From the Guidelines
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) primarily affect the genital and reproductive structures, including the external genitalia, internal reproductive organs, and urinary structures, as well as other body systems such as the anus, rectum, oral cavity, pharynx, and skin in surrounding areas. The specific structures affected depend on the particular pathogen, mode of transmission, and whether the infection remains localized or becomes disseminated throughout the body 1.
Affected Structures
- External genitalia (penis, vulva)
- Internal reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, prostate)
- Urinary structures (urethra, bladder)
- Anus and rectum
- Oral cavity and pharynx
- Skin in surrounding areas
- Eyes (through direct contact)
- Joints (in reactive arthritis)
Some STIs, such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, can become systemic, affecting multiple organ systems, including the liver, brain, heart, and immune system 1. Additionally, STIs can be transmitted to a fetus during pregnancy or childbirth.
Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent spread to additional structures and potential long-term complications like pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility 1. The management of intra-abdominal infections, including pelvic inflammatory disease, is crucial to prevent long-term complications 1.
Prevention and Screening
Prevention and screening for STIs are critical in reducing the risk of transmission and acquisition of new HIV infections 1. Routine screening for common STIs, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia infections, is recommended for persons at high risk for HIV acquisition, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM) 1.
From the Research
Affected Structures
The structures affected by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) include:
- The female genital mucosa, which is an important biological and physical barrier that forms the first line of defence against invading microorganisms such as HIV 2
- The cervicovaginal mucosal barrier, where STIs interact with the immune and non-immune cells to cause inflammation 2
- The pharyngeal and rectal areas, where gonorrhoea and chlamydia can be acquired 3
- The genital tract, where STIs and other microbes can induce inflammation, perturbing the normal robust function of the mucosal barrier against HIV 2
- The reproductive organs, where Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can cause serious long-term complications for young women, including the formation of a tubo-ovarian abscess 4
Specific Infections
Specific STIs that can affect these structures include:
- Chlamydia infections, which can cause inflammation and damage to the reproductive organs 5, 6, 3, 4
- Gonorrhea, which can cause discharge and inflammation in the genital tract 5, 6, 3, 4
- Herpes genitalis (herpes simplex virus 1 and 2), which can cause ulcers and inflammation in the genital area 5, 6
- Human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause warts and increase the risk of HIV acquisition 5, 6, 3
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can be acquired through unprotected sex and can cause damage to the immune system 5, 6, 3, 2