Module 7 Libre : Les IST
Module 7:
Contents
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, the participant will be able to:Definition
STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection, i.e. an infection that is transmitted through sexual intercourse.
They are transmitted not only through penetration but also through oral sex, fondling, masturbation and direct contact between the sexes.
An STI can be caused by a bacterium, virus or parasite.
The most common STIs include: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, HPV, etc.
Symptoms
In many cases STIs are asymptomatic, i.e. they do not present any symptoms. Symptoms that may appear in the days following sexual intercourse include:
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Appearance of small red/white spots
- (Smelly) discharges
- Pain in lower abdomen, bleeding, etc.
The following STIs may however have symptoms:
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Anything that is out of the ordinary should lead to consult a doctor as promptly as possible!
TREATMENT OF STIs
BACTERIAL AND VIRAL STIs
Bacterial STIs are easily cured by taking antibiotics. No immunity will be developed against a bacterial STI: having had a bacterial STI does not mean that there will never be another infection with that STI.
Viral STIs are incurable, but there are treatments available to alleviate the consequences of the infection.
Herpes, for example, is a virus that, once in the body, will stay there for life, and will randomly manifest itself by the appearance of very painful lesions on the genitals. Antivirals are at such times prescribed to reduce the symptoms and speed up the healing of the lesions.
IMPORTANT FOR ALL STIs:
It is therefore essential to consult a doctor always if there are any abnormal signs, even if the symptoms have disappeared, as it is necessary to treat the infection as soon as possible so that it does not spread to other organs.
Sexual partners should also be informed, seen by a doctor and treated if necessary.
An STI can be prevented by using prevention tools such as:
- An internal condom, which is inserted into the vagina, also known as the ‘female condom’.
- An external condom, which is rolled onto the penis, also known as the 'male condom'.
- A dental dam for oral sex (cunnilingus, anilingus).
- Regular screening, if engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse, of oneself and of the sexual partners.
SCREENING FOR STIs
The screening varies depending on the STI soughtVIRAL STIs
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BACTERIAL STIs
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PREVENTION OF STIs
HOW TO AVOID AN STI?
An STI can be avoided by using prevention tools such as:
- An internal condom, which is inserted into the vagina, also known as the ‘female condom’.
- An external condom, which is rolled onto the penis, also known as the 'male condom'.
- A dental dam for oral sex (cunnilingus, anilingus).
- Regular screening, if engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse, of oneself and of the sexual partners.
ATTENTION :
Having an STI increases the risk of infection by HIV because STIs weaken the mucous membranes and make them more permeable to HIV. In addition, any wound on the genitals favours infection with HIV.
The chain of transmission can be interrupted by:
- Undergoing the prescribed treatment in full;
- Informing partners to get tested and, if necessary, treated as promptly as possible;
- Using the prevention tools listed in the previous points, i.e. condoms, dental dams, etc.
- Not sharing intimate items (sex toys, towels, etc.)
VACCINATION
- There is a vaccine against the Hepatitis A virus and the Hepatitis B virus.
- A vaccine against 9 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) involved in over 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts is also available. It is reimbursed by the CNS (national health fund) for young girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 18, but also in a targeted manner beyond this age bracket. The important thing is to see a doctor (https://plancancer.lu/about/prevention/vaccination-hpv/)
SITs
HIV = virus
Contact between an infected liquid (sperm, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, anal secretions, blood, breast milk) and a mucous membrane or an open wound.
- Condoms
- Dental dams
- Regular screening
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Treatment as Protection (TASP)
- Personal and disposable once-off drug paraphernalia (Safer use)
No cure
Treatment called "triple therapy" to confine HIV and prevent it from attacking the immune system
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) = virus
Direct contact with infected skin or mucous membrane (sexual touching, oral, anal, vaginal sex)
- Condoms
- Dental dams
- Vaccination
- Treatment of warts (condyloma)
- Screening for cervical cancer
HERPES = virus
- Condoms
- Dental dams
HEPATITIS B = virus
- Condoms
- Dental dams
- Vaccination
- Personal and disposable once-off drug paraphernalia (Safer use)
- No cure
- Antivirals to slow progression
SYPHILLIS = Bacteria
- Condoms
- Dental dams
- Regular screening
- Personal and disposable once-off drug paraphernalia (Safer use)
No immunity is created: reinfection is possible
GONORRHOEA «Tripper» = Bacteria
- Condoms
- Dental dams
- Screening
Antibiotics
No immunity is created: reinfection is possible
CHLAMYDIA = bacteria
- Condoms
- Dental dams
- Screening
Antibiotics
No immunity is created: reinfection is possible
TRICHOMONAS = parasite
- Condoms
- Dental dams
- Regular screening
Antibiotics