Sexual Health
STDs

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are spread through sexual contact. STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and affect both men and women. Some STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning that a person may be infected and not know it, thus increasing the risk of transmitting the infection to others.

Common Types of STDs and Their Causes

  1. Chlamydia
    • Cause: Bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
    • Symptoms: Pain when urinating, abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina, lower abdominal pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and bleeding between menstrual periods in women. In some cases, it may be asymptomatic.
    • Treatment: Antibiotics.
  2. Gonorrhoea
    • Cause: Bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
    • Symptoms: Discharge from the penis or vagina, painful urination, and, in women, abdominal pain and bleeding between periods. Like chlamydia, it can be asymptomatic in some cases.
    • Treatment: Antibiotics.
  3. Syphilis
    • Cause: Bacteria Treponema pallidum.
    • Symptoms: It occurs in four stages (primary, secondary, latent and tertiary) with symptoms that range from painless sores in the primary stage to skin rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the secondary stage, and serious damage to internal organs in the tertiary stage.
    • Treatment: Penicillin or other antibiotics.
  4. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
    • Cause: Human papillomavirus.
    • Symptoms: Genital warts, and in some cases, can cause cervical, anal, and other cancers.
    • Treatment: There is no cure for HPV, but warts can be treated and vaccines can prevent certain types of HPV.
  5. Genital Herpes
    • Cause: Herpes simplex virus (HSV).
    • Symptoms: Painful sores or blisters on the genitals, rectum, or mouth, fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes
    • Treatment: There's no cure, but antivirals can reduce outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission.
  6. HIV/AIDS
    • Cause: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
    • Symptoms: HIV attacks the immune system, which can eventually lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Initial symptoms may include fever, sore throat and fatigue, followed by serious infections and cancers in the AIDS stage.
    • Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to control the virus.
  7. Trichomoniasis
    • Cause: Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
    • Symptoms: Itching, burning, redness or pain in the genitals, discomfort when urinating, and abnormal vaginal or penile discharge.
    • Treatment: Antibiotics.
  8. Hepatitis B
    • Cause: Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
    • Symptoms: It can cause serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
    • Treatment: Antivirals and vaccines to prevent infection

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General Symptoms of STDs

Although symptoms vary depending on the type of STD, some general symptoms may include:

  • Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina.
  • Pain or burning when you urinate.
  • Sores, blisters, or warts on the genitals, anus, or mouth
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin area.
  • Fever, sore throat, muscle pain.
  • Itching or irritation on the genitals.

Diagnosis of STDs

The diagnosis of STDs is made through:

  • Physical Exams: Visual evaluation of symptoms.
  • Blood and Urine Tests: To detect the presence of infections.
  • Genital Secretion Tests: To identify specific bacteria or viruses.
  • Biopsies: In cases where lesions caused by HPV or cancer are suspected.

Treatment for STDs

Treatment for STDs depends on the type of infection:

  • Bacterial (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis): Usually treated with antibiotics.
  • Virals (such as HIV, herpes, and HPV): They can't be cured, but symptoms can be managed with antiviral medications. Vaccines can prevent some infections, such as HPV and hepatitis B.
  • Parasitic diseases (such as trichomoniasis): Treated with antiparasitic medicines.

STD prevention

Strategies for preventing STDs include:

  • Use of Condoms: Latex condoms are highly effective in reducing the risk of transmission.
  • Vaccination: Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis B and certain types of HPV.
  • Regular Tests: Get tested regularly, especially if you have multiple sexual partners.
  • Mutual Monogamy: Have a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner
  • Sex Education: Learn about STDs and how they are transmitted.

Conclusion

Sexually transmitted diseases are a serious health problem, but with the right knowledge and the right treatment, they can be managed and prevented. If you suspect you may have an STD or want to get regular tests, see a health professional. At Dzeus, we offer specialized and confidential care for the diagnosis and treatment of STDs. Don't hesitate to seek help to protect your health and that of your loved ones.

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