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Don’t get too careless, or this could catch you.

What is STI/STD?

According to Jefferson Health, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections primarily spread from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as through direct genital skin-to-skin contact. They may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can present with symptoms such as genital sores, pain during urination, or unusual discharge, though some individuals may have no symptoms.

Recent data from the Department of Health back in 2024 shows that HIV in the Philippines disproportionately affects young adults, with individuals aged 15–34 accounting for 79% of all cases.

The age distribution of diagnosed cases is as follows: under 15 years (0.4%), 15–24 years (29%), 25–34 years (50%), 35–49 years (18%), and 50 years and above (3%), totaling approximately 215,400 reported cases, whereas 131,335 of the cases have been diagnosed or laboratory-confirmed.

Several behaviors can increase your risk:

» Having anal, vaginal, or oral sex without a condom

» Having multiple sex partners

» Having anonymous sex partners

» Having sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lower inhibitions and result in greater sexual risk-taking.

» Being forced to engage in sexual activity

What's the difference between STI and STD?

The difference between STI and STD lies in the presence of symptoms: an STI (sexually transmitted infection) occurs when a virus, bacteria, parasite, or other pathogen is transmitted through sexual contact and infects the body, often without causing symptoms, while an STD (sexually transmitted disease) refers to the stage when that infection has progressed and is causing noticeable symptoms or health problems; because infections remain asymptomatic, public health and medical research now prefer the term STI to emphasize early detection, treatment, and prevention before disease develops.

Symptoms

STI symptoms might include:

» Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area

» Painful or burning urination

» Discharge from the penis

» Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge

» Unusual vaginal bleeding

» Pain during sex

» Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread

» Lower abdominal pain

» Fever

» Rash over the trunk, hands, or feet

Remember: Most STIs have no signs or symptoms. You or your partner might have an STI without realizing it. Some of it can show up a few days after exposure. However, depending on the type of infection, it might take years before any noticeable problems appear. The only way to be sure of your status is to get tested.

TW: Images of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) / viruses

Common STIs You Should Know About

Herpes simplex virus

(HSV-1 and HSV-2)

Herpes is a lifelong viral infection that causes periodic outbreaks of sores.

Transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, including oral or genital contact. Symptoms include painful blisters or sores, itching, and tingling sensation.

HIV

(Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections.

HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, blood transfusions with infected blood, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

Symptoms include early flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue. Late stages may include severe infections and weight loss.

HPV

(Human Papillomavirus)

HPV is a group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. Some types cause genital warts, while others can lead to cancer.

Transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact. While symptom often shows none, some types cause genital warts. High-risk types may cause cervical, anal, or throat cancer over time.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI that infects the reproductive tract, rectum, or throat.

It is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. Some people have no symptoms, while others show painful urination, abnormal discharge, and pelvic pain.

Chlamydia trachomatis

Chlamydia is a common bacterial STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that affects the reproductive system. Usually transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.

Symptom include discharge, pain during urination, and pelvic pain.

Treponema pallidum

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by T. pallidum that develops in stages and can cause serious health problems if untreated.

Caused by direct contact with a syphilis sore during sexual activity. Symptoms include painless sores, rash, and fever. Late stages can damage the heart, brain, and nerves.

Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. Caused by sexual contact with an infected person.

Symptoms include itching, burning, unusual discharge, and discomfort during urination.

Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Caused by contact with infected blood or body fluids, unprotected sex, shared needles, and mother-to-child transmission.

Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea. Some infections are asymptomatic.

Haemophilus ducreyi

Chancroid is a bacterial STI caused by Haemophilus ducreyi that causes painful open sores on the genitals.

Symptom show painful genital ulcers and swollen, tender lymph nodes.

Mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is a major cause of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men and cervicitis/pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, often resulting in symptoms like pain, discharge, and potential infertility if left untreated.

Pubic Lice

(Crabs)

Pubic lice are small insects that infest coarse body hair, especially in the genital area. Caused by close physical or sexual contact with an infested person.

Symptoms include intense itching, visible lice or eggs, and skin irritation.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin. Caused prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infested person.

Symptoms include severe itching, rash, and small burrows on the skin.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes small, firm bumps. Transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, or contact with contaminated objects.

Symptoms include small, painless bumps with a central indentation.

Complications of STIs in females can include:

» Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This can damage the uterus and lead to infertility.

» Ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus).

» Infertility

» Chronic pelvic pain

In males, untreated STIs can cause:

» Infections in the urethra and prostate

» Swollen or painful testicles

» Infertility

References:

Jefferson Health. (n.d.). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Conditions and treatments.
https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/sexually-transmitted-diseases

Philippine Star. (2024, December 2). DOH: HIV cases to hit 215,400.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/12/02/2404430/doh-hiv-cases-hit-215400

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 25). About sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 9). How to prevent sexually transmitted infections
(STIs). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/prevention/index.html

Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Symptoms & causes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 3). Sexually transmitted diseases & infections (STDs/STIs).
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases--infections-stds--stis

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