Most people having asking, “Is coliform infection sexually transmitted?” Well, sit tight as I walk you through.
Awareness of these germs has increased in light of the recent well watched Netflix documentary that sheds light on tainted food supply and infections like Escherichia coli. It’s interesting to note that patients can occasionally have genito-urinary symptoms.
The diagnosis frequently indicates an coliform infection following a battery of clinical tests. This article explores the less well-known link between coliform and STDs, or sexually transmitted infections. This tries to educate you on the possible connection between E. coli and certain symptoms of STDs, highlighting how crucial it is to comprehend this relationship for your general health and wellbeing.
Contents
- 1 What is Coliform Infection?
- 2 Is Coliform Infection sexually transmitted?
- 3 Can Coliform be transmitted through oral sex, too?
- 4 What is the risk of acquiring an Coliform infection?
- 5 When should I see my doctor if I am concerned about an Coliform infection?
- 6 How can I prevent acquiring an Coliform infection?
- 7 What is the treatment for Coliform infections?
- 8 What will happen if I do not treat Coliform infections?
- 9 Can Coliform infection lead to infertility?
- 10 Is there a vaccine to prevent Coliform infection?
- 11 conclusion
What is Coliform Infection?
The bacteria known as Escherichia coli, or E. coli, can be found in a variety of foods and drinks, uncooked vegetables, undercooked meats (especially beef and pig), tainted water, and the human and animal digestive systems
Coliform infection is generally not harmful. But some coliform bacteria strains have the potential to be harmful and cause illnesses. These infectious strains have the ability to enter blood vessels and mucous membranes in the human body, which can result in a variety of illnesses. This covers conditions impacting the digestive, urinary, and respiratory systems.
In order to take the necessary measures and, if necessary, seek medical assistance, it is crucial to be informed of the potential risks connected with specific forms of coliform infection.
Read Also: What Happens When A Woman Is Not Sexually Satisfied?
Is Coliform Infection sexually transmitted?
Technically speaking, oral, vaginal, and anal sex are all forms of sexual contact that can lead to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs.
Even while coliform infections aren’t usually considered sexually transmitted diseases, they can be brought on by intercourse.
A person’s typical bacterial flora includes coliform bacteria, which are normally found in the genito-anal area. But during sexual activity, these germs can spread to the vaginal region (in women) or the urinary system (in men), which might result in an infection. Coliform can therefore be spread through sexual activity.
It is important to note that sexually transmitted E. Coli infections are less common than infections caused by more common STDs such gonorrhea, mycoplasma genitalium, ureaplasma urealyticum, or trichomonas.
Can Coliform be transmitted through oral sex, too?
As previously mentioned, coliform infection is a common bacterium found in the human gastrointestinal tract and can also exist in the perianal area and faeces. When engaging in oral intercourse, which involves direct contact between the mouth’s mucous membranes and the genital or anal region, there is a potential risk of acquiring an E. coli bacterial infection through cross-contact with your partner.
Therefore, it is indeed possible for E. coli infection to be transmitted through oral sex. It is essential to be aware of this risk and practice safe hygiene and sexual precautions to reduce the likelihood of infection transmission during intimate activities.
What is the risk of acquiring an Coliform infection?
Anyone exposed to the E. coli bacteria can potentially develop an Coliform infection.
You may be more predisposed towards an coliform infection if you have the following risk factors:
- Weakened immune system: if you have a weak immune system due to conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or long-term use of immunosuppressant medications, you are at a higher risk of coliform infection.
- Extreme age groups: the very young and the elderly are more vulnerable to severe coliform symptoms because their immune systems are generally weaker.
- Consuming contaminated food: ingesting contaminated food, such as raw vegetables, undercooked beef or pork, soft cheeses, or water contaminated with E. coli increases the risk of infection.
What are the symptoms of an Coliform infection?
Generally, Coliform infections are mild and only cause transient symptoms such as diarrhoea. However, a specific strain known as E. coli 0157:H7 has the potential to lead to more severe symptoms [6]. This includes bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and vomiting, which can progress to systemic issues such as kidney or organ failure.
Common symptoms of coliform infection include:
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramping or pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Painful urination, increased urinary frequency
- Urethral discharge
- Lower pelvic/abdominal pain/lower back pain
- Testicular pain/swelling in men (less common)
When should I see my doctor if I am concerned about an Coliform infection?
You should seek medical attention if you notice persistent abdominal cramps or pain with associated profuse diarrhoea, blood in stools, persistent vomiting, lethargy, fever, or abnormal urinary symptoms.
Read Also: How To Use Cloves Sexually | 5 Sexual Benefits
How can I prevent acquiring an Coliform infection?
General advice for everyone includes:
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Ensure proper food preparation
- Avoid cross-contamination of food preparation areas
- Ensure all fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed well under clean running water
- Cook meat, especially pork and beef, thoroughly, using a food thermometer to confirm a minimum safe internal temperature of 62.6℃
- Avoid consuming raw or unpasteurised milk, dairy products, and juices
- Refrain from swallowing water from pools, lakes, or river streams
General advice for sexually active individuals includes:
- Using barrier contraception such as condoms during sexual intercourse. Change condoms appropriately when switching between different modes of sexual activity to reduce the risk of bacterial infection spread (e.g., use a different condom for anal, vaginal, and oral intercourse)
- Clean and sanitise your sex toys and avoid sharing them with your partner
- Urinate before and after sexual activity to help prevent urinary tract infections
What is the treatment for Coliform infections?
Treatment for coliform infection typically involves supportive care. Your doctor will often prescribe medications to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms and emphasise the importance of staying well-hydrated. In cases where severe diarrhoea leads to dehydration, hospitalisation may be necessary for more extensive treatment.
For E. coli-related urinary tract infections or those acquired through sexual contact, oral antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, co-trimoxazole (Bactrium), nitrofurantoin, or ampicillin may be recommended based on the results of bacterial culture and sensitivity testing.
It is essential to follow your doctor’s guidance and complete the prescribed antibiotics course if they are necessary. Adequate hydration and rest are crucial elements of recovery from coliform infections, whether they affect the gastrointestinal system or urinary tract.
What will happen if I do not treat Coliform infections?
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal illness, can develop from an untreated coliform infection, although being extremely rare. This risk is linked to a particular strain of E. Coli called Shiga toxin-producing coliform (STEC), which mostly affects children and those with compromised immune systems. The hallmark of HUS is red blood cell lysis, which results in systemic clotting problems and renal failure. It is an uncommon side effect of diarrhea caused by coliform.
More severe coliform symptoms, such as blood diarrhea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, fever, chills, rigors, and headaches, are experienced by patients with HUS. This illness affects the kidneys, brain, and blood vessels, among other organs. It can cause lethargy, hypertension, bleeding, neurological problems, irregular urine, diminished consciousness, coma, or even death as symptoms. Hospitalization is usually necessary for HUS patients.
In addition to the typical gastrointestinal symptoms, complex coliform infections can progress and cause kidney or bladder infections (pyelonephritis or cystitis), which may lead to chronic urinary tract inflammation or scarring.
It is critical to realize that treating and preventing coliform infections are possible. To prevent problems, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible, especially if you have severe symptoms or think you may have an infection.
Can Coliform infection lead to infertility?
Although they are rare, persistent coliform infections in women can result in pelvic inflammatory disorders (PIDs). Urinary symptoms, atypical vaginal discharge, irregular menstrual periods, and persistent lower pelvic pain are some manifestations of this illness. Prolonged inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes, uterine lining, and pelvic region
Is there a vaccine to prevent Coliform infection?
Currently, there is no vaccination or medication to prevent coliform infection. The best way to avoid coliform infection is to ensure preventive measures are practised at all times.
conclusion
While we often ‘zoom in’ and fixate on common STD pathogens such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, it is worth noting that coliform infection, while not a typical STD, can pose a higher risk through sexual activity. Infections can be avoided by properly understanding the bacteria and its associated symptoms and practising preventive measures in daily life and sexual activities.
If you have any concerns regarding coliform-related infection or STDs, it is important to address the concerns by consulting your doctor.