Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections
Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are caused by viruses, which are non-living organisms dependent on specific host cells in the body for their replication and survival. They are primarily treated through the management of symptoms, slowing the progression of the infection and reducing the risk of transmission. It is important to note that while the body's immune system can clear some viral infections, certain viral STIs cannot be completely cured and may persist in the body.
HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that targets the body’s white blood cells and attacks the immune system if left untreated. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the infection.
Ways of Transmission:
The only way of transmission of HIV is through exposure to the body fluids of a person living with HIV via:
Anal, oral, and vaginal sex through ejaculation, pre-cum, and vaginal secretions.
Blood (sharing contaminated needles, syringes, and other injecting equipment).
Experiencing accidental needle stick injuries among healthcare providers.
Mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
In some cases, HIV can be transmitted through oral sex in case of gum injuries or in the presence of oral lesions.
Having other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, and/or gonorrhea can increase the risk of contracting HIV. Some of these STIs can cause inflammation that can also increase the number of immune cells and sores which provide entry points for HIV, making transmission easier.
HIV is not transmissible through kisses, hugs, shaking hands, utensils, sharing food and water, or mosquito bites.
Symptoms:
Some people may remain asymptomatic. Therefore, routine testing is necessary to detect the infection in its early stages. Others may experience a rash and/or flu-like symptoms a few weeks after being infected, such as:
Fever and fatigue.
Headache and muscle aches.
Sore throat.
Weight loss.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Mouth ulcers.
Risk and treatment:
If HIV is left untreated, the virus multiplies slowly in the body for around 10 years, weakening the immune system and leading to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
The effective treatment relies on antiretroviral therapy (ART). People living with HIV who are under ART and consistently taking it can live a long and healthy life, and once they reach an undetectable viral load, they cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners.
Important note:
Pre-exposure prophylactic (PrEP) medications allow HIV-negative individuals to protect themselves from the infection.
Post-exposure prophylactic (PEP) medication allows HIV-negative individuals who have been exposed to HIV to prevent the transmission of the virus. PEP should be taken within 72 hours after exposure.
Hepatitis B and C
Definition:
Viral liver infections that can cause an acute (short and severe) or chronic (long-term) disease.
Symptoms:
Eyes and skin jaundice
Dark urine
Asthenia
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Some people do not experience any symptoms in the first few weeks.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Transmission:
Contact with body fluids of someone living with HBV:
Blood (sharing contaminated needles, syringes, and other sharp equipment)
Oral, anal, and vaginal sex through semen, pre-cum, and vaginal secretions.
Experiencing accidental needle stick injuries among health workers.
Mother to baby at birth and while breastfeeding in case of blood exposure.
The hepatitis B virus can survive outside the body for at least 7 days.
Prevention:
A vaccine for Hepatitis B is available to prevent its transmission (individuals born in 1986 and later received their first dose after birth with boosters a few months later. For individuals born before 1986, it is recommended to discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider.)
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to prevent long-term liver damage.
Acute Hepatitis B treatment usually relies on a healthy diet and hydration.
Chronic cases are treated with antiviral medicines to ensure long-term survival.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Transmission:
Contact with the blood of someone living with HCV:
Blood (sharing contaminated needles, syringes, and other sharp equipment)
Unsafe injection practices.
Blood transfusions.
Drug injections.
Sexual practices that lead to blood exposure.
Mother to baby at birth.
The hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body on surfaces for up to 6 weeks.
Prevention:
No vaccine is available.
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to prevent long-term liver damage.
Some people's immune systems can fight the infection on their own and the majority of people recover by taking the appropriate medicine.
Chronic cases require antiviral treatment.
HPV – Human Papillomavirus
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that infects the skin or mucosal cells. There are more than 100 known types of HPV, with HPV 16 and 18 being the two most common "high-risk" genotypes that can cause cervical, vaginal, anal, penile, throat, and other types of cancer. On the other hand, HPV 6 and HPV 11 are the two primary “low-risk” genotypes that can cause genital warts.
Ways of Transmission:
Skin-to-skin sexual contact.
Oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
Objects, fomites, or materials (HPV can survive on surfaces for a long time).
HPV can be transmitted even if the person has no symptoms.
Most people are prone to catching HPV during their lifetime.
Symptoms:
Warts on the vagina, anus, penis, and sometimes on the throat/mouth.
Risk and treatment:
Treatment for HPV is only needed in case of genital warts or cell changes.
In the majority of cases, HPV infections resolve on their own without causing any issues, typically cleared by the body within a span of 2 years. As a result, healthcare professionals may recommend HPV testing at intervals of 3 to 6 months to monitor the clearance of the virus.
Prevention:
The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk types of HPV and genotypes that cause genital warts for both people with vaginas and people with penises. However, it does not protect against all types of HPV. It is also important to note that people between the ages of 9 and 45 years are most likely to benefit from the vaccine.
The pap smear test can be performed on people with uteruses who are HPV positive to detect cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer in the early stages of the infection.
The Human papillomavirus Virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections affecting 75% of sexually active persons. Learn more about it in this video.
Illustration and Animation: Mabelle Sawan
HSV - Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. Two types of HSV are known:
Type 1 (HSV-1), which spreads by oral contact and causes oral herpes. In some cases, it can also cause genital herpes.
Type 2 (HSV-2), which spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes. This type can increase the risk of acquiring HIV infection.
Ways of Transmission:
Contact with active blisters.
Contact with genital or anal surfaces, skin, sores, or fluids of someone carrying HSV.
Mother to child during childbirth.
Symptoms:
Most people with herpes have no or mild symptoms. Symptoms can include:
Blisters or ulcers in or around the mouth or lips in case of oral herpes.
Bumps, blisters, or ulcers around the genitals or anus in case of genital herpes.
Some people may experience:
Fever.
Body aches.
Sore throat (oral herpes).
Headaches.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Risk and treatment:
People can have mild repeated outbreaks with individual triggers. With time, people come to recognize the factors that reactivate HSV in their bodies.
Some factors that might reactivate the blisters:
Suppressed immune system.
Physical and/or emotional stress.
Diet.
Friction.
Exposure to ultraviolet light.
The goal of the treatment is to reduce the symptoms, but it cannot cure the infection.
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.