infections
Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Symptoms of STIs
Symptoms of STIs vary greatly, but the first symptoms usually involve the area where the organisms entered the body. For example, sores may form in the genital area or mouth. There may be a discharge from the penis or the vagina, or urination may be painful. Some of the effects of STIs increase the risk of getting other infections (such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection ). For example, having irritated skin (inflammation, as occurs in When STIs are not diagnosed and treated promptly, some organisms can spread through the bloodstream and infect internal organs, sometimes causing serious, even life-threatening problems. Such problems include Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) and brain infections due to Syphilis None Severe infections and rare cancers due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection None Cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and throat cancer due to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection None some organisms that enter the vagina can infect other reproductive organs. The organisms can infect the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that forms the end of the vagina), enter the uterus, and reach the fallopian tubes and sometimes the ovaries. Damage to the fallopian tubes can result in infertility or a higher risk of a mislocated ( Ectopic Pregnancy ) pregnancy. The infection may spread to the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), causing peritonitis. Infections of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and/or peritoneum are called In women, some organisms can enter the vagina and infect other reproductive organs. From the vagina, these organisms can enter the cervix and uterus and may reach the fallopian tubes and sometimes the ovaries. Inmen,organisms that enter through the penis may infect the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis (urethra). Complications are uncommon if infections are treated quickly, but chronic infection of the urethra can cause the following: Tightening of the foreskin, so that it cannot be pulled over the head of the penis Narrowing of the urethra, blocking the flow of urine Development of an abnormal channel (fistula) between the urethra and the skin of the penis Occasionally in men, organisms spread up the urethra and travel through the tube that carries sperm from the testis (ejaculatory duct and vas deferens) to infect the epididymis (the coiled tube on top of each testis). Occasionally in men, organisms spread up the urethra and travel through the tube that carries sperm from the testis (vas deferens) to infect the epididymis at the top of a testis. Inboth men and women,some STIs can cause persistent swelling of the genital tissues or infection of the urethra or rectum (proctitis). 