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SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs)

• sciencegajab
• November 16, 2024

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs)

Infections transmitted through sexual intercourse.Sometimes sexually transmitted infections are spread in ways other than sexual contact. For example, Sexually transmitted diseases [also known as Sexually transmitted infection] can spread to infants during pregnancy or childbirth. STIs also can spread through blood transfusions or shared needles.STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. A sexually transmitted infection may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.

• Also called venereal diseases (VD) or reproductive tract infections (RTI).
• Common STDs
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Syphilis,
• • Genital herpes,
• • Chlamydiasis,
• • Genital warts,
• • Trichomoniasis,
  • HIV leading to AIDS
• Among these, HIV infection is most dangerous
• Except for hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV infections, other diseases are completely curable if detected early and treated properly.

Early symptoms of most of STD

• Painful or burning urination.
• Frequent urination
• Itching

• Slight pain, swellings, etc., in the genital region.

• Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread.

• Infected females may often be asymptomatic and hence, may remain undetected for long.
• Absence or less significant symptoms in the early stages of infection and the social stigma attached to the sexually transmitted diseasess, deter the infected persons from going for timely detection and proper treatment.

Causes

Sexually transmitted infections can be caused by:

• Bacteria. Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are examples of STDs that are caused by bacteria.
• Parasites. Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by a parasite.
• Viruses. STDs caused by viruses include human papillomavirus (HPV), the herpes simplex virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.

Are sexually transmitted infections contagious?

sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases) are contagious. Most STDs pass from person to person by sexual contact through bodily fluids or from skin-to-skin contact by touching the infected part of a person’s body, usually the genitals. Some STDs, like syphilis, can spread while giving birth to a baby.

If you have an STDs, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider to receive treatment. Some STDs are curable. You can prevent the spread of STDs by getting tested regularly if you’re sexually active, talking to your sexual partners about your diagnosis and using protection during sex.

What is STI testing?(Sexually transniited diseases/infection)

• Cheek swab.
• Blood test.
• A fluid sample from skin sores.
• A discharge or cell sample from your body (usually the vagina, urethra, cervix, penis, anus or throat).
• Urine analysis

Complications of STDs

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• abortion
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Stillbirth
• Cancer of the reproductive tract.
• Infertility
• Pregnancy complication
• Risk of other diseases like heart
• Infection of urethra & prostate
• Testicles inflammation
• lymph node enlargement of groin area

Can the spread of sexually transmitted infections be prevented?

Avoid sex or sexual activity. The most effective way to avoid STDs is to not have sex.

Stay with one uninfected partner.

Wait and test. Avoid vaginal and anal sex or sexual activity with new partners until you have both been tested for sexually transmitted infections. Oral sex may be less risky. But STIs can still spread if a person doesn’t use a condom (latex or polyurethane) or a dental dam.

Get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated before having sex can prevent diseases. Vaccines are available to prevent STDs caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly.

Think about using preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

If you have symptoms of an STI, don’t have sex until you see a healthcare provider and receive treatment. You can resume sex when your healthcare provider says it’s OK.Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment.

How are sexually transmitted infections treated?

Antibiotics effective only bacterial cause of sexually transmitted diseases

Antiviral drugs effective for viral etiology