Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed mainly through sexual contact. They are common, often silent, and largely treatable — especially when caught early. Shame and silence are the biggest barriers to care in India; they are medical problems, not moral ones.

Common STIs

• HIV — chronic viral infection; controlled (not cured) with daily antiretroviral tablets. Life expectancy is near-normal on treatment.
• Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia — bacterial; can cause infertility if untreated; often no symptoms; treatable with antibiotics.
• Syphilis — bacterial; can affect many organs over years; easy blood test to diagnose; curable with antibiotics.
• Trichomoniasis — protozoal; vaginal discharge; curable with antibiotics.
• Herpes (HSV) — viral; painful ulcers; suppressible with medication; not curable.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) — very common; causes genital warts and — over years — cervical, anal, and throat cancers; preventable by vaccine.
• Hepatitis B — viral; preventable by vaccine; curable/controllable with drugs.

Symptoms (when present)

• Unusual discharge from vagina or penis.
• Pain or burning while passing urine.
• Sores, ulcers, warts, rashes in the genital area.
• Pain during sex.
• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Painful or swollen testicles.
• Many STIs are silent — which is why routine testing matters.

When to get tested

• Any symptoms as above.
• New sexual partner.
• Partner diagnosed with an STI.
• Planning a pregnancy (antenatal screening covers HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B).
• Part of sexual health for anyone who wants peace of mind.
• Free, confidential testing is available at ICTC (Integrated Counselling & Testing) centres and government hospitals across India, especially for HIV.

Treatment and prevention

• Most bacterial STIs are cured with a short course of antibiotics.
• Viral STIs (HIV, herpes, HPV, Hep B) are controlled or preventable but generally not cured.
• Always treat partners — otherwise re-infection is inevitable.
• Condoms (correctly used, every time) are the single most effective protection against most STIs.
• HPV and Hepatitis B vaccination prevent serious STIs.
• Don't self-treat with random antibiotics from a pharmacy — wrong drug, wrong dose, and rising resistance.

India context — free services exist

HIV testing and treatment (ART) are free under the national HIV control programme — at government designated centres across districts. STI services are integrated into public sexual health clinics. Confidentiality is protected by law. If cost, stigma or access is a barrier, start with a government centre.