Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are those infections that transmit from person to person by having sex with someone who has an infection. Sexually Transmitted Infections are habitually spread by having vaginal intercourse with an infected person, but they can also transmit through anal sex, oral sex or through skin-to-skin contact. STIs can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Hepatitis B, herpes, HIV and the human papilloma virus (HPV) or Genital Warts are some of the notorious sexually transmitted infections caused by viruses. Sexually transmitted infections which are caused by bacteria include Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Common signs/symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are:

* Itching around the genital and/or vaginal discharge for women
* Discharge from the penis in men
* Pain during sexual intercourse or while urinating
* Pain in the pelvic region
* Sore throats in peoples who are active in oral sex.
* Pain in or around the anal area for people having anal sex
* Chancre sores (pain-free red sores) on the genital region, anus, tongue and/or throat
* A flaking rash on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
* Dark urine, loose, light-colored stools, and yellow eyes and skin.
* Small blisters on the genital region that turns into scabs
* Swollen glands, fever and body aches.
* Unusual infections, unexplained tiredness, night sweats and sudden weight loss.
* Soft, flesh-colored warts around the genitals.

Though most of the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be detected by their symptoms, a diagnosis test is a must to be sure about the disease. The diagnosis is done through an exam by the doctor. The doctor takes a culture of the secretions from the vagina or penis, or blood for a blood test. If a person is found infected with STI the doctor usually prescribes antibiotics for the treatment. But it must be noted that for most of the STIs there is no cure at all. And the ones for whom the treatment is available they may reoccur. So it’s better to be careful regarding STI.

The best way to be safe from STIs is prevention. The only surefire way to prevent STIs is abstaining from sex. Even if you have sex, you can lower your risk of getting an STI by remaining faithful to your partner who’s also having sex with only you and nobody else and who doesn’t have an STI. You can practice safe sex by always using condoms when having sex, including oral and anal sex.