Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections ( STIs )

Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections ( STIs )

What Are STS?

Sexually transmitted infections (STS) are infections primarily acquired through sexual contact with an infected partner. They may be transmitted during vaginal, oral, or anal sex, as well as through direct skin-to-skin contact.

The most common STS include gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, ureaplasma infection, mycoplasma infection, and syphilis. HIV, herpes infections, and certain skin and parasitic diseases may also be transmitted through sexual contact.

What are the symptoms of STS?

Symptoms may vary and can include mild discomfort in the genital area, unusual discharge, pain in the genitals or lower abdomen, and various types of rashes or ulcers.

Without treatment, STS symptoms may become less noticeable or even disappear, but the infection remains in the body. The infected person can still transmit it to their partner and may face more serious health complications.

STS diagnosis

For STS treatment to be effective, patients should consult a dermatovenereologist as early as possible.

There is no single test that can detect every STS. Diagnosis may include a physical examination and, where necessary, samples from the urinary or genital tract, urine tests, blood tests, and other investigations.

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, appropriate treatment is prescribed. Follow-up testing is required after treatment to determine whether it has been successful. Regular preventive check-ups with a specialist are also recommended.

STS treatment

An STS treatment plan is determined by a dermatovenereologist after the necessary examinations have been completed.

The treatment method depends on the specific infection and may include medication, such as antibiotics, as well as chemical or surgical treatment—for example, in cases of genital warts caused by HPV.

Some STS, including HIV, cannot currently be completely cured. However, regular lifelong antiretroviral therapy can reduce the viral load to an undetectable level and prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.