There are two types of infections that affect the reproductive organs:

• Infections that are passed along through sex with another person, known as sexually transmitted infections, or STIs
• Infections that are not passed on through sex with another person.

Some infections can also be passed along to another person by sharing sharp objects that may be contaminated by blood, such as injectable drug equipment (needles, syringes, "works") or equipment used for tattooing, body piercing, electrolysis, acupuncture, shaving, and blood rituals. For example, HIV and Hepatits B can both be transmitted through contact with contaminated blood.

About STIs

Anyone who has ever had sex is at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs are caused by viruses or bacteria, which can be passed along in bodily fluids exchanged during sex, or, in some instances, through skin-to-skin contact during sex. Among the viruses that cause STIs are hepatitis B, herpes, HIV, and the human papilloma virus (HPV). Bacteria responsible for STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Although these infections are usually passed through sexual intercourse, they can also be passed through other types of sex. Any intimate contact that involves the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus can transmit disease. Some STIs can be transmitted when infected drug users share needles, too.

STIs don't discriminate. Men and women of any age, sexual orientation, race, and socioeconomic status can get an STI. The key to preventing complications from an STI is prompt diagnosis and treatment. So if you think you might have an infection, you should get tested right away.

Signs and symptoms of STIs

Not all STIs produce symptoms in every person. In some cases, symptoms may go away on their own, while in others, symptoms may come and go. Regardless of whether you have any symptoms, you still have an STI until you've been treated. And until you've been treated, you can still pass the infection to your partner.

Possible symptoms of STIs include:

• Itching around the vagina and/or discharge from the vagina for women
• Discharge from the penis in men
• Pain during sex, when urinating ,and/or in the pelvic area
• Sore throats in people who have oral sex
• Pain in the anus for people who have anal sex
• Chancre sores (painless red sores) on the genital area, anus, tongue, and/or throat
• A scaly rash on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet
• Dark urine, loose, light-colored stools, and yellow eyes and skin
• Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area
• Swollen glands, fever and body aches
• Unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss
• Soft, flesh-colored warts around the genital area

How to Prevent STIs

The best way to prevent an STI is to abstain from intercourse and to avoid sharing needles. But if you have decided to be sexually active, you should take steps to protect yourself:

• Talk to your partner about previous sexual encounters and relationships. Point blank questions like, "Have you ever had an STI?" or "Have you ever been exposed to one?" are important in avoiding an STI. You should also find out whether your partner has ever used IV drugs and shared needles.
• Don't have sex with someone who you think might have an STI.
• Learn to recognize the symptoms of STIs (see above). Before you have sex with someone, be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms. If you see something that concerns you, don't have sex.
• Use a latex barrier, such as a male condom, female condom, or dental dam for vaginal, anal, and oral sex. If you're allergic to latex, use polyurethane condoms. At this point, the CDC does not recommend using nonocxynol-9 (a common spermicide) as it has not been proven to prevent STI transmission, and it can cause irritation of the skin which may increase the risk of HIV and other STI transmission. Make sure your condoms aren't lubricated with nonoxynol-9. 

Treatment

Not all STIs can be effectively cured. Some, such as herpes, Hepatitis B, and HIV/AIDS, have no known cure, but there are medications available to help manage these diseases. Other STIs can be treated effectively when they're diagnosed early.Chlamydia for instance, is easily treated early on with antibiotics. But if it isn't treated in its initial stages, the infection can spread, and put you at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility.

The bottom line is that left untreated, STIs can cause serious health problems. Experts believe that having an STI increases your risk for becoming infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. STIs can also be passed from a woman to her baby before, during, or immediately after childbirth. The key to treating any STI is to catch it early and get treatment immediately.

If You Think You Have an STI

It's understandable to feel embarrassed about having an STI. But getting treatment and discussing your concerns is critical to your health and your partner's health. Tell your sexual partner(s) if you think you have an STI. He or she could have it too. If either of you isn't treated, you could get sick or spread the disease to others. Your partner could even give it to you again, if you are treated, but he or she is not.

If you even suspect you have an STI, come in for an exam. A Tapestry Health counselor or clinician will discuss your treatment options with you. Our professional counselors and medical practitioners are easygoing, respectful, and nonjudgmental. They will do everything they can to make you comfortable and answer all your questions. If we can't treat you, we will refer you to someone who can. We can also provide counseling to help answer your questions and ease your concerns.

For more information

If you would like more information about STIs before your appointment, you can always call one of our clinics. In addition, you can call the National AIDS and STD Hotline at 800-342-2437 (800-342-AIDS) and speak to a health communication specialist directly.

Infections That Are Not Sexually Transmitted

Some infections that involve the reproductive organs are not sexually transmitted. These include:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). BV is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It is not an infection.  A healthy vagina contains a lot of bacteria, but it is unclear what makes the BV causing bacteria suddenly grow. The infection seems to occur more frequently in women with multiple sex partners, in women with a new sex partner, and in women who douche regularly. You do not get BV by having sex.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is a serious complication of sexually transmitted infections. PID refers to infections of the pelvic cavity, which includes the area in and around the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID is usually caused by bacteria, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, that travel up through the cervix into the uterus and the fallopian tubes.
• Urinary Tract Infection. A bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common kind of infection in the urinary tract. Normal urine contains salts and waste products, but it doesn't contain bacteria. When bacteria get into the bladder or kidney and multiply in the urine, you can develop a UTI.
• Yeast Infection. An overgrowth of candida, a fungus, can cause a yeast infection. The growth may be spurred on by changes in the menstrual cycle, illness, stress, and certain medications, including some birth control pills. Although yeast infections are not considered STIs, they are sometimes spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Uncircumcised men are more likely to get yeast infections than circumsised men.

If you think you have bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, a urinary tract infection or a yeast infection, you should come in for an exam.The symptoms of these conditions can be very similar to those of STIs, so you shouldn't try to diagnose them yourself. Left untreated, these infections can lead to further problems.

If you have any questions about STIs, talk to your clinician.