Why sexually transmitted infections remain undetected? Subtle signs to pay attention to

"More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic," the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said in a report and has highlighted that more than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. This makes it important to learn about the signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. The symptoms associated with a few curable STIs are discussed here:

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It often presents with mild or no symptoms, making it easy to go undetected. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and increased risk of contracting other STIs. Men infected with this STI show signs like penile discharge, burning sensation during urination, testicular pain or swelling and in women, the common signs are abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, pelvic pain, and bleeding between periods.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms may include genital discharge, pain or burning during urination, and in some cases, no symptoms at all. If untreated, gonorrhea can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and an increased risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections. Men show signs like thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the penis, painful urination, swollen testicles when they get infected with this pathogen and women show signs like increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, pelvic pain.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It progresses through multiple stages, starting with painless sores (chancre) at the infection site, followed by a rash, and potentially leading to severe complications affecting the heart, brain, and other organs if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial to prevent long-term health consequences and reduce transmission.

Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms include painful blisters or sores on the genitals, rectum, or mouth during outbreaks, followed by periods of remission. While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Painful blisters or sores on the genitals, rectum, or mouth, flu-like symptoms are seen in its initial phase.

Just like many STIs, people with HPV may not exhibit any symptoms. However, subtle signs like genital warts (raised bumps or growths in the genital area), itching or discomfort in the genital region can be an indication of the underlying infection.

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HIV/AIDS is a viral infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and certain cancers. While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively control the virus, allowing people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives. In the early stage of infection flu-like symptoms like fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes), and rash are seen and as the disease progresses signs like persistent fever, night sweats, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, opportunistic infections, and cancers are seen in the patient.

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Symptoms in women may include frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor, genital itching or irritation, and painful urination or intercourse. In men, symptoms are often mild or absent but may include irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.

Many people with hepatitis B and C may not exhibit any symptoms. The common symptoms are fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Thin, gray, or white vaginal discharge with a fishy odor, especially after sex is a common sign of bacterial vaginosis. Itching or burning sensation in the vaginal area, particularly during urination is another classic sign one must pay attention to.

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