Chapter 6
Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a profound impact on reproductive health. Although many different bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be transmitted through sexual contact, eight of them cause the greatest incidence of disease. Four are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis; while the others are viral infections that remain incurable: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
STIs directly impact sexual and reproductive health through stigmatization, infertility, cancers, and pregnancy complications, and can increase a person’s risk of acquiring HIV. The goal of this chapter is to present details on preventing, diagnosing, and treating infections spread predominantly by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, thereby mitigating the serious consequences of infection and disease.
when