In Singapore, sexually transmitted infections include HIV and hepatitis B. Other STIs are not fatal, but many can cause serious lifelong health problems.
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In Singapore, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common. Virtually every sexually active adult will be exposed to at least one STI during their lives. If you’re having unprotected sex when you’re exposed, then you could acquire the infection from your partner. Because many STIs have no symptoms, ensuring that you have sex only with healthy partners won’t work.
Unfortunately, there are very few vaccines available against STIs. The one exception is hepatitis B, which is one of the most serious STIs. The disease is caused by a virus, which can also be transmitted through needles (such as during drug use) or from mother to child. It attacks the liver, and can lead to death through liver failure, cirrhosis (liver scarring), or liver cancer. The vaccine is highly effective at preventing the infection. In Singapore, the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all newborns (to protect them in the future) and for those adults at high risk who haven’t already had the vaccine. You can ask for the hepatitis B vaccine if you want to be protected.
Because there are no vaccines available for other STIs, you’ll need to protect yourself in other ways. Using condoms is a good way to prevent STIs; condoms are not perfect, but will greatly reduce your chances of becoming infected.
Another STI that can be fatal is HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). This virus attacks the immune system, leaving the patient vulnerable to many other infections. It’s fatal if untreated. Treatment with multiple medications can help to control the virus, but these must be continued for life. While HIV is not the most common STI, the rates are increasing in Singapore and around the world.
Another STI that’s potentially fatal is syphilis. This disease causes a sore on the genitals; after the sore heals, the bacteria remain in the body, spreading to cause damage to major organ systems. Historically, it was a major cause of death. Syphilis is now treatable with penicillin, although any damage already caused won’t be reversed after the bacteria are eradicated.
Several STIs can cause infertility if left untreated. These include chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both are caused by bacteria, and it’s common to get both of them at the same time; these two infections are among the most common STIs in Singapore. They cause the symptoms that most people associate with STIs, such as burning with urination and discharge.
Trichomoniasis, usually known as trich, is another STI that can cause discharge. It’s commonly asymptomatic in men, but often causes discharge and itching in women. It’s mainly a nuisance, but can lead to serious consequences in pregnant women (including premature labor and low birth weight in the baby).
An extremely common STI is infection with a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). There are several types of this virus; some cause genital warts, while others cause cancer of the cervix in women. There is a vaccine available that protects against several HPV types; this is recommended for all sexually active people, especially women.
References
Sexually transmitted infection at Shim Clinic, Singapore