What are sexually transmitted diseases? what are the symptoms?

What are sexually transmitted diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases are bacterial or viral infections that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted diseases are also commonly known as venereal diseases.

Disease-causing bacteria or viruses live on the genital skin or genital mucous membranes (for example, the inner wall of the vagina). This is because the genital area is generally damp and warm, making it an ideal place for fungi, bacteria and viruses to breed. Organisms that cause infection may also be present in semen, vaginal fluids, or blood that may be secreted during sexual intercourse.

You can get venereal disease from unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection first. The risk of transmission can increase especially if you have open sores on the skin or genitals that are gateways of disease entry.

Not all sexually transmitted diseases are venereal diseases

Even though they have an alias name venereal disease, some types of infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact are not classified as venereal diseases. For example, meningitis. Meningitis can be transmitted through sex, but the main mode of transmission is through throat secretions (coughing, spitting and kissing). Therefore, meningitis is not considered a venereal disease.

Some venereal diseases can also be spread through the use of injecting drug needles, from a mother with the disease to her baby during childbirth or breastfeeding, and non-sterile blood transfusions.

The most common sexually transmitted disease

There are more than 20 types of venereal diseases in the world. The most common are:

Chlamydia
Syphilis (Lion King)
Gonorrhea (gonorrhea)
Trichomoniasis
Herpes
Chancroid
Pubic lice
Genital warts
Hepatitis B
HIV
HPV
Molluscum contagiosum

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases can vary depending on the type. Generally, it doesn't even cause any symptoms at all. That is why this disease is difficult to diagnose until serious complications have emerged, or sometimes even diagnosed accidentally when you check with your doctor about other health complaints.

However, you should be aware of the risk of venereal disease if it appears:

Sores, warty bumps, or bends (water-filled bumps) on the genitals or on the rectum.
Pain when urinating.
The penis has a strange and smelly discharge.
Abnormal or smelly vaginal discharge.
Unusual bleeding between menstrual schedules
Pain during sex
Pain and swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin. Sometimes it is more extensive.
Lower abdominal pain.
Fever.

Symptoms of venereal disease can vary from person to person. Some symptoms can appear immediately a few days after exposure, while most do not appear after many years.

If you suspect that you or someone closest to you is experiencing the symptoms above, you should immediately consult a doctor to get a venereal disease test. It would be better if you directly test together with your partner so that the treatment is more effective.