Introduction to STIs
STIs are more common than you might think, but understanding them puts the power in your hands. Discover the common STIs and their classifications to help you keep the infections away.
Introduction to STIs
3 Chapters remaining
14min left
STIs are more common than you might think, but understanding them puts the power in your hands. Discover the common STIs and their classifications to help you keep the infections away.
Chapter 1
About STIs
What sexually transmitted infections are, and why they matter for public health. The chapter defines STIs as infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites passed on through sexual contact, and explains the difference between an STI and an STD, including why the term STI is used more often. It sets out how common STIs are, noting that most are asymptomatic and curable, and describes their effects on sexual and reproductive health, from infertility to pregnancy complications. Readers learn the different ways STIs spread, which ones can be cured and which can only be managed, and how stigma can stop people from seeking help.
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Chapter 2
The Most Common STIs
The most common STIs, grouped by the type of pathogen that causes them: parasitic, bacterial and viral. The chapter covers trichomoniasis, the most common curable STI, and pubic lice, before moving to the bacterial infections chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. For each one it outlines the cause, how widespread it is and the complications it can lead to if untreated, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or problems during pregnancy. It then turns to viral infections: HIV and how it affects the immune system, HPV and its links to genital warts and certain cancers, and herpes, which has no cure but can be managed.
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lockChapter 3
How to Keep STIs Away
How to lower the risk of STIs and look after your sexual health. The chapter starts with safe sex practices, including condoms, which protect against most STIs as well as unwanted pregnancy. It explains that vaccines are available for two viral STIs, hepatitis B and HPV, and why regular testing matters when so many infections show no symptoms. Readers learn about medicines used for prevention and management, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV, and how infections can spread through shared needles, sex toys or towels. The chapter ends with the value of honest conversations with partners about sexual history and testing.
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