Sexually transmitted infections

Disease information

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by bacteria (Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Nesseria gonorrhea and mycoplasma), viruses (HSV) or parasites (Trichomonas vaginalis). They spread via unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex and take on a highly variable course with different symptoms depending upon the underlying cause. Sexually transmitted infections are usually discovered very late and are only diagnosed when they have become chronic. They cause inflammation of the urogenital tracts and sometimes cause infertility too. Not only are these infections troublesome for the patient, but they cause also cause complications such as preterm birth, intrauterine fetal loss or damage to the unborn child. Moreover, the pathogens can be transmitted to the neonate during childbirth and cause severe infections in the newborn.