It’s going to be very difficult to win a fight against an enemy you don’t know. So to improve your chances of staying away from STI’s here is some information about the types of sexually transmitted infections

3 Broad Types of STIs

STIs can be broadly grouped into three, based on the organisms that cause the diseases:

1. Bacterial STIs
2. Parasitic STIs
3. Viral STIs

Bacterial STIs include diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia amongst many others. These STIs are quite common in our environment. Gonorrhea was once the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in Nigeria. Bacterial STIs are relatively easy to treat and prevent. However, if left untreated, they can result in dire complications such as infertility.

Parasitic STIs are caused by organisms that live in humans and feed on them at the expense of their health. Trichomoniasis is the most common parasitic STI in Nigeria. It is by far more common among females. Usually, men that do have this STI do not experience any symptoms at all. However, males can carry and transmit this disease even without having any symptoms of infections.

Trichomoniasis is also treatable. To avoid serious complications, it should be detected and treated as soon as possible

Viral STIs are quite notorious for how dangerous and difficult they are to treat. Viral STIs that are popular in our environment include HIV, herpes, and Hepatitis B.

The effects of these viral infections on the body can be reduced by managing their symptoms, but they aren’t curable. However, they can be easily prevented by safe sexual practices. While some, like Hepatitis B, can be prevented by vaccination, it is better for you to completely avoid exposure to viral STIs.