The 6 most common sexually transmitted infections that exist

The most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may vary depending on geographic region, population groups, and prevalent sexual behaviors.

However, some STIs are widely recognized as being more common worldwide due to their prevalence and ease of transmission.

Infections are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that can be transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal and oral sex, as well as sharing contaminated objects such as needles or syringes.

Discover some of the most common STIs

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common STIs worldwide, especially among sexually active young people.

Chlamydia can affect the genitals, rectum and throat and often has no symptoms, which can make early diagnosis difficult and increase the risk of complications.

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect the genitals, rectum and throat.

Typical symptoms of gonorrhea include thick green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis, pain when peeing, and, in women, bleeding between periods.

But about 1 in 10 infected men and almost half of infected women do not show any symptoms.

The transmission of gonorrhea between people occurs through:

• unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex
• sharing vibrators or other unhygienic sex toys each time they are used

The infection can also pass from a pregnant woman to her baby. If you are pregnant and may have gonorrhea, it is important to get tested and treated before your baby is born.

Without treatment, gonorrhea can cause permanent blindness in a newborn baby.

Gonorrhea is not transmitted by hugging, swimming pools, toilet seats, or sharing bathtubs, towels, cups, plates, or eating utensils. Bacteria cannot survive outside the human body for long.

Gonorrhea is usually treated with a single antibiotic injection, with most symptoms improving within a few days.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It can progress in stages, with the initial symptoms being genital ulcers (chancres), followed by skin rashes.

Once infection occurs, syphilis bacteria can remain in the body for many years without causing symptoms. But the infection can become active again. Without treatment, syphilis can damage the heart, brain, or other organs. It can be fatal.

There is a cure for early syphilis, sometimes with a single dose of penicillin. This is why it is essential to have a health check as soon as you notice any symptoms of syphilis. All pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis at their first prenatal exam.

Syphilis spreads from person to person through direct contact with a sore, known as a chancre. Cancer can occur in, on, or around the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, and labia or mouth. Syphilis can spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant people with syphilis can also transmit the infection to their fetus.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). It causes painful sores on the genitals, which may appear periodically and be accompanied by flu-like symptoms.

The infection can often be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.

Some people infected with the virus may have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Still, they can spread the virus.

There is no cure for genital herpes, but there is treatment. Condoms can help prevent the spread of a genital herpes infection.

• HPV (human papillomavirus) infection

HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is a common viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes, such as those found in the genitals, mouth, and throat. There are more than 200 different types of HPV, of which around 40 can infect the genital area. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide.

Most HPV infections have no symptoms, and the immune system can clear it within two years.

Vaccination against HPV is an effective strategy to prevent infection and reduce the risk of serious complications, such as cervical cancer.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It attacks the body’s immune system, weakening its ability to fight infection and disease. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection, characterized by a series of opportunistic infections and cancers.

These are some of the most common STIs in Brazil, but there are others, such as hepatitis B and C, trichomoniasis and pediculosis pubis, which are also important in terms of public health and require adequate attention and treatment.

Prevention, including using condoms during sex and getting regular exams, is key to reducing the risk of contracting and transmitting STIs.