From the Guidelines
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) primarily affect the genital and reproductive structures, including the penis, vagina, vulva, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and testes, as well as other body systems such as the oral cavity, throat, rectum, and anus through oral or anal sexual contact, and can also impact the liver, brain, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and skin in the case of systemic infections like syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis 1.
The structures affected by STIs can be categorized into the following:
- Genital and reproductive structures:
- Female: vagina, vulva, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, Bartholin glands, and Skene glands 1
- Male: penis, testes, and epididymis
- Other body systems:
- Oral cavity and throat through oral sexual contact
- Rectum and anus through anal sexual contact
- Liver, brain, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and skin in the case of systemic infections like syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis 1
- Eyes through direct contact with infectious fluids
- Lymphatic system, with lymph nodes becoming swollen during infection 1
- Fetus in pregnant women, as certain STIs can cross the placenta 1
It is essential to understand the structures affected by STIs for proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of STI transmission. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2017, highlights the importance of considering the global epidemiologic profile of pelvic inflammatory disease and the role of various microorganisms, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, in causing PID 1.
In clinical practice, a thorough examination, including a sexual history and physical examination, is crucial for identifying signs and symptoms of STIs, such as ulcers, discharge, and lymphadenopathy 1. Routine screening for common STIs, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, is recommended for persons at high risk for HIV acquisition, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM) 1.
Overall, the management of STIs requires a comprehensive approach, considering the various structures affected and the potential for systemic infections, to prevent morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life.
From the Research
Affected Structures
The structures affected by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) include:
- Genital area: STIs can cause genital ulcers or erosion, urethral or vaginal discharge, and pelvic inflammatory disease 2
- Urological system: STIs can cause urethritis, cervicitis, or urethral or vaginal discharge, and can lead to complications such as male and female infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and cervical cancer 2, 3
- Mucosal barrier: STIs can interact with the immune and non-immune cells in the cervicovaginal mucosal barrier, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of HIV acquisition 4
- Reproductive system: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can affect sperm quality and fertility in men, and increase the risk of miscarriage and premature delivery in women 5
- Anal and perianal area: STIs can cause anal and perianal ulcers or discharge 3
- Oral area: STIs can cause oral ulcers or discharge 3
Specific STIs and Affected Structures
- Chlamydia infections: can cause urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease 6
- Syphilis: can cause genital ulcers or erosion 6, 2
- Gonorrhea: can cause urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease 6, 2
- Herpes genitalis: can cause genital ulcers or erosion 6
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): can cause genital warts and increase the risk of cervical cancer 6, 5
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): can cause immune system suppression and increase the risk of opportunistic infections 6, 4