What is a sexually transmitted infection?

A sexually transmitted infection (STIs) is an infection spread by having unprotected sex (sex without a condom) with a person who is infected with the disease. 
 

What are the common sexually transmitted infections in Sri Lanka?

The common STIs in Sri Lanka are Genital herpes, Gonorrhoea, Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), Syphilis, and Genital warts. Chalmydial infection is becoming important. Candida infection (thrush), is contacted through sexual intercourse, but as it also happens due to other reasons, it is not considered a STI.

How do I know when I have a sexually transmitted infection?

If you have had sex without a condom and notice any of these symptoms within a few days, you must consult a Venereologist or at least your family doctor immediately: A whitish yellow discharge from the urethra or vagina; a single large ulcer (wound)  that is painless or many small  very painful ulcers on the genitals; pain in the lower part of the abdomen (females), a burning feeling when passing urine(males), swellings in the groin or swelling of the scrotum.

Who is a Venereologist?

A venereologist a specialist who treats Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Can sexually transmitted infections be cured?

Most STIs other than the viral STIs (Genital herpes and HIV) can be cured completely. Early treatment prevents complications. For instance, a girl may find that she can’t have a baby because one or both fallopian tubes have got blocked. The person with whom you had sex must also seek treatment.

What is HIV?

HIV infection or Human immunodeficiency virus is an STI.

How do you get HIV?

How does HIV spread?

It is spread mainly by unprotected sex but can also spread in other ways. Sharing of needles among people who inject drugs is a dangerous practice that causes HIV to spread rapidly.  Also, a HV infected pregnant woman may pass the infection to her baby during pregnancy or while breast feeding. HIV is rapidly spread through infected blood transfusions and blood products.

How do I know if I have HIV?

Unlike other STIs, HIV is a “silent” infection. Evidence of infection may take 8 to 10 years to appear but a HIV blood test done at 3 months is able to detect the infection.