Q: What is an STI?

A: STD is a disease, and STI is an infection. STD is caused by STIs. STI is any type of infection caused by sexual transmission. They can be bacterial, viral, and parasites.

Myth #1: STI will not happen to me. They only happen to a certain kind of people, and they can only have one STI at a time.

As long as you're having unprotected sex, whether with multiple partners or a single partner, there's always a risk for you to be exposed to an STI. You can actually have more than one STI at a time. For example, you can have herpes with gonorrhoea simultaneously, or you can have HIV along with other STIs. So there's always a possibility of having more than one STI.

Myth #2: You will not be infected with an STI if you only have oral or anal sex.

The risk of getting an STI through oral and anal sex is lower than through vaginal intercourse, but it's not zero. There's always a risk of getting infections such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, and the herpes simplex virus.

Myth #3: I will know if I have an STI or if someone I'm seeing has an STI because I will see symptoms.

Most STIs, especially in women, are asymptomatic. You only know if you have one when you get tested. However, being asymptomatic does not mean you cannot pass it on to others. As long as you have it, you can transmit it to anyone you have unprotected sex with.

Q: How long does it usually take for symptoms to appear?

A: It depends on your immune system and the type of STI you have. Those with lower immune systems or other health conditions such as diabetes may show symptoms faster. Some patients may not even be aware of when they got infected.

Q: If it's asymptomatic in women, how often do they need to test themselves?

A: Usually, below 40, we recommend yearly screening for STIs along with routine STD markers and Pap smears.

Myth #4: Only people who have multiple partners get STIs.

I think this is a common myth, but as long as you're having unprotected sex, it's advisable to get tested. Prevention is better.

Myth #5: If I'm pregnant with an STI, it won't affect my fetus.

Not all STIs can pass through the plasma membrane barrier, but STIs such as syphilis can pass through a barrier and cause great harm to the fetus as well. So, yes, it can pass. So, it could also lead to a lot of fetal demise or birth defects.

Mainly if it's a viral kind of STI, it affects the brain, affects the growth, and can have malformations.

Myth #6: Men and women have the same symptoms for STIs.

No, men usually exhibit symptoms earlier, often presenting with penile discharge. Most STIs cause ulcers, which are usually visible in men first due to anatomical differences. Women may only notice symptoms such as pain when the infection has progressed.

Q: For women, common symptoms include burning with urination and vaginal discharge. How would one differentiate between a UTI and an STI?

A: Typically, a medical practitioner would take a detailed medical history, including sexual partners. However, sometimes patients may not disclose this information. It's important to be comfortable with your GP and provide all relevant information for accurate diagnosis. If symptoms persist after antibiotic treatment for a presumed UTI, further testing, such as Pap smears or vaginal swabs, may be necessary to rule out STIs.

Myth #7: All STIs can be cured.

Some STIs can be cured, but not all. For instance, there's no cure for HIV or herpes. HPV can lead to cancer, and there's no cure for it either. This underscores the importance of taking STIs seriously.

Myth #8: STIs don't cause infertility.

While STIs do not directly cause infertility, the complications they bring about can. For example, STIs can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and inflammation of the cervix, reducing implantation rates and leading to infertility.

Myth #9: Cold sores are not STIs.

Cold sores are and are not STIs. Cold sores can be caused by HSV, transmitted through oral contact or unhygienic practices. While they may not always be classified as STIs, it's best to get a virology test done for confirmation.

~ Pistil