3 Common STIs in Malaysia

CLEADOC editor

Not a doctor but a meticulous writer who writes informative articles related to healthcare in Malaysia.

What is STI and how does it spread ?

Sexually transmitted infection (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted disease (STDs), are very common. STIs pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex.

What are the common STIs in Malaysia ?

According to the statistics found in Malaysia, the top 3 common STIs are Syphilis, Gonorrhoea and HIV.

Syphilis

What is Syphilis ?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems without treatment. Infection develops in stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). Each stage can have different signs and symptoms. (Source:cdc.gov)

Symptoms of Syphilis

There are a few stages for this disease such as primary stage, secondary stage and late stage.

For primary stage – there may have chances that a firm, round and painless sores pop up in your private part such as vulva, vagina, anus, penis, scrotum, lips and mouth however you won’t realise this has happen as it usually will only have 1 sore of it and it may hide deep in your private part that are hard to see.

For the secondary stages – there will be some rashes in your body, especially on your hands and feets, however it won’t be itchy and painful in addition, you might also have the symptoms of sick and mild flu ,feeling tired, sore throat, swollen glands, headache, muscle aches and the sores in your mouth, vagina, or anus, and weight or hair loss too. Lastly, if you didn’t take any treatment in these

For the late stage – it is the most dangerous stage which might cause tumours, blindness, and paralysis.

Symptoms in male

Sores in penis

Symptoms in female

Sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus

Complication of Syphilis

Due to the presence of open sores, syphilis patients are more likely to contract HIV. An infected mother may transmit the virus to her unborn child during pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and early birth as well as birth abnormalities like mental retardation or seizures.

Gonorrhoea

What is Gonorrhoea ?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by infection with the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. N. gonorrhoeae infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and urethra in women and men. N. gonorrhoeae can also infect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum. (Source: cdc.gov)

How does Gonorrhoea transmit ?

The bacteria that causes gonorrhoea are found in discharge from the penis and vaginal fluid. Gonorrhoea is easily transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, sharing of vibrators or other sex toys that have not been cleaned or covered with a new condom each time they’re used. (Source: nhs.uk)

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea symptoms in male :-

Painful urination.
Pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis (discharge could be yellow, white, beige, or greenish)
Pain or swelling in one testicle
Urge to urine more than usual
Itchy & sore in anus
Rectal Bleeding/Discharge
Painful Bowel Movement

Gonorrhoea symptoms in female:-

Increased vaginal discharge (watery, creamy, or greenish)
Vaginal bleeding between periods, such as after vaginal intercourse
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Urge to urine more than usual
Itchy & sore in anus
Rectal Bleeding/Discharge
Painful Bowel Movement

Other Symptoms of Gonorrhoea:-

Eye pain (may occur if you touch your genitals, then your eyes before washing hands)
Sore throat
Swollen lymph node (Source: healthline)

Complication of Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea can enter the uterus or fallopian tubes in women causing pelvic inflammatory illness (PID). It will cause abdominal pain and fever that can be fairly moderate or extremely severe. Internal abscesses and persistent pelvic pain can result from PID. PID can also harm the fallopian tubes to the point where it results in infertility or raises the chance of an ectopic pregnancy.

Epididymitis may make gonorrhoea in males more difficult to treat. Rarely, this could result in infertility.

Gonorrhoea can potentially spread to the blood and result in a disseminated gonococcal infection if it is not treated (DGI). Arthritis, tenosynovitis, and/or dermatitis are often symptoms of DGI. It is potentially fatal to have this condition.

HIV

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease.

Symptoms of HIV

HIV symptoms in male:-

Low sex drive
Sores on the penis
Pain or burning while peeing
Pain during ejaculation
Peeing more often than usual
Cloudy or bloody pee
Pain in the bladder, testicles, penis, or the area between the scrotum and rectum
Lower back, abdomen, or groyne pain

Symptoms of HIV in female:-

Vaginal yeast infections
Other vaginal infections ie. bacterial vaginosis; common STIs ie. Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Trichomoniasis; HPV infections that cause genital warts and can lead to cervical cancer; PID
Infection of a women’s reproductive organs and menstrual cycle changes, such as not having periods.