There are more than twenty types of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) that may cause serious complications without proper treatment and management.

STIs are caused by different pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and may transmit from one person to another.

But how are STIs transmitted?

The pathogens involved in causing STIs can only survive inside the human body. 

Therefore, they cannot be transmitted by shaking hands, using public toilets, sharing food, or using public swimming pools.

Rather, these are transmitted through intimate skin contact, sexual intercourse, and exposure to infected body fluids.

This article will help you gain complete insight into the different modes of STI transmission.

Let’s learn in detail.

How are STIs transmitted

Sexually Transmitted Infections can be transmitted through sexual and non-sexual ways from one person to another.

Here are some of the common ways:

Unprotected sexual intercourse

STIs involve the transmission of the infection-causing pathogen between sexual partners through different routes of sexual contact.

It may be transmitted through oral, anal, or vaginal sexual intercourse.

Condoms can block the transmission of STDs by preventing contact between the male genitals and their partner’s skin.

Moreover, oral sex can also increase the risk of transmission of infections if you are not wearing condoms or dental dams.

Fact:
HIV attacks the human immune system, and without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid breastfeeding after taking the medication
Breastfeeding

Certain STIs, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis, are prevalent among pregnant women.

These STIs are associated with pregnancy complications and health risks to the child.

STIs can affect the pregnancy in the following ways:

  • Premature labor and birth
  • Transmission of infection to the baby 
  • Stillbirth
  • Low birth weight
  • Infection in the uterus after birth

Further, breastfeeding can also increase the risk of transmission of STIs from the mother to infant.

Though Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) substantially decreases the transmission risk of infection around the delivery time, it cannot prevent its transmission through breastfeeding.

Recommended Article
Read “ Navigating the Path to STD Treatment” to gain a complete insight into the various STD treatments and management.

Blood transfusion and saliva contact

There are many infection-causing pathogens transmitted through blood, including viruses and parasites.

Hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) can be transmitted through blood from an infected person to a healthy recipient.

These infections can be transmitted by sharing syringes or other equipment to inject drugs, tattoo needles, and body piercing needles.

Further, Gonorrhea can be transmitted through non-genital contact, such as kissing and the use of saliva for oral sex without wearing barriers.

Warning:
Sharing a used infected needle may carry an infection-causing pathogen and transmit it from an infected person to a healthy person. Beware before sharing a needle or any such items. 

Insemination procedure

Many incurable STIs are often fatal and are transmitted via insemination procedures.

Viruses, such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Hepatitis B, HIV, and Herpes, as well as Chlamydia caused by bacterial infection, are transmitted via semen.

Thus, it is crucial to consult a healthcare practitioner and seek prompt medical treatment to prevent severe complications.

Conclusion

Different pathogens can cause Sexually Transmitted Infections in people.

These STIs are transmitted through different modes.

It can be transmitted through unprotected sex, i.e. without using condoms or dental dams.

STIs can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or through breastfeeding.

There are also some instances where viruses and parasites are transmitted from one person to another through blood transfusion and saliva.

Many incurable STIs, such as Hepatitis B, Herpes, and Chlamydia, are transmitted through insemination procedures.

Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare practitioner and seek prompt medical treatment to prevent severe complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are STIs transmitted?

Sexually Transmitted Infections can be transmitted by having unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Furthermore, blood transfusion, and insemination procedures, can also transmit the infection from one person to another.

What are the three ways you can get an STI?

The three ways you can get an STI are through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sexual intercourse. A child can get STI from an infected mother during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Further, STIs can also be transmitted through body fluids, including blood and insemination procedures.

Can STIs be transmitted by shaking hands?

No, the pathogens associated with causing STIs can only survive inside a human body. Thus, they cannot be shared by shaking hands, using public toilets and swimming pools, or sharing food. Still, it is recommended to consult a healthcare practitioner and seek medical treatment if you suspect any symptoms.

How can STI be transmitted non-sexually?

Without sexual intercourse, STIs can still be transmitted through non-sexual modes of transmission. These infections can be transmitted from the mother to her child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Further, infections can be transferred through body fluids, such as blood.

Citations:
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