STDs- Sexually Transmitted Diseases now referred as Sexually Transmitted Infections or STIs are infections that spread from one person to another during vaginal, anal and oral sex. They are very common and many who have them do not display any symptoms. Without proper treatment, STIs can lead to serious health problems.

What is the difference between STD and STI?

STD stands for sexually transmitted disease and STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. They both mean the exact same thing i.e. infections that one can get from another person during sexual contact.

Health care professionals switched from STD to STI because “infection” is more accurate than “disease.”

Types of STD diseases:

Although HIV and AIDS are the most well-known STIs, there are other sexually transmitted infections as well. The most common types of STD diseases are:

  • Chlamydia
  • Genital Warts
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Hepatitis B
  • HIV & AIDS
  • HPV
  • Pubic lice
  • Molluscum Contagiosum
  • Scabies
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis (Trich)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Causes And Treatment

Sexually Transmitted Infections in teens are caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites that spread from one person to another usually during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Some STIs are spread through skin-to-skin contact.

How to reduce the chances of getting STIs 

The practice of safe sex will lower your chances of getting an STI. Safe sex is all about protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections. Safer sex will also help you stay healthy and make sex even better. It is therefore important for every teen to know about sexually transmitted diseases causes and treatment options.

Since STIs are infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual activity, safe sex means taking steps to protect yourself and your partner from STIs when you engage in sex.

There are many ways to make sex safer. One of the most effective ways is to use a barrier method of contraception. Contraception that prevents STI are condoms, internal condoms, dental dams or latex gloves every time you have anal, oral or vaginal sex or share sex toys.

Getting tested for STIs also protects you by letting you know if you do have an STI so that you can get the right treatment for it.

If you touch your partner’s genitals with your hands, wash your hands before touching your own genitals, mouth or eyes to avoid passing sexual fluids.

When using sex toys, make sure to wash the toys with soap and water before they touch anyone’s body. You can also use condoms on sex toys and change the condom before it touches another person's body. Thus, making healthy decisions about sex helps in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections in teens.

The diagnosis is made clinically and supported with investigations which are blood tests, urine tests and swabs. Many Clinics and laboratories run an STD or STI screening panel of tests. Your Pediatrician, Physician or Gynaecologist can guide you once examined. Treatment is in form of antibiotics or antivirals which have to be prescribed by the doctor after clinical examination and investigations.

If you think you might have an STI, it is best to abstain from sexual activity until you have met your doctor. If you do engage in sexual activity before seeing your doctor, be sure to follow safe sex practices, such as using a condom.