Infections (from Latin: inficere – "infect, poison") are caused by infectious agents including bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. The host tissue is often damaged by these organisms. [1]
The following listing of most important genital infections include more harmless germs, which are not a great health hazard if they are recognized and treated early enough.
Urinary tract infection
A "honeymoon cystitis" may result from spreading germs after sexual intercourse or the combination of a cold, lack of liquid and a weak immune system. Due to women's short urinary tract, germs like E. coli, fungi or streptococci quickly reach the urinary bladder where they may cause an inflammation. [2] [3] [4] [URETHRA] [URINARY BLADDER]
Symptoms: Typical symptoms are an urge to urinate, burning with urination, and flank pain. [2] [4]
Treatment: Acute infections should be treated with diuretic teas and warmth as well as cranberry juice and extracts. Urgent symptoms should be treated with antibiotics because in case of an uprising infection the kidneys may be affected. [2]
Protection: A number of measures have not been confirmed to affect UTI frequency including: urinating immediately after intercourse in order to get rid of the germs, avoiding cold seating surfaces and keeping warm the kidney area in winter. Additionally, a sufficient intake of fluids and healthy flora of vulva and vagina, for example, by using Döderlein bacteria, are helpful. [2] [4]
Fungi (Candida albicans)
Candida albicans is a type of fungus which exists naturally on the human skin and in the intestines. In case of a disturbed vaginal flora or weak immune system, this fungus may expand in the genital area. [3] [5]
Symptoms: Characteristic symptoms include itching and burning as well as a crumbly discharge similar to a cottage cheese in its appearance and consistency. [3] [5]
Treatment: On the one hand, the use of anti fungus creams, anti fungus drugs and pessaries is helpful and on the other hand the recovery of natural vaginal flora using Döderlein bacteria is recommended. [5]
Protection: The best protection against fungi is a healthy vaginal flora. Besides, germs from the perineum or anus area shouldn't reach the vagina. [5]
Chlamydia
Chlamydia infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in humans. Chlamydia can spread during unprotected sexual intercourse. Around 10 per cent of the population is infected without symptoms. The bacterial germs primarily cause an inflammation of the vagina or penis. Unfortunately, the germs can also spread and cause an inflammation of the fallopian tubes. As a result, fertility is lower and men may experience an inflammation of the prostate or epididymis. [3] [6]
Symptoms: Signs of an infection may include itching, pains and burning sensation during urination as well as a genital discharge. An inflammation of the fallopian tubes may cause mid-cycle bleedings, pains in the abdomen and fever. [6]
Treatment: Chlamydia infection can be effectively cured with antibiotics (macrolide, tetracycline, doxycycline or azithromycin). Additionally, the partner should also be treated. [7]
Protection: Condoms or femidoms offer effective protection against Chlamydia. [3] [7]
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is a typical venereal disease which is mainly transmitted sexually via mucosal contact. [8] [9]
Symptoms: The usual symptoms in men are a burning sensation with urination and discharge from the penis. Women have vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. In both men and women, if gonorrhea is left untreated, it may spread locally, causing inflammation of fallopian tubes or uterus in women and of prostate and the epididymides. Around 20 per cent of all men and women have no symptoms. [3] [9]
Treatment: A onetime intake of antibiotics such as cefixim helps to cure the disease. The treatment is successful as soon as there are no more germs detectable in the check-up. [8]
Protection: As with most sexually transmitted diseases, the risk of infection can be reduced significantly by the correct use of condoms or femidoms. [10]
Syphilis / Lues
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. [11] In some rare cases, the agent can also cause ulcers in the mouth which is thus transmissible by kissing. [12] In medieval times this disease was feared because it could cause heavy physical damages if it wasn't treated. The German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), for example, lost his hearing due to syphilis. [13] Thanks to the development of penicillin, nowadays penicillin no longer poses such a threat to people. Important are an early diagnosis and an immediate treatment. [3] [11]
Symptoms: Syphilis can present in one of three different stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary: [11] [12] [14]
- Primary phase: It starts with a painless defect of the mucous membrane and a lymph node enlargement. Abatement of symptoms after three to six weeks.
- Secondary phase: Weeks later a characteristic skin rash as well as a change of the mucous membrane appear. Additional symptoms are fever, lymph node enlargement, sore throat, hair loss and muscle pains.- Tertiary phase / latency phase: Years or decades after the first infection syphilis can cause heavy tissue lesions – especially the nervous system (brain and spinal marrow), heart, liver, blood vessels, bones and joints.
Treatment: A onetime penicillin injection can cure syphilis. For HIV or cancer patients a repeated dose might be necessary. [12]
Protection: Condoms or femidoms offer effective protection against syphilis. [13]
Herpes
Herpes is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). [15] They are transmitted by direct contact with body fluids or lesions of an infected individual such as by kissing, petting and intercourse. [3] [16]
Symptoms: HSV-1 (herpes simplex) more commonly causes oral infections which may result in small blisters around lips and chin while HSV-2 (herpes genitalis) more commonly causes genital infections which may result in contagious and painful blisters in the genital region. Rates of HSV-1 are 99 per cent in adults and of HSV-2 around 60 per cent. [3] [15]
Treatment: No method eradicates herpes virus from the body, but antiviral medications can reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of outbreaks and accelerate the healing process. [15]
Protection: Condoms or femidoms may reduce the chance of infection but can't offer absolute protection. [15] [16]
Water wart (Molluscum contagiosum)
This viral infection of the skin is spread from person to person by touching a surface with the virus on it, such as towel, clothing, or toys. Healthy adults with a good immune system have a lower risk of infection [17] while it is most common in children and sexually active adults. [18]
Symptoms: They are generally not painful but they may itch or become irritated. They are dome-shaped with a dimpled center and can affect any area of the skin but most commonly in the genital area. [18] [19]
Treatment: Molluscum contagiosum lesions may go away on their own after months or years. Surgical treatments include laser therapy, cryosurgery (application of liquid nitrogen), or the use of special creams which may leave scars. [18]
Protection: Condoms or femidoms offer effective protection against molluscum contagiosum. However, the prevention of any intimate contact is best to avoid this harmless infection. [18]