This topic may seem embarrassing, but it is crucial not to neglect it. According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, more than 1 million daily curable cases of STIs occur globally. People who are infected may remain unaware of this problem.
Like in a vehicle where warning lights are not working, drivers may not notice such issues as speed, fuel, and problems with the engine of a car. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) may also behave the same way, which means that it is essential to pay attention to them.
Regardless of whether you are already involved in sexual relations or planning to enter this area, it is essential to learn about STDs and how to prevent them.
The Importance of STD Awareness
Sexual health plays a key role in overall wellbeing, but it is not discussed due to social stigma. However, STDs are relevant for anyone who engages in sexual activity. According to WHO, 374 million new curable infections occurred in 2020. It means that it is worth learning about them.
What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?
STDs refer to infectious agents that can be passed through sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse. However, there is no need to undergo any kind of sexual interaction to get infected since it can happen through skin contact, sharing needles, contaminated blood, mother to fetus.
Difference Between STI and STD
Even though the terms STI and STD are quite similar, they have slight differences.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| STI | An infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites |
| STD | A disease that develops when an STI causes symptoms or health problems |
In order to exclude the possibility of misdiagnoses, specialists tend to use the term ‘STI’.
How STIs Are Transmitted?
There are various methods of transferring sexually transmitted infections:
- Sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, oral)
- Genital skin contact
- Sharing needles
- From one mother to the child
- Contact with contaminated body fluids
One does not need to have symptoms in order to transfer an infection.
Types of STDs
More than 30 STDs can be transmitted sexually. While some of them can be cured, the others will require managing and taking medications.
Bacterial Infections
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
These infections can be treated with antibiotics. Chlamydia does not have symptoms and appears unexpectedly which is why screening should be regular. Gonorrhea may affect different body parts, and sometimes it may be difficult to treat it due to antibiotic resistance. Syphilis is divided into 3 stages that appear gradually.
Viral Infections
- HIV
- HPV
- Herpes
It is possible to treat the symptoms of viral diseases, but they cannot be eliminated completely. For instance, HIV is a life-long condition. People with HPV are prone to cervical cancer. The third example is herpetic sores.
Parasitic Infections
- Trichomoniasis and related infections
Caused by tiny parasitic organisms, and easy to eliminate with medicines.
STD Causes and Risk Factors
Awareness of STD risk factors makes it easier to prevent the infections.
Primary risk factors:
- Unprotected sex
- Having numerous partners
- Irregular use of contraception
- Anonymous partners
- Previous infection
- Using alcohol or drugs
- Regular screening absence
According to the CDC report, unprotected sex and many partners are primary STD risk factors.
Who is Prone to STDs?
Everyone who has been engaging in sexual activities has a risk of getting STDs. However, young people, individuals who have a lot of sex partners, and those who do not attend screening regularly tend to have more infections. It also concerns long-time couples with a history of unprotection and prior STDs.
The number of risk factors increases the likelihood of having an infection.
Typical STD Symptoms
STDs rarely show noticeable symptoms. To be sure whether or not one has a disease, he or she needs to visit a specialist.
Common symptoms for men:
- Pain while urinating
- Genital discharge
- Pain in the testicles
- Sores in genitals
- Rashes on genitals
Individuals may consider these problems to be insignificant and ignore them.
STD Symptoms for Women
- Unusual discharge from vagina
- Pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse
- Unusually bleeding
- Pain while urinating
- Genital rash
- Itching
Women confuse these symptoms with other diseases and refuse medical consultation.
Silent STDs
Sometimes, patients do not experience any STD symptoms. Nevertheless, this does not mean that one cannot pass the infection.
Top 5 symptoms of STDs:
- Pain while urinating
- Unusual discharge
- Sores
- Pelvic and testicle pain
- Genital rash
Getting screened for STDs is critical even if you feel healthy.
Possible Complications
Untreated STDs cause more serious issues later.
Effect on Reproductive Function and Pregnancy
Certain STDs can negatively impact reproductive system functioning, lead to infertility and transmit to children. Such cases are dangerous since infections during pregnancy lead to premature birth or health problems in newborns. Maternal syphilis is one of the main factors in pregnancy complications.
Complications
Different STDs cause particular complications:
| Condition | Possible Complication |
|---|---|
| HPV | Cervical and other cancers |
| HIV | Immune system damage |
| Syphilis | Neurological and cardiovascular damage |
| Herpes | Recurrent painful outbreaks |
| Gonorrhea | Infertility and chronic pelvic pain |
Early detection reduces the chances of complications dramatically.
Diagnosing and Testing STDs
Screening is a guaranteed way to diagnose the diseases since their symptoms may be misleading.
Tests used by doctors to detect STDs
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Swabs
- Physical examination
Cases when one needs to undergo screening
- Starting a new sexual relationship
- Having many sexual partners
- Having STD symptoms
- Unprotected intercourse
- Screening before pregnancy
- After the partner’s positive results
Screening has become a routine practice for sexually active people.
Treatments and Medications for STDs
Treatment depends on the type of infection.
For bacteria
- Antibiotics (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia)
All medicines should be taken regularly.
For viruses
- No vaccines can cure these diseases
- Anti-virals reduce symptoms’ severity
Earlier detection makes the treatment process much easier. Some types of infections become resistant to traditional therapy, but there are still alternative medications available.
Preventing STDs: Basic Strategies
Methods of Preventing STDs
Preventing STDs involves several aspects.
- Consistent condom use
- Open talk with your partner
- Limit the number of partners
- Frequent STI screening
- Avoiding sex until receiving negative results
Vaccines
There are vaccines for some infections that are very efficient in terms of prevention. Regular screening is another strategy for the prevention of STIs.
Experts’ Recommendations
- Get screening as often as needed, regardless of the symptoms
- Communicate about your sexual health with your partner
- Always use protection
- Learn more about vaccines
- Consult a doctor in case of symptoms
- Do not self-diagnose on the Internet
- Follow all the recommendations of your doctor
Sexual health presupposes not only the avoidance of infections, but also trust and confidence.
Conclusion
STDs are among the most widespread diseases that often remain undiagnosed. Being aware of symptoms, risk factors, prevention techniques, and treatment strategies is vital.
By being responsible, attentive to risks, and undergoing regular screenings, individuals can maintain their sexual health. Besides, it promotes general wellness and personal and relational wellbeing.
Knowledge is your prevention in terms of STDs.
FAQs
Which are 10 most common STDs?
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, HPV, genital herpes, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, chancroid
What are seven STDs?
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, HPV, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis
What are 5 STD symptoms?
Painful urination, unusual genital discharge, sores on genitals, pain in the pelvic area or testicles, rashes or itching in the area of genitals
What are five STDs?
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and genital herpes
Can STDs disappear on their own?
They cannot go away automatically, although symptoms may subside. See a doctor to find out a diagnosis and get appropriate treatment.
How frequently should sexually active adults take STD tests?
It varies depending on specific risk factors, but annual screening is recommended by most doctors.