STD & STI

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Many people infected with Chlamydia may not experience symptoms, making it a “silent” threat to sexual health. Left untreated, however, Chlamydia can lead to serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and infertility in both men and women. It’s crucial to seek early treatment as this infection also increases the risk of acquiring other STDs, like HIV. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Pain or discomfort during urination
• Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge, which may be yellow or cloudy
• Pain or swelling in one or both testicles (for men)
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding between menstrual periods (for women)

Gonorrhea, caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, often shows subtle or no symptoms in many individuals, contributing to its underdiagnosis. Like Chlamydia, untreated Gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men, which can result in infertility. Gonorrhea can also increase the risk of acquiring HIV and can spread to other parts of the body, including the joints and bloodstream. Symptoms, when they occur, can include:

• Thick, yellow or green discharge from the vagina or penis
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating
• Painful or swollen testicles (in men)
• Increased vaginal bleeding between periods (in women)
• Pain during sexual intercourse (in women)
• Rectal pain or discharge, especially with anal infections

Trichomoniasis (often called “trich”) is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. While it’s one of the most common curable STIs, many infected individuals—especially men—don’t experience symptoms, making it easy for the infection to be unknowingly passed on. Left untreated, trich can increase the risk of contracting other STDs, including HIV. Symptoms that do present may vary but typically include:

• Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong, unpleasant odor
• Vaginal itching or irritation
• Discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse
• Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen
• Irritation inside the penis or mild discharge

Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria that naturally exists in the urogenital tract, but in some cases, overgrowth can lead to infection. Although it is not always sexually transmitted, Ureaplasma infections are often linked to sexual activity and can cause reproductive health issues if left untreated. As with other STIs, it’s common for individuals to have no symptoms, complicating early detection. When symptoms are present, they may include:

• Pain or discomfort during urination
• Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Burning sensations in the genital area
• Inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) in both men and women

Mycoplasma Hominis is another bacterium that naturally exists in the genital tract, but in certain circumstances, it can lead to infections. Often asymptomatic, the overgrowth of Mycoplasma hominis is sometimes associated with bacterial vaginosis in women or infections of the urinary and reproductive tracts. Like Ureaplasma, it’s not exclusively transmitted through sexual activity, but it can contribute to complications in pregnancy and fertility issues. Symptoms, when they arise, may include:

• Vaginal or penile discharge
• Pain during urination or intercourse
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Burning sensations in the genital area
• Inflammation of the reproductive organs, potentially leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)