STI Full Form

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread from one individual to another through sexual intercourse. It can be spreaded by vaginal, oral or anal intercourse.

Types of STI

There are many types of STI, they are-

1. Chlamydia
2. Genital herpes
3. Gonorrhea
4. Aids
5. HPV
6.  Syphilis

Signs of STI

Symptoms of STI are-

1. Vaginal discharge of clear, white or greenish colour.
2. Discharge from the penis.
3. Very strong odor from the genitals.
4. Itching or irritation in the genitals.
5. Painful intercourse.
6. Experiencing pain during urination.

Myths about STI

There are many myths about STIs that are not actually facts and everyone should be educated about them. The myths about STI are-

• STI is seen just by looking

There are a few symptoms like discharge which can be told by seeing but not all symptoms can be identified by viewing. It is not possible to always identify all the STIs and it is advised to always get tested to avoid spreading STIs.

• STI is not spread if one has only oral sex

This is a myth and one can catch STI even by only having oral sex. The STI virus can enter your body through multiple openings like cuts and bruises, mouth or tears of your skin.

• Condom completely protects you from an STI

Condoms do reduce the chances of spread of sti but they are not 100% effective. It is still possible to catch and spread STIs even while using a condom.

• You can get an STI from a public toilet

This is false, one can not catch STI from public toilets as the toilets don’t always come in contact with the affected areas of an STI carrier but it is always advised to have hygiene and maintain a certain hygiene level in public toilets.

• STI goes away on its own

Symptoms of STI

The early symptoms are usually painless with a little soreness in the genitals. The infection then spreads by contact with the sore genitals. There is the development of rashes and soreness in other parts of the body, one can even face swollen glands, fever, hair loss or get fatigued

How To Avoid STI

Anyone that is sexually active has a chance of catching an STI. It is always advised to stay protected and have safe intercourse. Methods you can avoid STIs are-

• Use condoms

Condoms are one of the best and simplest ways in reducing the chances of STI but it’s still not full proof. STIs like herpes or HPV are still transmitted by physical contact even with the use of condoms.

• Have fewer partners

Having fewer partners helps in reducing the chances of catching sti as you can talk to your partner and both can get tested for any sti and rely on each other as both are having intercourse with only one another. This has to be one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs

• Get vaccinated

One can avoid catching the most common STIs by taking vaccines. HPV is tested safe and effective to save you from many STIs.

• Converse with your partner

Talk to your partner about how many other partners they have. One can even talk to their partner and get tested together and only have intercourse with each other.

• Get tested

Not all STIs have symptoms, you can have STIs and not have any symptoms but it is important to get checked and treated. One should get tested regularly, it is as important as your physical and mental health.

Conclusion

One should do their best to have safe intercourse to not catch STI but in case you do, do not panic. Many STIs are curable and have treatments available. Get checked regularly and always prefer having safe intercourses.