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Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmittes Infections or STIs are infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. As indicated by their name, they can be transmittes during sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral, with or without penetration). A simple contact between infected mucous membranes (in the mouth, vagina and anus) or a lesion is enough to transmit an STI.

Some STIs can also be transmitted from parent to child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

There are 3 types of STIs:

  • STIs caused by bacteria, such as syphillus, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and mycoplasma genitalium. They can be treated with an adapted treatment.
  • STIs caused by parasites, such as Trichomoniasis which can be treated with antiparasitics.
  • Viral STIs such as Hepatitus B, genital herpes, HIV/AIDS and human papillomavirus (HPV). These STIs can not, today, be completely cured. However, there are treatments that slow the progression of the virus (such as HIV of Hepatitus B) or limit symptoms (such as herpes or HPV).

What are the symptoms of STIs?​

Most people who have an STI do not have any symptoms and don't know they have an STI. However, some symptoms can alert you:

  • excretions from the genitals with an unusal colour or odor;
  • rash, burns or itchiness on the genitals when urinating;
  • pain during sex or in the lower torso;
  • fever, etc.