Sexually transmitted diseases: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition of sexually transmitted diseases (venereal disease)

Sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infectious diseases that spread from sexual intercourse or other sexual activity.

This sexually transmitted disease or infection usually involves the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis.

There are various types of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) which is often experienced as a result of risky sex such as chlamydia, syphilis, genital herpes, and HIV infection.

However, some sexually transmitted diseases can sometimes be transmitted not from sexual activity, but from mother to child through pregnancy and vaginal delivery and caesarean section.

In addition, venereal disease can also be transmitted through blood transfusions or sharing needles.

The main symptoms of an STI are sores, rashes, and pain in the sex organs. However, venereal disease does not always show symptoms.

You can catch the disease from someone who looks completely healthy and does not realize that he is infected.

How common are venereal diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases are quite common, but in some cases they can be more severe in women than in men.

If a woman has venereal disease and becomes pregnant, this can cause serious health problems for the fetus.

Venereal disease can be overcome by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases

Depending on the cause of the infection, venereal disease can have a variety of signs and symptoms.

However, symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases do not always appear in everyone.

That is why, sufferers may not know the condition until they experience complications or even have passed it on to their partners.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, symptoms that may be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases are:

• Pain or lumps on the genitals or in the rectal area.
• Urinating is painful or hot.
• The penis secretes fluid.
• The vagina has unusual or strange-smelling discharge.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Pain during sex.
• The lymph nodes are painful and swollen, especially in the groin but sometimes more spread.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Common symptoms, such as fever and lethargy.
• Rash on the limbs, such as the hands or feet.

It is important to remember that there are some venereal diseases that can "hide" because they do not show symptoms for some time.

It is known that 80-90% of women and more than 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms.

Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above.

If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

When to go to the doctor

Contact your doctor for an examination or screening for sexually transmitted diseases if you have:

• Are sexually active and have previously been exposed to venereal disease.
• Has signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Before you start having sex with a new partner.
• You start to be sexually active.

Every body functions differently from one another.

Always discuss with your doctor to find the best solution for your situation.

Causes of venereal disease

Sexual activity plays a big role in spreading many other types of infectious infections.

Even so, there is still a possibility that a person can be infected with venereal disease without going through sexual contact.

In this case, an example is infection due to viruses hepatitis B and C, shigella, and Giardia intestinalis .

Sexually transmitted diseases can be caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

There are more than 20 types of venereal disease with different causes.

The following are the types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that are most commonly experienced and their causes:

1. Chlamydia

This disease is caused by a bacterial infection that causes venereal disease, namely Chlamydia trachomatis.

Chlamydia is common in women under 25 years of age.

2. Gonorrhea

Sexually transmitted infections due to gonorrhea are caused by the bacteria Gonococcus or Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

These infections often do not cause any symptoms.

3. HIV / AIDS infection

This venereal disease is caused by infection human immunodeficiency virus which infects the human immune system.

HIV infection can develop into AIDS, causing more serious effects.

4. Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection

HPV infection is a sexual disease caused by a viral infection.

This type of STI generally shows no significant symptoms, so they are often not realized.

5. Syphilis

The disease, known as the lion king, occurs due to a bacterial infection Treponema pallidum which can live anywhere and spread rapidly.

People who are infected with syphilis may not feel any symptoms for years.

6. Trichomoniasis

This sexual disease is caused by a parasitic infection Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomoniasis causes almost no symptoms for years.

Other types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include:

• Urethritis
• Genital herpes and oral herpes
• Epididymitis
• Tinea crusis
• Vulvovaginal infection (due to infection with genital herpes viruses, Trichomoniasis bacteria, Candidiasis, etc.)
• Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
• PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
• Granuloma inguinale

Risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases or venereal diseases.

The following factors can increase the risk of venereal disease:

1. Having unprotected sex

Vaginal or anal penetration of an infected partner without using a condom increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Improper use of condoms can also increase your risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection (STD).

Oral sex can cause STDs, although the risk is smaller. The infection can spread if you don't use a condom.

2. Having sex with more than one partner

The more people who have free sexual relations with you, the risk of getting sexual diseases will be higher.

3. Have a history of venereal disease

Having had venereal disease makes it possible for you to get it again.

4. Anyone who is forced to have sexual intercourse

Experiencing rape or sexual harassment is difficult.

However, it is important for you to immediately check with your doctor.

You may receive emotional care and support.

5. Alcohol and drug abuse

Substance abuse can make you engage in risky behavior that results in the transmission of venereal diseases.

6. Injectable drugs

Sharing needles and syringes can spread many serious infections, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

7. Young

Half of people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are aged 15-24 years.

Diagnosis of sexual diseases

If your sex history and current signs and symptoms indicate that you have a sexually transmitted disease, several laboratory tests are able to identify the cause and detect the disease:

1. Blood test

Some STDs can be confirmed by a urine sample.

3. Liquid samples

If there are sores in the genital area, fluid tests and a sample from the wound may be done to diagnose the type of sexually transmitted infection.

Fluid that leaves the urethra (urinary 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 STD diseases.

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases

The information described is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

The treatment recommended for treating venereal disease varies, depending on the type of STD you have.

It is important for you and your sexual partner to complete the treatment.

Otherwise, you can pass the infection continuously to your sexual partner.

Based on the cause, here are treatments that can treat sexually transmitted diseases:

1. Venereal disease caused by bacterial infection

Antibiotics can be relied on in treating sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria.

These include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and trichomoniasis.

Once you start treatment with antibiotics, it is important to follow the recommendations given by your doctor.

The types of antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for venereal diseases caused by bacteria are:

• Penicillin
• Amoxicillin
• Erythromycin
• Doxycycline

In addition, it is important not to have sexual intercourse for up to 7 days after you have finished antibiotic treatment and the wound has healed.

In addition, experts also advise women to re-check after treatment because they have a high risk of re-infection.

2. Treatment of STIs caused by viruses

Antibiotics cannot treat venereal disease or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by viruses.

Some viral infections have no cure, but some go away on their own.

If you have both herpes and HIV, you will be prescribed antiviral drugs.

You will be less likely to have herpes symptoms recurrence if you are regularly treated with antiviral drugs.

For herpes, the types of antivirals that are commonly used are:

• Acyclovir
• Famiclovir
• Valacyclovir

Meanwhile, for HIV, you will be given antiretroviral treatment (ARV) such as:

• Ritonavir
• Lopinavir
• Lamivudine
• Zidovudine
• Emtricitabine

Antiviral drugs can prevent HIV infection for years.

However, you may still carry the virus and pass it on to other people.

The sooner you start treatment, the more effective it will be.

The amount of virus in your body can be reduced to the point of being difficult to detect.

If you have a venereal or sexually transmitted disease, ask your doctor when tests need to be done after treatment.

Re-examination can confirm that the treatment was successful and that the infection is no longer detected.

2. Home remedies for dealing with sexually transmitted diseases

The lifestyle and home remedies below may help treat sexually transmitted diseases:

• Eat nutritious foods with a regular diet.
• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
• Stop using drugs.
• Get regular exercise.
• Have safer sex with a condom.
• Perform routine STD tests and get vaccines for venereal diseases.
• Take medication as prescribed and recommended by your doctor.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.