Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Treatment in Delhi, India

Dealing with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be overwhelming, often causing physical discomfort and emotional distress. If left untreated, STIs can cause serious health problems, including issues with fertility, weakened immune systems, and other long-term health complications. Max Hospital offers effective treatment options for various STIs. Our experienced doctors provide accurate testing and effective treatments. The goal is to ensure a smooth and well-supported recovery process, helping patients look forward to improved health in the future.

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections?

Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Usually, they are contracted via anal, oral, or vaginal intercourse. However, they may also spread through other forms of sexual contact that involve the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis. 

Types of Sexually Transmitted Infections

There are more than 20 types of STIs. The most common ones include:

• Chlamydia: Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Symptoms are often absent but may include unusual vaginal discharge and painful urination.
• Gonorrhoea: Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is highly contagious and, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications. Gonorrhoea is transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. Additionally, if a person touches an affected area and then their eye, it may cause conjunctivitis (pink eye). This infection can also be passed to a newborn during childbirth.
• HI: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets the immune system. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, making individuals more susceptible to other infections. Without treatment, this increased vulnerability can lead to life-threatening complications. The virus is present in bodily fluids, including sperm, blood, breast milk, and vaginal and rectal fluids. It can be transmitted if these fluids enter another person's body.
• HPV: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that affects the skin and mucous membranes in areas such as the throat, cervix, anus, and mouth. Many people exhibit no symptoms, yet the infection can still spread. HPV can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, genital-to-genital contact, and, though rarely,  from a pregnant woman to a newborn.
• Genital Herpes: Herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes. It affects the skin, cervix and the genitals and can spread through saliva. Key symptoms include blisters around the mouth, anus and genital area. 
• Syphilis: Syphilis happens due to the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It is a severe infection, and prompt treatment is required to avoid long-term damage. Syphilis typically progresses in four stages. During the first stage, a person may notice a circular, firm sore at the site of the infection, typically around the genitals, anus, rectum, or mouth. These sores, which last three to six weeks, are often painless and may go unnoticed if hidden, such as inside the vagina.
• Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis, caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, can affect both men and women, though symptoms are more common in women. In women, the infection usually affects the vagina, while in men, it may develop in the urethra.  The infection spreads through penetrative sex and vulva-to-vulva contact.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Causes

Sexually transmitted infections may be caused by:

• Bacteria: STDs such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia are caused by bacterial pathogens.
• Parasites: Trichomoniasis is a parasitic sexually transmitted disease.
• Viruses:  Human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus, and HIV are examples of viral STDs.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Factors

The following factors may increase the likelihood of contracting a sexually transmitted infection:

• Unprotected sex:  Engaging in unprotected penetrative or oral sex increases the risk of contracting STI. Using condoms can help in preventing some STIs. 
• Multiple sexual partners: Having multiple sexual partners raises the risk of contracting an STI.
• History of STI: A previous STI infection increases the chances of contracting another one. 
• Drug injections: Sharing needles increases the risk of contracting an STI.
• Age: Individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 are more susceptible to STIs. 

Common Symptoms of STIs

STIs do not always induce symptoms, and when they do, the symptoms may be mild. So, it is possible to get an infection without noticing it. Even without any noticeable symptoms, STIs can be dangerous and transmitted during sex.

If symptoms are present, they may include:

• Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
• Sores or warts in the genital area
• Painful or frequent urination
• Itching and redness in the genital area
• Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
• Abnormal vaginal odour
• Anal itching, pain, or bleeding
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fever

Sexually Transmitted Infection Diagnosis

STI diagnosis involves several procedures, depending on the type of STI. Common diagnostic approaches include:

• Physical Examination: Doctors may assess visible signs, such as sores, rashes, or unusual discharge in the genital area.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to diagnose viral infections, including HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. Antibodies or viral nucleic acids related to these infections can be detected in the blood.
• Urine Tests: For bacterial STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, urine samples are the first choice of diagnostic testing, as these bacteria can be detected in the urine. 
• Swab Tests: Samples from the infected sites, including the genital, oral or rectal areas, can be used to diagnose infections that include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. For HPV, a Pap smear may be performed.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Treatment

Treatment for sexually transmitted infections varies depending on the type of infection:

Antibiotics

Sexually transmitted bacterial infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, are usually cured with antibiotics. These may be prescribed as a single dose or for a longer duration, depending on the infection. Regardless of symptom improvement, the prescribed course of antibiotics should be followed to ensure complete elimination of the infection.

Antiviral Medications

For viral STIs such as herpes HIV, antiviral drugs are prescribed to alleviate symptoms and control the virus. These medications cannot cure the disease but help manage symptoms, reduce recurrence, and maintain the virus at low levels, especially in cases like HIV.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Complications

If left untreated, STIs can lead to long-term health issues. Possible issues include:

• Reproductive health issues, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and pelvic discomfort.
• Pregnancy complications
• Certain malignancies, such as HPV-related cervical and rectal cancers
• Heart disease
• Eye inflammation

Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention

The following tips can be helpful in the prevention of STIs:

• Regular Testing: Getting tested for STIs before having intercourse can help prevent further spread.
• Use Condoms Consistently: Use a condom whenever having sex. Correct use of latex condoms reduces but does not eliminate, the risk of contracting or spreading STIs.
• Avoid multiple sexual partners:  Having multiple sex partners increases the risk of developing STIs. 
• Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available for certain types of STIs, including HPV and hepatitis. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any chances of getting an STI through non-sexual contact?

While most STIs are sexually transmitted, others, like HIV, can spread through non-sexual means, such as sharing needles or from mother to child during childbirth.

How long can one have an STI in their body without experiencing symptoms?

Many STIs remain asymptomatic for weeks or even years, making regular testing crucial for sexually active individuals.

Can a person have two or more STIs at the same time?

Yes, a person can have more than one STI at the same time. Some STIs, such as HIV, make one vulnerable to the other type of STI. This is because the immune system may already be weakened or because there are sores that allow other STIs to enter the body.

When should a person get tested for STIs?

Testing frequency depends on lifestyle factors like the number of partners and condom use. Annual testing is recommended for all sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners. 

Is it possible to get infected with the same STI more than once?

It is possible to contract the same STI again, even after the successful treatment. For instance, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis may recur. Safe sex practices and routine screenings are essential to reducing the risk of re-infection, particularly for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.

Review 

Reviewed By Dr. Vivek Vasudeo, Consultant - Urology on 26 Dec 2024.