Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that can be transmitted through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. These infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
How Are STIs Transmitted?
STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, including:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Blood transfusions(rare)
- Sharing needles
- From an infected mother to her babyduring childbirth or breastfeeding
Risk Factors for STIs
Certain factors increase the risk of acquiring an STI, including:
- Multiple sexual partners
- Unprotected sex (without a condom)
- History of previous STIs
- Engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors
Symptoms of STIs
STI symptoms vary widely and may include:
- Genital sores or ulcers
- Pain or discomfort while urinating
- Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
- Itching or irritation in the genital area
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes)
However, many STIs may not cause noticeable symptoms, making regular testing crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
STI Diagnosis
Testing for STIs involves a variety of methods, including:
- Blood tests– Detect viral infections like HIV, syphilis, and herpes.
- Urine tests– Identify bacterial infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Swab tests– Detect STIs from genital secretions.
- DNA testing– Used to identify specific viruses, such as HPV in vaginal samples.
At Thely Clinic, we provide comprehensive STI screening and diagnosis using advanced laboratory techniques.
STI Prevention
To reduce the risk of STIs:
- Practice safe sex– Always use condoms correctly and consistently.
- Limit sexual partners– Reducing the number of partners lowers risk.
- Get vaccinated– Vaccines are available for HPV and Hepatitis B.
- Regular STI testing– Especially if engaging in unprotected sex or changing partners.
- Open communication– Discuss STI status with partners before engaging in sexual activity.
Treatment of STIs
- Bacterial STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis)are curable with antibiotics.
- Viral STIs (e.g., HIV, herpes, HPV)are manageable with antiviral medications but may not be fully curable.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated STIs
If left untreated, some STIs can lead to serious health complications, including:
- Infertility
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Cervical cancer (caused by HPV)
- Increased risk of HIV transmission
Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent complications and maintain sexual health.
Common STIs
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Mycoplasma
- Ureaplasma
- Syphilis
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Herpes (HSV)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
At Thely Clinic, we offer comprehensive STI testing, treatment, and prevention plans, ensuring your reproductive health and well-being are fully protected.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV:
- HSV-1– Commonly associated with oral herpes (cold sores) but can also cause genital herpes.
- HSV-2– Most frequently linked to genital herpes.
How Is Genital Herpes Transmitted?
Genital herpes is primarily spread through sexual contact with an infected person. It can be transmitted via vaginal, anal, or oral sex, even if the infected individual has no visible sores or symptoms.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
Many individuals with HSV experience mild or no symptoms, making it easy to spread unknowingly.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Painful sores or blisterson or around the genital area
- Itching or burning sensation
- Flu-like symptoms(fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue)
Recurrent Outbreaks
After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate, causing recurring outbreaks. The frequency and severity of outbreaks vary between individuals.
Diagnosis of Genital Herpes
Diagnosis is based on:
- Clinical examination of symptoms
- Laboratory tests, including:
- Viral culture
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testingto detect the virus
- Blood teststo identify HSV antibodies
Treatment for Genital Herpes
There is no cure for genital herpes, but antiviral medications can help:
- Manage symptoms
- Reduce the frequency & duration of outbreaks
- Lower the risk of transmission to sexual partners
Prevention of Genital Herpes
- Consistent and correct use of condomsreduces transmission risk but does not eliminate it completely.
- Suppressive antiviral therapycan lower the chances of outbreaks and reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus.
Genital Herpes in Pregnancy & Newborns
Pregnant women with genital herpes should inform their doctor.While most women with herpes deliver healthy babies, there is a risk of transmission to the baby during childbirth. In some cases, a cesarean section (C-section) may be recommended to prevent neonatal herpes, which can be serious.
Emotional & Psychological Impact
A genital herpes diagnosis can have an emotional and psychological impact. Seeking medical guidance and support is essential for managing the condition effectively
Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria that can reside in the urinary and reproductive systems of humans. There are two common species found in the human body:
- Ureaplasma urealyticum
- Ureaplasma parvum
These bacteria are part of the normal flora of the genital and urinary tracts in both men and women. However, under certain conditions, they can lead to infections.
Ureaplasma as Part of the Normal Flora
Ureaplasma is naturally present in the genital tract of many sexually active individuals.
It often coexists with other bacteria without causing symptoms or issues.
When Can Ureaplasma Cause Infections?
Although often harmless, Ureaplasma can lead to infections, particularly when overgrowth occurs:
- More common in sexually active individuals
- Can become problematic in weakened immune systemsor bacterial imbalances
Symptoms of Ureaplasma Infection
Many people with Ureaplasma are asymptomatic (experience no symptoms).
However, when symptoms appear, they may include:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urination
- Pelvic pain
- Abnormal vaginal or urethral discharge
- Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) in men
Treatment for Ureaplasma Infection
- Antibioticssuch as Azithromycin or Doxycycline are typically prescribed.
- It is crucial to complete the full course of antibioticsas directed by a doctor.
Ureaplasma in Pregnancy & Newborns
Ureaplasma has been linked to pregnancy complications, including:
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight. In pregnant women, screening and treatment may be recommended if there are risk factors or symptoms.
Sexual Transmission & Prevention
Ureaplasma can be sexually transmitted, meaning both partners may require simultaneous treatment to prevent reinfection.
Consistent condom use helps reduce transmission risk but does not completely eliminate it.
Should Asymptomatic Cases Be Treated?
- Some individuals carry Ureaplasma without symptoms.
- The clinical significance of asymptomatic carriage is unclear, so treatment is usually only recommended if symptoms or complications arise.
Mycoplasma refers to a group of bacteria that lack a cell wall, distinguishing them from other bacterial types. These bacteria can cause infections in humans and animals. Among the various Mycoplasma species, the ones that most commonly infect humans include:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae– Causes respiratory infections.
- Mycoplasma genitalium– A sexually transmitted infection (STI) affecting the genital and urinary tract.
Mycoplasma Genitalium & Sexual Health
Mycoplasma genitalium is an STI that can infect the reproductive and urinary systems. It has been linked to:
- Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) in men
- Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) in women
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, which can lead to fertility issuesif left untreated.
Diagnosis of Mycoplasma Infections
Diagnosis is performed using laboratory tests, including:
- Vaginal fluid culture
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)– Highly sensitive for detecting Mycoplasma DNA
- Serological teststo detect antibodies
Treatment for Mycoplasma Infections
Antibiotics, such as:
- Macrolides (e.g., Azithromycin)
- Tetracyclines (e.g., Doxycycline)
Completing the full antibiotic course is crucial to prevent resistance and reinfection.
Potential Links to Autoimmune Conditions
Some research suggests a possible connection between Mycoplasma infections and the development or worsening of autoimmune conditions. However, this relationship is complex and requires further study.
Comprehensive STI Screening & Treatment
At Thely Clinic, we provide:
- Accurate Mycoplasma testing
- Personalized antibiotic treatment plans
- Expert gynecological care
The most common chlamydial infection in humans is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which can lead to various health issues, including urogenital infections.
How Is Chlamydia Transmitted?
Chlamydia is primarily transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. It can infect the:
- Genital organs
- Urinary tract
- Other areasdepending on the type of exposure (e.g., throat, rectum)
Symptoms of Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia is often asymptomatic, meaning many individuals may not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Lower abdominal pain
Complications:
In Women: Chlamydia can lead to:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Pregnancy complications
- Infertility
In Men: It can cause:
- Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
Diagnosis of Chlamydia
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test– Highly accurate for detecting Chlamydia DNA.
- Antibody Detection Tests– Used for identifying past or ongoing infections.
Treatment for Chlamydia
Antibiotics such as:
- Azithromycin
- Doxycycline
It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment to prevent recurrence.
Prevention of Chlamydia
- Using condoms during sexual activitysignificantly reduces the risk of transmission.
- Partner screening and treatmenthelp prevent reinfection and the spread of the disease.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium can infect various parts of the body, including the genital organs, anus, and throat.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea
Symptoms may vary, and some individuals may be asymptomatic. When present, symptoms can include:
- Pain or burning sensationduring urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Unusual vaginal or urethral discharge
- Pelvic pain(in women)
- Anal discomfortif the infection spreads to the rectum
Complications of Untreated Gonorrhea
If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health issues, including:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women– Can lead to infertility
- Prostatitis in men– Inflammation of the prostate gland
- Joint and bone complications(in rare cases)
- Increased risk of HIV transmission
Diagnosis of Gonorrhea
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test – Detects gonorrhea DNA with high accuracy.
- Bacterial Culture – Confirms the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Antibody Tests – Less commonly used but can provide additional information.
Treatment for Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is curable with antibiotics, usually:
- Ceftriaxone (injection)– Standard treatment.
- Azithromycin or Doxycycline– Sometimes used in combination.
It is essential to complete the full treatment and avoid sexual activity until fully cured.
Prevention of Gonorrhea
- Consistent use of condoms during sexual activity reduces the risk of transmission.
- Partner notification and treatment help prevent reinfection and further spread.
- Regular STI screenings are recommended, especially for sexually active individuals.
Early Diagnosis & Treatment
Immediate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to:
- Prevent complications
- Stop the spread of infection
If you suspect gonorrhea or experience any symptoms, seek medical evaluation and treatment promptly.
Gynecological Obstetrics Clinic
Infertility Treatments
CONTACT
Phone: +30.2296082472
Address: G. Mavroukaki 32,
(From above Piraeus Bank),
Megara Attica
Email: info@thelyclinic.gr
