Sexually Transmitted Infections were something I was afraid of when I was a child and teenager. I remember being told to not to sit down on the toilet to pee at a rest stop because I might pick up a STI. I was supposed to squat, which isn’t always easy for a child to do. STIs can be a concern but they may not be as easily picked up as it was thought decades ago. There are different types of STIs and ways they are transmitted. 

STI vs STD

What’s the difference between STI and STD

Sexually Transmitted Infections STIs used to be called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). STIs include all infections that can be transmitted sexually. In this article, we will look at some of the most common.

Types of STDs

Bacterial STDs

There are bacterial STD’s that live in the mucus membranes around the pennis, vagina, and mouth, but they cannot survive outside the mucous membranes for very long. These diseases include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis

Find more information on these infections below.

Viral STDs

Viral STDs include:

• Hepatitis B
• Herpes simple
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Find more information on some of the above infections below.

Parasitic STDs

STDs can be caused by live parasites like public lice (crabs STD) and trichomoniasis. Parasitic STDs can happen on surfaces, including: 

• clothing
• bedsheets
• blankets
• toilet seats
• towels

The only way to get a parasitic STD is for your genitals to directly contact a toilet seat while a live parasite is on the seat. This is a rare occurrence because parasites don’t live very long on hard surfaces like toilet seats. However, parasites do live longer than bacteria or viruses. 

Types of STIs

Genital Warts (HPV) can be transmitted from close skin-to-skin contact. General Warts can be small or big, raised or flat. They look like a small bump or a group of bumps in the genital region and might even have the shape of a cauliflower. They cause anal or cervical cancer.

Public lice (crabs) have the shape of a crab. This type of lice is different than body lice. It lives in the pubic hair and spreads between people during close contact. 

Scabies are a type of parasitic lice that causes a STI. It appears as tiny blisters or scaley rash that may be seen across the body or just at the armpit, belt line, buttocks, elbow, nipple, penis, waist, webbing between the fingers, or wrist.

Gonorrhea (The Clap)

Gonorrhea is a common STI that may not have early symptoms. It can cause infertility in women and men if left untreated. Sometimes it is mistaken for a yeast infection or a UTI.

Syphilis

 Syphilis may not be noticed in its early stages. It appears like a firm, round, painless sore in the anal area or on the genitals. Later, a rash can develop on the palms, feet, or other body parts. Sometimes, it can cause enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, or hair loss.  Late-stage syphilis can damage different organ systems. Getting early detection is critical for health.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common STI that can cause infertility if untreated. Some people do not have any ill effects from it. Symptoms may not be noticeable for some, and others may have nonspecific or vague symptoms like burning or itching genitals, a discharge, or urination that is painful. Chlamydia infections can develop in the throat or rectum. 

Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex 2 Virus) The genital herpes virus spreads through direct genital contact. Most people who are infected with it are not aware of their infection because their symptoms are nonexistent or very mild. The symptoms are fluid-filled blisters and crusted sores that are painful and are concentrated on the anus, buttocks, genital area, or the thighs. It can be bread to the lips through oral contact. 

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B spreads through contact with blood or body fluids, or by sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes. Babies can become infected at birth because the mother is infected with it. Sometimes people go for years without knowing they have it because they do not have any symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or jaundice. 

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS can be spread through needle sharing, sexual contact, or from an infected mother to her baby. 

Trichomoniasis 

Trichomoniasis (“Trich”) is a parasitic infection that is spread during sexual contact. It can affect both men and women and symptoms vary for males and females. 

STDs Transmission

Sexually transmitted infections can occur during activities like:

• breastfeeding
• childbirth 
• kissing 
• pregnancy 
• sharing needles

Most STD’s do not transmit through:

• contact with hard surfaces
• insect bites 
• restroom toilet seats
• shaking hands or hugging 
• using the same towels or dishes as someone else

There are many different types of STIs and ways they can be transmitted. 

Action Step

Being aware of the types of sexually transmitted diseases and how they are transmitted is important because, for some of them, there can be severe consequences for not getting treatment early enough. 

May God bless you on your wellness journey!

Joni

P.S. What do you know about STIs?