Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by bacteria, which are microorganisms with simple structures. They can be found in various environments and can be both beneficial and harmful to other living organisms.

Treatments for bacterial STIs aim to cure and eliminate the infection. 

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

Ways of Transmission:

• Oral, anal, and vaginal sex through semen, pre-cum, and vaginal secretions.

• Mother to child during delivery.

Symptoms: 

Chlamydia can be asymptomatic, with symptoms potentially remaining undetectable for up to three weeks after unprotected sex. These symptoms could be:

People with a vagina:

• Change in vaginal discharge (smell, color, texture, frequency).

• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen.

• Bleeding between menstrual periods or after sex.

• Itchiness and irritation in the genital area.

• Burning sensation when urinating.

• Anal pain at times.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an ulcerative type of chlamydia that attacks the lymph nodes. It can cause severe inflammation that leads to genital ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, or anorectal inflammations accompanied by discharge, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and fever.

Risk and treatment:

LGV is easily treated and can be cured with prescribed antibiotics. Untreated chlamydia can cause serious problems within the reproductive system, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, and can lead to difficulty in getting pregnant for both people with vaginas and people with penises.

It is important to note that self-medication can lead to antimicrobial resistance growth, which is when the bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. 

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract.

 Ways of Transmission: 

• Oral, anal, and vaginal sex through semen, pre-cum, and vaginal secretions.

• Mother to child during delivery.

Symptoms: 

Symptoms usually appear between 1 to 14 days after unprotected sex. These symptoms could be:

People with a penis:

• Unusual discharge from the penis separate from the semen and pre-cum.

• Pain or discomfort in the testicles.

• Itchiness and irritation in the genital area.

• Burning sensation when urinating.

• Anal pain at times.

Risk and treatment:

Gonorrhea is easily treated and cured with prescribed antibiotics. If not treated, gonorrhea can cause serious problems within the reproductive system, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, and can lead to infertility in both people with vaginas and people with penises.

It is important to note that self-medication can lead to antimicrobial resistance growth, which is when the bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Treponema pallidum.

Ways of Transmission: 

• Oral, anal, and vaginal sex through semen, pre-cum, and vaginal secretions.

• Skin-to-skin contact with syphilis sores.

• Mother to child during delivery.

Symptoms: 

Many people with syphilis do not notice any symptoms, but they could manifest as:

Primary syphilis: Lasts around 21 days

• Painless hard and round sores (chancres) on the genitals, anus, or elsewhere, which may not be noticed but can heal within 3 to 10 weeks even without treatment.

• If untreated and does not self-heal, Syphilis can progress to the second stage.

Secondary syphilis:

• Non-itchy rash, usually on the palms and the soles.

• White or gray lesions appear in warm, moist areas, such as the labia or anus, or area of the chancre.

• Swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, fatigue.

• Symptoms may spontaneously go away without treatment.

Latent and tertiary syphilis:

• Often has no symptoms.

• It might affect the neurological and cardiovascular system.

Diagnosis:

• Physical examination.

• Rapid or blood tests.

Treatment: 

• Prescribed antibiotics depending on the stage of the disease.

It is critical to note that self-medication can lead to antimicrobial resistance growth, which is when the bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. 

Ureaplasma

Ureaplasma is a type of bacteria that commonly inhabits the urinary or genital tract. 

Ways of Transmission: 

• Oral, anal, and vaginal sex through semen, pre-cum, and vaginal secretions.

• Mother to child during pregnancy and at birth.

Symptoms:  

May vary and can be asymptomatic.

• Unusual yellowish/greenish/whitish discharge from the penis/vagina.

• Burning sensation during urination.

• Pain or discomfort in the genital area.

In some cases, ureaplasma infection might evolve and cause urethritis, cystitis, bacterial vaginosis, or pelvic inflammatory infection in people with vaginas which can sometimes lead to difficulty getting pregnant.

Diagnosis:

• Cervical swab.

• Urine sample.

Treatment:

Sometimes, ureaplasma goes away after one or two months and does not require any treatment. Otherwise, antibiotics can be prescribed.

It is critical to note that self-medication can lead to antimicrobial resistance growth, which is when the bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. 

Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma genitalium and hominis are bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that primarily infect the genital and urinary tract.

Ways of Transmission: 

• Oral, anal, and vaginal sex through sexual fluids including semen, pre-cum, and vaginal secretions.

• Mother to child during pregnancy and at birth.

Symptoms: 

May be asymptomatic.

• Unusual yellowish/greenish/whitish discharge from the penis/vagina.

• Burning sensation during urination.

• Pain or discomfort in the genital area.

• Pain during sex.

• Painful bleeding between periods.

In some cases, mycoplasma infection might evolve and cause urethritis, cystitis, bacterial vaginosis, or pelvic inflammatory infection in people with vaginas and in the epididymitis in people with penises which can sometimes lead to difficulty getting pregnant.

Urethritis: inflammation of the urethra, leading to symptoms such as pain or discomfort during urination and possible discharge from the penis or vagina.

Cervicitis: inflammation of the cervix that may cause abnormal vaginal discharge and discomfort.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): infection of the female reproductive organs, leading to pelvic pain, fever, and potential long-term complications such as infertility or ectopic pregnancy.

Epididymitis: inflammation of the epididymis, causing pain and swelling in the testicles.

Diagnosis: 

• Clinical assessment, patient history, and laboratory testing. 

• Genital swabs or urine samples.

Treatment: 

Prescribed antibiotics if necessary. 

Written by:

Cristel Lahoud | Sexual health educator, midwife

Cristel Lahoud is a sexual health educator at Marsa, holding a Bachelor's degree in Midwifery and currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Her profound dedication lies in raising awareness and promoting advocacy for both sexual and reproductive health.