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Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted from an infected individual to a healthy individual through sexual contact. The most common mode of transmission is unprotected sexual intercourse. The risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease increases with the number of sexual partners. Engaging in sexual relations with multiple partners or with individuals who have other partners is risky.

STIs can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth, causing infections in newborns. The microorganisms responsible for these diseases can be carried through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Individuals who appear healthy may still carry these infections and transmit them during sexual contact. Since many STIs show no early symptoms, they often go unnoticed.

Who Is at Risk?

1. Individuals who have had unprotected sex
2. Individuals who currently have a sexually transmitted infection
3. Individuals who have had and recovered from an STI (Having had one STI increases the risk of carrying another, as these organisms are often co-transmitted)
4. All sexually active individuals, since many STIs can be asymptomatic
5. Individuals who are not certain whether their partner carries an infection
6. Individuals showing symptoms in the genital area
7. Individuals with multiple sexual partners
8. Individuals who use drugs (Sharing needles can transmit serious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis)

Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections

STIs can present with a wide range of symptoms, and infected individuals may experience different combinations of these symptoms. One critical point to be aware of is that early symptoms may subside within a few weeks, even though the infection persists and may cause complications later. Many STIs may be asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms.

1. Fever
2. Muscle or joint pain
3. Skin rashes
4. Headache
5. Diarrhea
6. Nausea and vomiting
7. Changes in vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding
8. Vaginal itching
9. Discharge from the penis
10. Burning or pain during urination
11. Genital warts
12. Pain during intercourse
13. Swelling and pain in the testicles
14. Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods

STI Testing

Early testing for STIs is very important to prevent complications and to stop the spread of the infection to others. Since clinical symptoms are often insufficient for diagnosis, STI screening tests are necessary for confirmation. You can inquire about the STI PCR testing available in our laboratory.

Common Sexually Transmitted Infections

1. HIV / AIDS
2. Hepatitis B
3. Hepatitis C
4. Syphilis
5. Chlamydia
6. Ureaplasma
7. Mycoplasma
8. Trichomoniasis
9. Gonorrhea
10. HPV (Genital warts)
11. Herpes Simplex

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections

The most effective way to prevent STIs is to avoid risky sexual encounters and to prefer long-term, monogamous sexual relationships. The use of condoms by both men and women significantly reduces the risk of transmission. After a suspicious sexual encounter, you should consult an Infectious Diseases Specialist. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still get tested with our sexual health screening package.

To get tested in Northern Cyprus, please visit our branches in Nicosia or Kyrenia. Wishing you good health!