Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

STD is mainly referred to as a reproductive tract infection in some circles (RTI). AIDS, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, genital herpes and warts, Chlamydiosis and Hepatitis-B are only a few of the well-known sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Bacteria, viruses, and parasites of various strains all have a role in the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. The majority of these problems manifest themselves without causing any symptoms, hence increasing the risk factors, particularly in females, for developing them.

Other risk factors include infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), abortions, ectopic pregnancies, and cancer of the reproductive system, which can be life-threatening in severe circumstances. STDs can produce peculiar discharges from the genitals, genital ulcers, tumours, itching, and other symptoms, as well as other symptoms.

In addition to sexual transmission, sexually transmitted illnesses can be spread to other people in a variety of ways other than sexual transmission. Breastfeeding, the sharing of diseased needles, and so on are examples of such behaviours. There are various diseases that fall under the category of STDs and most of them may be prevented or treated by practising good sexual health and hygiene.

Symptoms and signs of every sexually transmitted disease

As previously stated, there are a variety of disorders that fall under the STD umbrella. The following is a list of sexually transmitted diseases:

 AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome)

Causes:-

The most frequent and persistent sexually transmitted disease is AIDS, which affects one in every 100 people. It is caused by the HIV virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). In most cases, HIV causes the immune system to be damaged, resulting in the body becoming feeble. An infected person with AIDS is more prone to contracting a variety of other diseases. Transmission of HIV through direct sexual contact is the most likely method of transmission

Symptoms:-

Headache, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, fever and chills, as well as nausea and vomiting, are the first signs of HIV infection.

 Treatment:- 

There is currently no cure for AIDS, but proper therapy can extend the patient’s life expectancy by a few years if started early enough. AIDS can be avoided by engaging in sexual activity that is protective of the body.

 Gonorrhoea

Causes:-

The bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of this sexually transmitted disease. Both males and females might be affected by this disease in some cases. The urogenital route, which includes the rectum, urethra, and cervix (in females exclusively), is the most severely damaged.. Gonorrhoea, like other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), is primarily transmitted through direct sexual contact. The transmission of gonorrhoea occurs through oral and anal sex as well as other routes.

Symptoms:-

 gonorrhoea symptoms include discharge, burning sensation during urine (in men), and discharge of pus from the vagina, as well as pelvic or stomach pain (in females).

Gonorrhea can be avoided by engaging in sexual activity in a safe environment

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat gonorrhoea in adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends treating uncomplicated gonorrhoea with the antibiotic ceftriaxone due to growing strains of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Syphilis

Causes:-

The bacteria Treponema pallidum is responsible for the transmission of this STD. The germs make their way into the body through a variety of different wounds. Syphilis can also be passed on from infected pregnant women to their unborn offspring through the placenta.

Symptoms:-

The first signs and symptoms include a sore on the bottom of the foot that is known as a ‘Chancre.’ Other symptoms include a headache, weight loss, exhaustion, rashes, fever

Treatment:-

Penicillin, an antibiotic medicine that can fight the organism that causes syphilis, is the chosen treatment at all stages. If you have a penicillin allergy, your doctor may recommend another antibiotic or penicillin desensitisation.

HPV (human papillomavirus) 

Causes

Skin-to-skin contact spreads the HPV virus, which causes illness. Direct sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse, is how most people contract genital HPV.

Symptoms

Most people will notice warts on the buccal cavity, neck, and external genitals as their first symptom. If HPV is not treated, it can progress to other chronic diseases such as cervical cancer, mouth cancer, rectal cancer, and other types of cancer.

Treatment

So far, no effective treatment for HPV has been discovered.

Chlamydia

Causes:-

Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacteria that causes the infection. In the early stages of the condition,

Symptoms:-

 symptoms in the later stages include pain during urine discharge, yellow discharge from the penis or vaginal area, and so on. If left untreated, these can result in infertility as well as disorders involving inflammation of the pelvic girdle and other reproductive issues. It can also transmit from a pregnant woman to her unborn child, resulting in blindness, pneumonia, and a variety of other health concerns for both.

Treatment:-

Antibiotics are frequently effective in treating chlamydia. If patients take their antibiotics appropriately, they will be cured in more than 95% of cases.

Doxycycline , Azhitromycin

Herpes

Causes:

This particular virus is known by its full name, the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of strains of herpes simplex virus (HSV).  that is HSV-1 and HSV-2 . The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the most common cause of oral herpes. In addition, HSV-2 is a common cause of genital herpes. Sores in the areas surrounding the genitals are the most typical sign of this condition. Congenital herpes is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. Sexual contact in a safe environment can help to prevent the disease.

Symptoms

Itching or pain. Until the infection is cleared and Treated , you may suffer pain and discomfort in your vaginal area.

Small red lumps or white blisters on the skin. These can emerge anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after you’ve been infected.

Ulcers

Treatment:-

The herpes virus can’t be cured by any medicine. To prevent the virus from replicating , a doctor may give  you an antiviral medicine like  acyclovir. Meanwhile, medicated cream can aid with tingling, itching, and pain.

 Several Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are numerous additional sorts of sexually transmitted illnesses to be concerned about. Trichomoniasis, pubic lice, Granuloma inguinale, Chancroid, Scabies, and Molluscum contagiosum are some of the conditions that might occur.

We can further divide STDs into two categories: curable STDs and non-curable STDs. Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Syphilis, and pubic lice are all curable sexually transmitted diseases. Herpes, AIDS, and HPV are examples of non-curable STDs.

 What Can You Do to Prevent STDs?

The most effective method of preventing sexually transmitted diseases is to avoid unprotected sexual contact. The proper use of preventive measures such as condoms or the diaphragm can help to limit the likelihood of contamination.. Another good method is to get someone screened for STDs. Consultation with a physician should be sought as soon as the first symptoms of the dis

 Male Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

1)It is possible to contract an STD without showing any signs or symptoms of the disease. Certain STDs, on the other hand, manifest themselves with observable symptoms. Males are more likely to have the following symptoms:

2)Bleeding or blood from the penis uncomfortable or enlarged testicles rashes or pimples on or around the penis or testicles, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth abnormal discharge or bleeding from the penis

Symptoms of a Sexually Transmitted Disease in Women

1)STDs do not always manifest themselves in the form of apparent symptoms. Women’s common STD symptoms include the following when they occur:

2)Pimples  or rashes on or around the vaginal area (anus), buttocks, thighs, or mouth; unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding; itching in or around the vaginal area

3)Physical contaminations and illnesses (STIs and STDs) are transmitted by sexual contact with the vaginal, buttocks-centric, or oral cavity. Those who have a vaginal discharge may also have the following symptoms

4)Tingling sensation in the vaginal area

5)Rashes

Conclusion

Despite technological advancements, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to pose a substantial threat to the nation. Commercials promoting programmes that promote healthy sexual behaviour and raise awareness about sexually transmitted diseases can be seen on television rather frequently (STDs). All of the government’s and non-governmental organisations’ efforts are focused on creating a society that is reproductively healthy.