Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and are contracted through sexual intercourse and other acts of intimate, sexual contact (for example, oral sex and anal sex). They can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy and childbirth.

Types of STIs

• Chlamydia.
• Genital Herpes.
• Gonorrhoea.
• Hepatitis B.
• HPV.
• Syphilis.
• HIV/AIDS.

Chlamydia

This is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatos and can damage the body’s reproductive organs. It is transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral intercourse, and can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. It can be cured with proper treatment. However, left untreated, Chlamydia may cause pelvic inflammatory disease and/or scarred fallopian tubes, which may result in abnormal pregnancy or infertility. Sometimes there may not be any symptoms present.

Signs and Symptoms

• Yellowish vaginal discharge.
• Pain on urination.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Spotting blood after intercourse.
• Bleeding between periods.

Genital Herpes

This is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2). Outbreaks are usually recurrent and painful; infection may spread to other parts of the body. There is no known cure for genital herpes; however, treatment is available with antiviral drugs and can make the outbreaks less severe.

Signs and Symptoms

• Itching or tingling of the genitalia.
• A painful sore (lasts a few days to weeks).
• Loss of appetite.
• Possible headaches.
• Possible fever.
• May result in cervical cancer.

Gonorrhoea

Commonly, known as “the claps”, is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoea bacterium. The bacterium grows and multiplies in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract. It can be cured. However, left untreated, it may cause infection of the urethra in men, and pelvic inflammatory disease or scarred fallopian tubes, in women, which may result in an abnormal pregnancy or infertility.

Signs and Symptoms

• Possible vaginal discharge.
• Burning or pain on urination.
• Possible arthritis.

Some people may not experience symptoms.

Hepatitis B

This is caused by a virus and can lead to liver disease. It may be passed from an infected mother to her unborn baby. Most treated cases resolve. However, some cases may result in chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or death from complications of the disease.

Signs and Symptoms

• Flu-like symptoms.
• Jaundice.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

HPV affects the skin of the penis, vulva, and the linings of the vagina, cervix or rectum. It may be passed from an infected mother to her unborn baby. There is no known cure for HPV; however, treatment with an antiviral drug makes the outbreaks less severe.

Sign and Symptom

• Clusters of warts on the genitals and surrounding areas.

Some people may experience no symptoms.

Syphilis

This is caused by a bacterium and it transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore during sexual intercourse or other intimate interactions (for example, anal or oral sex). Infected pregnant mothers may also pass the infection to their babies. Sores are usually found on the external genitals, vagina, anus and rectum, but may also be present on the lips and mouth in some cases. It can be cured if detected and treated early.

Signs and Symptoms

First Stage

• Painless sore at infection site.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

Second Stage

• Skin rash, lasting several months, often on palm of the hands and soles of the feet.

Third Stage

• Heart, nervous system and other internal organs may be affected.

Some people may not experience symptoms.

HIV/AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Usually, within three to ten years after infection, opportunistic infections, including pneumonia, herpes, and fungal infections, and certain cancers occur. However, it appears that infected persons may remain with the HIV stage indefinitely, never progressing to AIDS.

Some people with HIV may exhibit no symptoms and are known as “healthy carriers”, yet, they can still transmit the virus. There is no known cure for HIV/AIDS, but with drug treatment, persons living with HIV and AIDS can live long and happy lives.

The virus is transmitted by:

• Sexual intercourse (when one partner is infected).
• Use of contaminated needles and syringes.
• Transfusion of infected blood (rare).
• An infected mother to her unborn child (rare with treatment).

Signs and Symptoms

HIV

• Flu-like symptoms.
• Fever.
• Sore throat.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

AIDS

• Extreme weight loss.
• Diarrhoea.
• Skin rash.
• Oral thrush, among other diseases.

STI Prevention

• Abstinence.
• Communication with your partner about STIs.
• Have sex with only one uninfected partner.
• Use a latex condom each time you have sexual intercourse.
• Get tested for STIs at every yearly physical/medical exam.
• Know the signs and symptoms of STIs and watch for them.

Any member of the public, can access this service.

1. Visit to your nearest Community Health clinic.
2. Register for an appointment.
3. Have a seat in waiting area.
4. Participate in testing and examination.
5. Obtain follow-up appointment.
6. Follow advice/instructions of your healthcare provider.

This varies by facility.

This varies by facility.

There are no fees associated with this service.

The Department of Public Health
Poncianna Hill Building
Meeting Street
P. O. Box N-3730
Nassau, N.P.
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 502-4728
Fax. (242) 502-4874
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays