Which STIs cause conjunctivitis?

STIs are infections that are primarily passed from one person to another during sexual contact. They can have a range of effects on the body, from mild symptoms that are barely noticeable to severe complications that can cause long-term health problems.

While most people are aware of the more common symptoms of STIs, such as sores, unusual discharge, or pain during sex, it’s less well-known that these infections can also affect other parts of the body. One such condition that can be caused by certain STIs is conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the eye that can cause redness, itching, and sometimes a discharge from the eye.

In this blog, we’ll explore the link between STIs and conjunctivitis, helping you understand how and why these infections can lead to eye problems.

Think your conjunctivitis might be caused by an STI? Get tested today.

Get tested

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, often called ‘pink eye’, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. This condition can affect one or both eyes and is often easily recognisable.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis can vary depending on the cause but generally include:

Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
Increased tear production
A feeling of grittiness in the eye
Itching or burning sensation in the eyes
Blurred vision
Increased sensitivity to light

Now, let’s discuss the common causes of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can be caused by various factors, including bacterial and viral infections, allergies, and irritants such as chlorine, dirt, or smoke.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by bacteria. These bacteria can be the bacteria that cause STIs, or they can be from other infections.

Viral conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is caused by viruses. A select few STIs cause viral conjunctivitis. Most cases are caused by the common cold.

Which STDs cause conjunctivitis?

In this section, we’ll discuss four specific STIs that can cause conjunctivitis: Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Herpes, and Syphilis.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium can spread to the eyes and cause a secondary infection known as Gonococcal conjunctivitis. The infection gets into the eye either directly through genital fluids such as semen, or when infected people rub their eyes after touching infected genital areas.

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea conjunctivitis include:

Redness
Itching
Discharge
A sensitivity to light in the affected eye

Severe infections may scar the conjunctiva, causing abnormalities in the tear film.

Gonorrhoea has become an increasingly serious infection over the years. Years of fighting the infection have given rise to antibiotic-resistant strains that can be difficult to treat.

Gonorrhoea can seriously damage the health of your eyes. Find out if you have an ocular Gonorrhoea infection today.

Get tested

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is another common STI that can cause conjunctivitis.

Similar to Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia can spread to the eyes through direct contact with genital secretions or when infected individuals touch their eyes after touching infected genital areas.

Most patients who have Chlamydial conjunctivitis will also have a genital infection, of which they may be unaware.

Symptoms of a Chlamydia eye infection can include:

Redness in eyes
Irritation
Swollen eyelids
Mucous discharge
Tearing
Photophobia
Swollen lymph nodes around eyes

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial STI that can also cause conjunctivitis.

While uncommon, the conjunctivitis that occurs as a result of Syphilis (also known as “ocular Syphilis“) may be the only symptom of the infection you experience.

Conjunctivitis caused by Syphilis can result in:

Discomfort or pain in the eye
Redness in the eyes
The appearance of floating spots within your field of vision
An increased sensitivity to light
A blurring of vision

These symptoms can present themselves at any stage, from the primary stage to the latent and tertiary stages.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Herpes Simplex Viruses, both HSV 1 and HSV 2, can cause viral conjunctivitis.

While Herpes infections tend to cause symptoms around the mouth or genitals, they can also affect the eyes. Herpetic conjunctivitis can be more severe than other forms of conjunctivitis and requires antiviral treatment.

During a Herpes eye infection, only one eye tends to be affected. These infections also tend to occur if you’ve already had cold sores in the past.

The symptoms can include:

Inflammation and swelling of the eye
Pain in the eye
Watering in the eye
Light sensitivity
Blurred vision
Blisters or a rash on the skin surrounding the eye

How do I prevent and treat conjunctivitis?

Preventing STIs is crucial to maintaining your overall health and, by extension, preventing STI-induced conjunctivitis. Here are some key strategies for STI prevention:

Safe sex practices: Practicing safe sex can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or spreading STIs.
Regular testing: Regular STI testing is essential, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or are in a non-monogamous relationship. Early detection can help prevent complications like conjunctivitis.
Communication: Open and honest communication with your partner(s) about sexual health can also contribute to prevention.

Final thoughts

Understanding the link between STIs and conjunctivitis can help you respond appropriately to a potential infection. As we’ve discussed, infections like Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Herpes can lead to eye problems if left untreated. Regular testing for STIs is crucial in preventing these complications and maintaining overall health.

At Better2Know, we offer a wide range of STI testing products designed to give you peace of mind when it comes to your sexual health.

Don’t wait until symptoms appear; take control of your health today and get tested with Better2Know.