7 Sexual diseases that are often transmitted through unprotected sex (plus symptoms to watch out for) & bull; hello healthy

Sex without a condom not only increases your risk of conceding pregnancy, but also the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases or venereal diseases. Bacteria and viruses that cause genital infections can nest in body fluids that are secreted during sex, such as semen or vaginal fluids, and then move through exposed skin surfaces (wounds). Then, what are the most common venereal diseases?

Women are more at risk of experiencing sexually transmitted diseases

Venereal disease is an infection that is acquired through penetration of unprotected sex (oral, vaginal, or anal), or even by alternating between using sex toys. Men and women are both at risk of contracting venereal diseases.

Symptoms of venereal disease are not always obvious. However, the symptoms can appear more severe in women than in men. If a woman gets venereal disease and becomes pregnant, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.

When you think that your symptoms may point to a sexually transmitted disease, it's best to see a doctor immediately.

The most common sexually transmitted disease

Some sexually transmitted diseases can be cured quickly, while some require diagnosis and ongoing treatment for a long time.

Here are the most common venereal diseases, along with the symptoms:

1. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria chlamydia trachomatis . Chlamydia is one of the most common venereal diseases.

It is quite difficult for a person to know whether they have chlamydia or not, because most cases do not cause any symptoms at first.

Here are some of the common symptoms of chlamydia:

• Pain when urinating.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Vaginal bleeding between one menstrual period and the next.
• Pain in the testicles.

2. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is also a common venereal disease, but the bacteria can move to infect the mouth, throat, eyes and anus. Usually the symptoms will appear within 10 days after you are infected. Here are the symptoms:

• Thick, cloudy, or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina.
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
• Heavy menstrual blood or bleeding between menstrual periods.
• Pain and swelling in the testicles.
• Itching in the anus.
• Painful bowel movements.

3. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a single-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. If you have unprotected sex with someone who has this infection, you can catch it.

Here are the symptoms:

• Vaginal discharge that is clear, white, or greenish.
• Discharge from the penis.
• Pungent vaginal odor.
• Itching or irritation of the penis.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Pain when urinating.

This infection is not fatal, but it can lead to complications, such as infertility and vaginal skin tissue infection (cellulitis) in women. While in men it can cause blockage of the urethra (urinary hole).

4. Genital herpes

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which enters the body through small sores in the skin or mucous membranes. People who are infected with this virus never know they have been infected because herpes generally does not cause signs.

Even so, there are some common signs and symptoms that you can detect:

• There are small red bumps, blisters, and open sores on the genital, anal and surrounding areas.
• Pain or itching around the genital area, buttocks, or inner thighs.
• The appearance of a lump or boil which is usually accompanied by pain when urinating.

5. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that is commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Just like the others, sometimes this virus shows no signs of its appearance, but there are still some signs that you can be aware of.

The following are the symptoms of HPV:

• Small, red or grayish flesh appears around the genital area.
• Several warts are located close together and shaped like a cauliflower.
• Itching or discomfort in your genital area.
• Bleeding during sex.

6. Hepatitis

Hepatitis A, B, and C are viruses that attack the liver and can be transmitted through body fluids during sex. Here are some of the symptoms that can appear:

• Weak.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fever.
• Dark urine.
• Pain in joints or muscles.
• Itchy.
• Yellow skin.

7. HIV

HIV is a virus that is spread by means of body fluids. This virus is deadly, because the virus attacks the immune system. When it gets worse, the virus will develop into AIDS. The first time you are infected, you may not have any symptoms. Even after all these years, some don't realize it.

However, you can notice the symptoms that may appear after two to six weeks of infection:

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Sore throat.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• A rash appears.
• Weak.

These symptoms will disappear over time, but the virus will temporarily "sleep" in the body until your immune system at times weakens, causing symptoms again. Symptoms of advanced HIV are:

• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Diarrhea.
• Weight loss.
• Fever.
• Cough with phlegm.
• Shortness of breath.

In the final stages, the following symptoms may appear:

• Unexplained fatigue
• Night sweats
• Chills or high fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chronic diarrhea
• Severe headaches
• Other viral infections, due to weakened immune system

Are there any signs to watch for after sex?

These are the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. What about other signs to watch out for after sex? Here's what you need to pay attention to:

Vaginal bleeding during or after sex

Bleeding can occur even if you are in good health, this is due to friction or lack of lubrication. You should see a doctor when bleeding continues after you have sex. You should also visit your doctor when bleeding occurs after sex and if you are pregnant.

Nausea, vomiting and dizziness

Of course for women, a sign like this really needs attention. Morning sickness could be a sign that you are pregnant. Besides that, other signs are frequent urination and mood swings. Signs of pregnancy can also include fatigue and loss of desire to do something. To make sure it's clearer, of course, make an appointment with an obstetrician.

Pain when urinating and urine changes color

Pain or burning sensation when urinating can be a symptom of several types of venereal disease. However, the same symptoms can also arise due to urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones. Sexually transmitted diseases that cause pain when urinating, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. In addition, also watch for discoloration in the urine for an indication of blood.

Discharge from the penis

Foreign particles or substances that come out of the penis indicate the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases or other infections. If you experience this condition, visit a doctor immediately to get an accurate diagnosis. Diseases that cause foreign discharge from the penis, including, chlamydia gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. The following types of infections can generally be treated with antibiotics. However, you should return to the doctor's office if signs and symptoms do not improve or if they recur.

Warts or bruises around the genitals

Warts and bruises may be used as early signs of sexually transmitted diseases, including genital herpes, HPV, syphilis and Molloscum contagiosum.

If you notice strange lumps or bruises near your mouth or genital area, consult a doctor, even if the lump goes away before you go to the doctor. You still have the potential to spread the infection easily even though the sore and lump has disappeared because the virus remains in your blood from time to time.

Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

Pelvic pain can be caused by a number of conditions and is not always associated with sexually transmitted diseases. However, one of the causes is pelvic inflammation. Pelvic inflammation will develop when venereal disease is not treated. Bacteria ascend to your uterus and stomach, causing inflammation and scarring. This type of pelvic pain can be very painful, and in some cases, even fatal.

It is important to always get checked out, especially if you have an active sex life, have had unprotected sex, or you feel you are at risk for venereal disease. Be aware of every change that occurs in your body, no matter how small it is. Consult further with the doctor for a deeper understanding.

Be aware of the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases through sex toys

Transmitting sexual diseases is one of the risks from sex toys or sex toys. However, this should be made clearer. The reason is, this is not because the sex toys put you at risk, but sex toys can be a medium for spreading disease from infected penile or vaginal fluids that are still attached to these toys.

A study from the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections conducted studies that focused on women between 18 and 29 years. The women studied were women who had had sexual intercourse. The researchers gave each person a cleaning product, a vibrator made of thermoplastic elastomer, and a vibrator made of soft silicone.

The female participants were asked to use the vibrator to masturbate and were studied for 24 hours later. The results were found that 75% of these women had HPV (human paviloma virus). Then on 9 vibrators belonging to women who were positive for HPV, there were signs of the virus.

The increased risk of spreading this disease is especially high when the next person uses sex toys without being thoroughly washed from the previous activity. The results are different when the sex toy is cleaned and sterilized after every use. Therefore, it is important not to share sexual toys with other people and toys must be cleaned after they are used for sexual intercourse.

What are the tests and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases?

To find out whether you have a venereal disease or not, you are required to carry out laboratory tests that are able to identify the cause and detect the following sex disease transmission problems:

• Blood test: This blood test can confirm a diagnosis of HIV or the late stages of syphilis.
• Urine samples: some STDs can be confirmed by a urine sample.
• Fluid sample: if there is a wound in the genital area, fluid tests and a sample from the wound may be done to diagnose the type of infection. Fluid draining from the urethral tract can also be used in some cases. Laboratory tests of material from wounds or fluid from the genital area are useful for diagnosing a number of STDs.

As for the treatment, the doctor will be able to suggest some of the following treatments.

• Antibiotics: most effective at treating many sexually transmitted infections due to bacteria and parasites, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
• Antiviral drugs: can reduce the risk of infection or recurrence if you take them every day. The earlier you start treatment, the more effective the drug will cure the disease.

Medicines for venereal disease should be used and supervised under a doctor's supervision and prescription.

How to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases?

The most effective way to prevent the transmission of venereal disease is not to have sex at all, be it penis and vaginal sex, oral sex or anal sex. If you don't have sex, your chances of catching it will be zero.

However, that doesn't mean the only way to prevent it is that you shouldn't have sex at all. The following are ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases:

1. Be loyal to your partner

You can reduce your risk of contracting venereal disease by having less sex with fewer people. The smallest risk of course is being loyal to your only partner in the house. Of course, provided that your partner has not been infected with venereal disease either.

2. Stay away from alcohol

Why is staying away from alcohol a form of prevention of sexually transmitted diseases? If you have sex but are under the influence of alcohol, there is less risk of having sex safely. In other words, when you are unconscious or drunk, you are at risk of having risky sex. For example, you may forget to use a condom.

3. Get vaccinated

You can get the HPV vaccination to reduce your risk of getting HPV. Based on data from the American Sexual Health Association, within 6 years of the introduction of the HPV vaccine, it has succeeded in reducing the prevalence of HPV in women aged 14-19 years by 64% and 34% for women aged 20-24 years. So, the HPV vaccine has been shown to be successful in reducing the risk of HPV.

4. Encourage the male partner to use a condom

While you can still catch herpes or HPV when using a condom, most condoms can prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Some condoms even contain ingredients that can kill disease-causing microorganisms. If you want to be more romantic, you as a wife can put a condom on your husband.

5. Maintain vaginal hygiene, especially before and after sex

According to WebMD, you need to clean your genital organs before or after sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. By keeping the genital area clean, you can prevent microorganisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases.

Choose an antiseptic feminine cleanser containing povidone-iodine, to eradicate infection-causing bacteria in the vagina. Use a feminine cleanser immediately after sex so that your vaginal health is protected. Don't forget, it is enough to use vaginal cleansers on the outside of the vagina, because the inside of the vaginal opening already has its own cleaning mechanism with the help of good bacteria.

x