When most people think of sexually transmitted infections, they tend to think of infections that affect the genitals. They tend not to think about infections that affect the intestines.
But a fascinating novelty Article In Clinical microbiology draws attention to how closely intestinal infections can be transmitted sexually.
Read on to find out more.
STIs can seriously affect your health if left untreated. Book a full screen near you to protect your sexual health.
What does the article say?
The lead author of the article, Dr. Ferric C. Feng, professor of microbiology, laboratory medicine and pathology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, writes that “the (global) emergence of several multidrug-resistant intestinal pathogens and the possibility of cross-transmission between different at-risk populations underscore the importance of rapid diagnosis, appropriate treatment and the need to consider community-level education and testing to pull.”
The authors of the article particularly drew attention to infections such as: Shigella And Campylobacter among men who have sex with men. Sexual transmission of enteric infections (STEIs) in this group has been reported and recognized since the 1960s. The “public health response to these infections, as well as the identification and identification of transmission networks, lies between the traditional groupings of sexually transmitted and foodborne diseases.”
What does that mean?
Some infections, such as Shigella And Campylobacter, can be transmitted sexually or through contaminated food.
This transmission route also exists for many other infections. scabiesFor example, transmission can occur during sex, but also through sharing bed linen or prolonged physical contact such as hugging or cuddling.
The authors of the article initially had concerns HIV or drugs used to prevent or control HIV could contribute to the spread of these infections. However, there does not appear to be an increase in pathogen transmission rates among HIV-positive or HIV-negative men.
Rather, Sexual behavior appears to be the driving force behind the transmission of these infections. Oral-anal contact, or Rimmingis the main route of transmission of these infections. Recent cultural changes make such behaviors more likely.
Sexual encounters with new partners are easy Online dating and hookup sites and apps. The transmission is also supported by the Decline in the use of contraceptives such as condomsas a quick and effective treatment for infections such as Chlamydia And gonorrhea become more readily available. Chemsex also plays a role in reducing inhibitions.
Men who have sex with men are more likely to get these infections, tend to be younger, live in the city and travel abroad. They also tend to have larger sexual networks.
People who are homeless, live in unsanitary conditions and trade sex for money are also at higher risk, as are people with weakened immune systems.
Which infections are considered STEIs?
- Hepatitis A: A highly contagious viral liver infection spread through contaminated food or water or through close contact.
- Common symptoms: fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice and mild fever.
- Campylobacter: A bacterial infection often spread through undercooked poultry or contaminated water.
- Common symptoms: diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
- E.Coli: A group of bacteria, some strains of which cause gastrointestinal illnesses through contaminated food or water.
- Common symptoms: Watery or bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, mild fever, and vomiting.
- Salmonella: Bacterial infection is often transmitted through contaminated food, especially raw meat and eggs.
- Common symptoms: diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and headache.
- Shigella: A bacterial infection of the intestine spreads through contaminated food, water, or personal contact.
- Common symptoms: Bloody or mucous diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and nausea.
- Entamoeba histolytica: A parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated food or water, particularly in tropical regions.
- Common symptoms: diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps; In severe cases, bloody stools and liver abscesses may occur.
- Giardia: A parasitic infection of the small intestine often transmitted through contaminated water.
- Common symptoms: Watery or greasy stools, bloating, bloating, stomach cramps, fatigue, and weight loss.
- Strongyloides: A parasitic worm infection acquired through contact with contaminated soil.
- Common symptoms: Itchy rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and cough; Severe cases can be life-threatening in immunocompromised people.
- Cryptosporidium: A microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea and is often transmitted through contaminated water.
- Common symptoms: Watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever.
- Cystoisospora: An intestinal parasite that causes infections, especially in tropical regions.
- Common symptoms: Watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and loss of appetite.
- Microsporidia: A group of parasitic, fungus-like organisms that infect various tissues, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Common symptoms: diarrhea, weight loss, and systemic symptoms, depending on the organ affected.
How serious are STEIs?
STEIs are becoming increasingly difficult to treat and can persist for long periods of time. Fang and his colleagues also note that many of these intestinal infections have become increasingly resistant to drugs in recent years. International travel has also made it easier for these infections to cross national barriers where they may have been isolated in the past.
Responses to STEIs have been hampered because they are not clearly defined as a single, specific infection. Treatment and prevention initiatives typically focus on traditional sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
Health professionals are not allowed to ask about the sexual history of people with these intestinal infections during consultations.
Final thoughts
STEIs can have serious consequences if not treated properly. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.
If you’re worried about sexually transmitted diseases, Daily Sparkz can help. Book a sexual health test at a clinic near you by clicking the button below.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.
