Sexually Transmitted Infection Treatment in Delhi, India

Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Usually, they are contracted via anal, oral, or vaginal intercourse. However, they may also spread through other forms of sexual contact that involve the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis. 

There are more than 20 types of STIs. The most common ones include:

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Symptoms are often absent, but may include unusual vaginal discharge and painful urination 

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a common infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is highly contagious and, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications. Gonorrhoea is transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. Additionally, if a person touches an affected area and then their eye, it may cause conjunctivitis (pink eye). This infection can also be passed to a newborn during childbirth.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets the immune system. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, making individuals more susceptible to other infections. Without treatment, this increased vulnerability can lead to life-threatening complications. The virus is present in bodily fluids, including sperm, blood, breast milk, and vaginal and rectal fluids. It can be transmitted if these fluids enter another person's body.

HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that affects the skin and mucous membranes in areas such as the throat, cervix, anus, and mouth. Many people exhibit no symptoms, yet the infection can still spread. HPV can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, genital-to-genital contact, and though rarely, from a pregnant woman to a newborn.

Genital Herpes

Herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes. It affects the skin, cervix and the genitals and can spread through saliva. Key symptoms include blisters around the mouth, anus and genital area. 

Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It is a serious infection, and prompt treatment is required to avoid long-term damage. Syphilis typically progresses in four stages. During the first stage, a person may notice a circular, firm sore at the site of the infection, typically around the genitals, anus, rectum, or mouth. These sores, which last three to six weeks, are often painless and may go unnoticed if hidden, such as inside the vagina.

Trichomoniasis 

Trichomoniasis, caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, can affect both men and women, though symptoms are more common in women. In women, the infection usually affects the vagina, while in men, it may develop in the urethra. The infection spreads through penetrative sex and vulva-to-vulva contact.

Sexually transmitted infections may be caused by:

• Bacteria: STDs such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia are caused by bacterial pathogens.
• Parasites: Trichomoniasis is a parasitic sexually transmitted disease.
• Viruses:  Human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus, and HIV are examples of viral STDs.

Anyone who engages in sexual activity is at risk of contracting or spreading an STD. The following factors may increase the likelihood of contracting a sexually transmitted infection:

• Unprotected sex:  Engaging in unprotected penetrative or oral sex increases the risk of contracting STI. Using condoms can help in preventing some STIs. 
• Multiple sexual partners: Having more than one sexual partner raises the risk of contracting an STI.
• History of STI: A previous STI infection increases the chances of contracting another one. 
• Drug injections: Sharing needles increases the risk of contracting an STI.
• Age: Individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 are more susceptible to STIs.

STIs do not always induce symptoms, and when they do, the symptoms may be mild. So it is possible to have an infection without noticing it. Even without any noticeable symptoms, STIs can be dangerous and transmitted during sex.

If symptoms are present, they may include:

• Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
• Sores or warts in the genital area
• Painful or frequent urination
• Itching and redness in the genital area
• Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
• Abnormal vaginal odour
• Anal itching, pain, or bleeding
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fever

STI diagnosis involves several procedures, depending on the type of STI. Common diagnostic approaches include:

• Physical Examination: Doctors may assess visible signs, such as sores, rashes, or unusual discharge in the genital area.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to diagnose viral infections including HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. Antibodies or viral nucleic acids related to these infections can be detected in the blood.
• Urine Tests: For bacterial STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, urine samples are the first choice of diagnostic testing, as these bacteria can be detected in the urine. 
• Swab Tests: Samples from the infected sites, including the genital, oral or rectal areas, can be used to diagnose infections that include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. For HPV, a Pap smear may be performed to check for abnormal cells on the cervix.

Treatment for sexually transmitted infections varies depending on the type of infection:

Antibiotics

Sexually transmitted bacterial infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, are usually cured with antibiotics. These may be prescribed as a single dose or for a longer duration, depending on the infection. Regardless of symptom improvement, the prescribed course of antibiotics should be followed to ensure complete elimination of the infection.

Antiviral Medications

For viral STIs such as herpes, HIV, antiviral drugs are prescribed to alleviate symptoms and control the virus. These medications cannot cure the disease, but help manage symptoms, reduce recurrence, and maintain the virus at low levels, especially in cases like HIV.

If left untreated, STIs can lead to long-term health issues. Possible issues include:

• Reproductive health issues, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and pelvic discomfort.
• Pregnancy complications
• Certain malignancies, such as HPV-related cervical and rectal cancers
• Heart disease
• Eye inflammation

Following tips can be helpful in prevention of STI:

• Regular Testing: Getting tested for STIs before having intercourse can help prevent further spread.
• Use Condoms Consistently: Use a condom whenever having sex. Correct use of latex condoms reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of contracting or spreading STIs.
• Avoid multiple sexual partners: Having multiple sex partners increases the risk of developing STIs. 
• Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available for certain types of STIs, including HPV and hepatitis.

Are there any chances of getting an STI through non-sexual contact?

While most STIs are sexually transmitted, others, like HIV, can spread through non-sexual means such as sharing needles or from mother to child during childbirth

How long can one have an STI in their body without experiencing symptoms?

Many STIs remain asymptomatic for weeks or even years, making regular testing crucial for sexually active individuals.

Can a person have two or more STIs at the same time?

Yes, a person can have more than one STI at the same time. Some STIs, such as HIV, make one vulnerable to the other type of STI. This is because the immune system may already be weakened or because there are sores that allow other STIs to enter the body.

When should a person get tested for STIs?

Testing frequency depends on lifestyle factors like the number of partners and condom use. Annual testing is recommended for all sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners. 

Is it possible to get infected with the same STI more than once?

It is possible to contract the same STI again, even after the successful treatment. For instance, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis may recur. Safe sex practices and routine screenings are essential to reducing the risk of re-infection, particularly for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.

Reviewed by Dr. Vivek Vasudeo, Consultant, Urology, Robotic Surgery, on 27 June 2025.