversible.
Infections that spread through direct contact can only be partially prevented by condoms, because the condom doesn’t cover every part of the genitals. It’s also important to put on the condom before any type of sexual contact begins.
Infections that spread through the mixing of bodily fluids are a little more difficult to spread. However, because they’re so common in Singapore, it’s highly likely that you’ll come into contact with these sexually transmitted infections at some point.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia, which are often grouped together because they have similar symptoms, are both caused by bacteria. They lead to discharge from the genitals and pain with urination, and if untreated, they can cause infertility for both men and women.
Another infection that causes discharge is trichomoniasis, commonly called “trich” (pronounced “trick”). This infection can be transmitted by mixing of vaginal fluids, including the small amount present on a sex toy or transferred when two women rub their genitals together; it can also be transmitted in semen or pre-ejaculate. It causes vaginal itching and discharge, and can cause problems with a pregnancy.
The most serious STIs are HIV and hepatitis B. Either can be acquired by mixing bodily fluids during sex, or by sharing needles (during drug use or in a healthcare setting). HIV destroys the immune system, leading to many different infections, and is fatal if untreated; with management using multiple medications, it can usually be controlled. Hepatitis B damages the liver. There is a vaccine available against hepatitis B; in Singapore, it’s recommended that people get the vaccine if they’ll be in high-risk situations.
References
Sexually transmitted infection at Shim Clinic, Singapore