Common STIs: Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia

Syphilis

Caused by: The spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Signs and Symptoms

• Primary Stage

  Classically presents with a single chancre (firm, painless, non-itchy skin ulceration) that forms approximately 21 days after exposure. These ulcers are usually on the penis, in the vagina, around the anus, and in the mouth. The chancre disappears within 4 to 8 weeks without medication.

• Secondary Stage

  Diffuse rash which frequently involves the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. May include latent syphilis with few to no symptoms.

• Tertiary Stage

  Begins after primary and secondary symptoms resolve. Involves neurological or cardiac symptoms. Can lead to difficulties coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, gradual blindness, and death.

Congenital Syphilis

May be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or at birth, potentially leading to secondary stage, tertiary stage, and death.

Treatment

Antibiotic: Penicillin injections.

Gonorrhea

Caused by: The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Signs and Symptoms

• Men

  • Burning with urination.
  • Penile white-yellow discharge.

• Women

  • Often asymptomatic.
  • May have white-yellow vaginal discharge.
  • Pelvic pain.

• Untreated Complications (Men and Women)

  If left untreated, gonorrhea may spread locally or throughout the body:

  • Locally: Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis) or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (inflammation of the Fallopian tubes).
  • Systemically: Affecting joints and heart valves.

Congenital Gonorrhea

Infection of the eyes, potentially leading to blindness.

Treatment

Antibiotic: Cephalosporin (pills). Neisseria gonorrhoeae is resistant to Penicillin.

Chlamydiasis

Caused by: The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

Signs and Symptoms

• Men

  • Burning sensation when urinating.
  • Transparent discharge from the penis.

• Women

  • Symptoms are usually mild or absent (often called a "silent disease").
  • Women with symptoms might have a transparent vaginal discharge.

• Untreated Complications

  • In women: Untreated infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, potentially causing irreversible damage. Infertility can occur "silently" before a woman recognizes a problem.
  • In men: Complications are rare. Infection sometimes spreads to the epididymis, causing pain, fever, and, rarely, sterility.

Treatment

Antibiotic: Azithromycin.