sexually transmitted infection

A sexually transmitted infection (STI), also known as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or venereal disease (VD), is an infection that is spread by sexual activity, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex, oral sex, or sometimes manual sex. STIs often do not initially cause symptoms, which results in a risk of transmitting them to others. The term sexually transmitted infection is generally preferred over sexually transmitted disease or venereal disease, as it includes cases with no symptomatic disease. Symptoms and signs of STIs may include vaginal discharge, penile discharge, ulcers on or around the genitals, and pelvic pain. Some STIs can cause infertility.

Bacterial STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Viral STIs include genital warts, genital herpes, and HIV/AIDS. Parasitic STIs include trichomoniasis. Most STIs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis, are treatable and curable. Others, such as HIV/AIDS and genital herpes, are not curable. Some vaccinations have been known to decrease the risk of certain infections including hepatitis B and a few types of HPV. Using condoms, having a smaller number of sexual partners, and being in a relationship in which each person only has sex with the other are all safe sex practises that decreases the risk of contracting STIs. Comprehensive sex education may also be useful.