What You Need to Know About the Incurable and Curable STIs

S*xually transmitted infections (STIs) are illnesses that spread from one person to another via s*xual contact. They are usually transmitted by vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.

Some STIs, also known as S*xually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), spread from person to person via infected blood. For example, a mother may infect her child when pregnant, giving birth, or nursing. People who share infected drug needles are also susceptible to illness.

However, STDs are not transmitted through casual touch. Shaking hands and sharing clothes and toilet seats, for example, do not cause STDs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists 30 germs, viruses, and parasites that can be spread through s*xual intercourse.

The top health office also identified the eight diseases associated with the “greatest incidence of STIs,” noting that four are treatable and the rest are incurable.

The curable diseases:

Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Trichomoniasis

The incurable viruses:

Hepatitis B
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
HIV
Human papillomavirus (HPV)

CURABLE STIs

Gonorrhea: Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, gonorrhea can infect the genital tract, rectum, and throat. However, some people with gonorrhea experience no symptoms when infected which makes it much easier to spread to others unknowingly. According to a study, gonorrhea occurs mostly among young people aged 15-24.
Syphilis: This STI is caused by a bacterium known as Treponema pallidum. Syphilis progresses through four stages and can cause serious health complications if left untreated. Treatment for syphilis involves the use of an antibiotic called penicillin. The medicine kills the syphilis bacteria to cure the body of the infection. Antibiotics work during any stage of the disease, however, later stages may require more intensive therapy.
Trichomoniasis: This is the most common curable STI which is more prevalent in women than in men. However, older women are more likely to get infected. In 2018, 2 million people were diagnosed with trichomoniasis in the United States. The infection is caused by a parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis. Just like gonorrhea, no symptoms are noticed making it easier to pass to others. Medication is used to cure trichomoniasis.
Chlamydia: This is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Symptoms may include abnormal discharge, painful urination, and abdominal pain. Antibiotics are effective in treating chlamydia, but early detection is crucial to prevent complications.

INCURABLE STIS

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. Aside from s*xual activities, it can also be spread from mother to child during birth or by sharing needles. When contracted through s*x, it impacts liver function and can further cause liver cancer. While there is no cure for hepatitis B, there is a vaccine that can help prevent it. All adults aged 18-59 should receive the vaccine and get screened at least once in their lifetime.
Herpes: Herpes is a very common STI with over 500 million people estimated to have it worldwide. Many people with herpes may not know they have it because they show no symptoms. However, when there are symptoms, they come in the form of painful sores around the genitals or anus. Herpes can be managed using the right antiviral medications.
HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a chronic STI. When the virus attacks the body, it begins attacking the immune system. While there is no cure, it is highly manageable through medications. The main treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy. These drugs reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to undetectable levels. However, if HIV is left untreated, it can develop into acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
HPV: Human papillomavirus is extremely common, about 9 out of 10 s*xually active people will contract it. However, unlike other viral STIs, HPV does not stay in the body for life. About 90% of these infections go away within two years of detection. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that preteens receive HPV vaccine at around age 11 or 12 years old to ensure they’re protected against HPV before they’re likely to have exposure to the virus. Vaccination can be received until age 45.