Posts by Raju

What is Candidiasis (Fungi)? Candidiasis is a fungal disease mainly caused by the wide-spread fungus Candida albicans. Fungi naturally are found on everyone’s skin and mucous membranes. However, they can multiply dramatically and cause inflammation, especially when your immune system is weakened. Particularly the groin region is affected when skin overlaps. This leads to the…

What are Genital Warts (HPV)? Genital warts are small, pointy growths in the genital or anal area. More rarely they also occur in the mouth. Genital warts are caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV). In rare cases, some HPV types lead to cancer like cervical cancer/penile cancer/ anal cancer. It is possible to get vaccinated…

What are Crabs? Crabs (Phthirus pubis) are small insects that live and reproduce mainly in the pubic hair. Crabs, or pubic lice, are one of three types of lice that infest humans – in addition, there are also head lice and body lice. Crabs stick to thick (pubic) hair with their claws. This is primarily…

What is HPV? Human Papillomavirus infection is a common STI caused by multiple types of HPV. In most cases, HPV infection goes away on its own within two years without having any health effects but in some it can cause genital warts or cancers.   How do I know? HPV does not usually cause any symptoms.…

What is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is another type of viral hepatitis that for most people is a short-illness (acute infection) but for a few, it can become a long-term disease.  How do I know? Hepatitis C often causes no or minor symptoms. Many people therefore don’t even notice that they are infected and pass…

What is Herpes? Herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable. How do I know?  Everyone’s heard of herpes – annoying, oozing sores around your mouth. You can get the same thing on…

What is Chlamydia? Chlamydia is a common STI that can occur in anyone who’s sexually active and is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is a preventable and curable infection. People may have chlamydia without knowing it. The symptoms might be similar to gonorrhea infection. How do I know? Chlamydia often goes unnoticed and…

What is Hepatitis A/B Viral Hepatitis are infection of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses – A, B, C, D, and E. The hepatitis viruses A, B, and C are several times more resilient and contagious than HIV. It is therefore especially important for people who have anal sex to protect themselves from infection. Hepatitis…

What is Syphilis? Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection that is curable and is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It progresses through four stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages) with different symptoms and the progress of these stages can take weeks/months/ even years.  How do I know? In many cases, syphilis infection…

What is Gonorrhea? Gonorrhea is a common STI that is curable and is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae which can infect the genitals, anus/rectum, and throat. For those who have anal sex, rimming, the mucous membranes in the mouth/throat and anus are the most common site of infection. It is more common among the…

Hey there! Let’s understand what is an STI and how do we learn more about it? STIs are Sexually transmitted infections. It includes infections that are transmitted through sexual activities of various kinds and some of these infections are also transmitted through other modes like pregnancy, childbirth, shared infected needles, and infected blood products. The…

Multiple effective strategies exist to protect yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infections and a combination of these are essential for better protection as a single measure may not be protective against all STIs. Eg: using condoms are very effective to prevent HIV, Hep B, chlamydia, trichomoniasis. Although condoms are also effective in preventing gonorrhea, syphilis, these…