Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the urogenital tract, but can also infect the rectum, throat, and eyes. Gonorrhoea is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, epididymitis in men, and disseminated gonococcal infection, which can affect joints and the bloodstream.

Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the spread of gonorrhoea and reduce the risk of complications. Standard treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics. However, the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae has made treatment more challenging. Regular screening and practicing safe sex are essential strategies for preventing gonorrhoea transmission.

Symptoms:

• Men: Painful urination, pus-like discharge from the penis, swelling or pain in one testicle.
• Women: Increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, pelvic pain.

Staphylococcus infections are caused by bacteria from the Staphylococcus genus, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common and potentially serious strain. These bacteria can lead to a range of infections, from minor skin conditions like boils and impetigo to more severe infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections (sepsis), and toxic shock syndrome. Staphylococcal infections are not typically transmitted sexually but can spread through direct contact, including skin-to-skin contact and contact with contaminated objects.

Treatment for staphylococcal infections usually involves antibiotics, but the emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has complicated treatment options. Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and proper wound care, are essential for preventing staphylococcal infections. In healthcare settings, stringent infection control measures are crucial to prevent the spread of MRSA and other resistant strains.

Symptoms:

• Skin Infections: Boils, abscesses, impetigo, cellulitis, red and swollen skin, pain.
• Severe Infections: Fever, chills, low blood pressure, confusion, organ failure (in severe cases like sepsis).

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a viral infection that causes herpes, which manifests as sores and blisters on the skin. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1, which typically causes oral herpes, and HSV-2, which primarily causes genital herpes. HSV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s sores, skin, or bodily fluids. Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life, with periods of dormancy and occasional reactivations.

There is no cure for HSV, but antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Preventive measures include using condoms during sexual activity and avoiding contact with infected areas during an outbreak. It’s also essential for infected individuals to inform their partners and practice safe sex to prevent transmission.

Symptoms:

• Oral Herpes (HSV-1): Cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, itching or burning sensation before blisters appear.
• Genital Herpes (HSV-2): Painful blisters or sores on the genitals, buttocks, or anal area, itching or tingling sensation, flu-like symptoms during initial outbreak.

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It often presents with mild or no symptoms, making it difficult to detect without regular screening. Chlamydia can infect both men and women, primarily affecting the urogenital tract, but it can also infect the rectum and throat. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues, including PID in women and infertility in both genders.

Early detection through regular screening and prompt antibiotic treatment are essential to manage chlamydia and prevent complications. Since it often shows no symptoms, individuals who are sexually active, especially with multiple partners, should undergo regular screenings. Using condoms consistently and correctly can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

Symptoms:

• Men: Painful urination, discharge from the penis, testicular pain or swelling.
• Women: Abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, bleeding between periods, pelvic pain.

Candidiasis, commonly known as a yeast infection, is caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, particularly Candida albicans. It can affect various parts of the body, including the mouth (oral thrush), skin, and genital area. Genital candidiasis is more common in women, presenting as vaginal yeast infections, but men can also be affected. This condition is not typically classified as an STD, but it can be related to sexual activity and other factors like antibiotic use, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.

Treatment for candidiasis involves antifungal medications, which can be administered orally or topically. Good hygiene practices and avoiding irritants can help prevent recurrences. In cases of recurrent infections, it’s important to identify and manage any underlying conditions contributing to the overgrowth of Candida.

Symptoms:

• Oral Thrush: White patches on the tongue or inner cheeks, redness, soreness, difficulty swallowing.
• Genital Yeast Infection: Itching and irritation in the genital area, thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese, redness and swelling of the vulva, burning sensation during urination or intercourse.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It progresses through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Each stage has distinct symptoms, with primary syphilis presenting as a painless sore (chancre) at the infection site, and secondary syphilis causing skin rashes and mucous membrane lesions. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to the latent and tertiary stages, potentially causing severe damage to the heart, brain, and other organs.

Early detection and treatment with antibiotics, typically penicillin, are crucial for curing syphilis and preventing long-term complications. Regular screening, especially for high-risk populations, and practicing safe sex are essential strategies for syphilis prevention. Partner notification and treatment are also important to prevent reinfection and further transmission.

Symptoms:

• Primary Syphilis: Painless sore (chancre) at the infection site, typically the genitals, anus, or mouth.
• Secondary Syphilis: Skin rashes, mucous membrane lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, hair loss, headaches.
• Latent and Tertiary Syphilis: Damage to internal organs, including the heart and brain, leading to severe medical conditions.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. While UTIs are more common in women due to the shorter length of the female urethra, men can also develop UTIs, often indicating an underlying condition such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stones. The most common bacteria responsible for UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which typically enters the urinary tract through the urethra.

Treatment for UTIs involves the use of antibiotics to eliminate the infection. It’s crucial for individuals with recurrent UTIs to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to identify and address any underlying conditions. Preventive measures include drinking plenty of fluids, practicing good hygiene, urinating regularly, and for women, wiping from front to back after using the toilet. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent complications such as kidney infections.

Symptoms:

• General Symptoms for Both Genders: A strong, persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, passing frequent, small amounts of urine, cloudy urine, blood in the urine (hematuria), strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain.
• Specific to Men: Rectal pain.
• Specific to Women: Increased pelvic pain.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is one of the most common curable STDs, primarily affecting the urogenital tract. Trichomoniasis is often asymptomatic, especially in men, making it difficult to detect without regular screening. When symptoms do occur, they can include genital itching, burning, and discharge.

Treatment for trichomoniasis involves a single dose of oral antibiotics, usually metronidazole or tinidazole. Prompt treatment is important to prevent transmission and complications. Practicing safe sex and informing sexual partners about the infection are key steps in controlling its spread.

Symptoms:

• Men: Itching or irritation inside the penis, burning after urination or ejaculation, discharge from the penis.
• Women: Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals, discomfort with urination, thin discharge with an unusual smell that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of related viruses, with more than 100 different strains. Some strains cause genital warts, while others are associated with various cancers, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, often transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and resolve on their own, but some can persist and lead to complications.

Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing HPV infection and its associated cancers. Regular screening, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, is crucial for early detection and management of HPV-related conditions. Practicing safe sex and getting vaccinated can significantly reduce the risk of HPV transmission and its complications.

Symptoms:

• Genital Warts: Small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in the genital area, itching or discomfort, bleeding with intercourse.
• HPV-Related Cancers: Often asymptomatic in early stages; symptoms depend on the type of cancer and its location.