Course Formation Modulable

STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection, i.e. an infection that is transmitted through sexual intercourse.

They are transmitted not only through penetration but also through oral sex, fondling, masturbation and direct contact between the sexes.

An STI can be caused by a bacterium, virus or parasite.

The most common STIs include: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, HPV, etc.

In many cases STIs are asymptomatic, i.e. they do not present any symptoms. Symptoms that may appear in the days following sexual intercourse include:

• Itching
• Burning sensation
• Appearance of small red/white spots
• (Smelly) discharges
• Pain in lower abdomen, bleeding, etc.

The following STIs may however have symptoms:

Bacterial STIs are easily cured by taking antibiotics. No immunity will be developed against a bacterial STI: having had a bacterial STI does not mean that there will never be another infection with that STI.

Viral STIs are incurable, but there are treatments available to alleviate the consequences of the infection.

Herpes, for example, is a virus that, once in the body, will stay there for life, and will randomly manifest itself by the appearance of very painful lesions on the genitals. Antivirals are at such times prescribed to reduce the symptoms and speed up the healing of the lesions.

It is therefore essential to consult a doctor always if there are any abnormal signs, even if the symptoms have disappeared, as it is necessary to treat the infection as soon as possible so that it does not spread to other organs.

Sexual partners should also be informed, seen by a doctor and treated if necessary.

An STI can be prevented by using prevention tools such as:

• An internal condom, which is inserted into the vagina, also known as the ‘female condom’.
• An external condom, which is rolled onto the penis, also known as the 'male condom'.
• A dental dam for oral sex (cunnilingus, anilingus).
• Regular screening, if engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse, of oneself and of the sexual partners.

An STI can be avoided by using prevention tools such as:

• An internal condom, which is inserted into the vagina, also known as the ‘female condom’.
• An external condom, which is rolled onto the penis, also known as the 'male condom'.
• A dental dam for oral sex (cunnilingus, anilingus).
• Regular screening, if engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse, of oneself and of the sexual partners.

• There is a vaccine against the Hepatitis A virus and the Hepatitis B virus.
• A vaccine against 9 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) involved in over 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts is also available. It  is reimbursed by the CNS (national health fund) for young girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 18, but also in a targeted manner beyond this age bracket. The important thing is to see a doctor (https://plancancer.lu/about/prevention/vaccination-hpv/)