Any infection that keeps coming back, despite medication and cure, is called a recurring infection. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and basic facts on recurring infections.

What are the different recurrent STDs?

Remember, there are quite a few sexually transmitted diseases. However, all of them are not recurrent infections. Here are some STIs that have the highest chance of being recurrent:

• Urinary tract infection
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea

Is there a particular STD that is most recurrent?

Yes, there is. It's called the HSV - Herpes Simplex Virus. This infection is highly contagious and apart from infecting other people, it can infect you all over again.

Why do STIs recur?

You may think that sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted only through intercourse, but there are other reasons that cause infections to recur too.

If you don't wear a condom during intercourse, your body fluids mix with that of your partner and make you prone to infections.

You could also have recurring infections if you are HIV positive. Since the HIV virus attacks your immune system, your body will not be able to fight the recurring STIs.

How can you get rid of the STI once and for all?

Keeping the ping pong effect in mind, you and your partner need to get a complete checkup even though you may not show any symptoms.

While it is best to get all the tests done, here are some mandatory ones.

• Blood test for HIV
• RPR test for Syphilis

To eliminate recurrent infections, have a healthy sex life with a single partner. Also, get all the essential tests done from time to time.

(With inputs from Antarang, a Mumbai-based clinic that specialises in sexually transmitted diseases)