Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital contact.
Below is an overview of various sexually transmitted infections with links to more detailed information about them.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, easily transmitted during sex. Most people do not experience any symptoms and therefore do not know they are infected.
In women, chlamydia can cause pain or a burning sensation when urinating, as well as vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen during or after sex, bleeding during or after sex, or between periods. It can also lead to heavy periods.
In men, chlamydia can cause pain or burning when urinating, white cloudy or watery discharge from the penis, and pain or discomfort in the testicles.
Chlamydia can also infect the rectum, throat, or eyes.
Chlamydia is diagnosed through a urine test or a swab taken from the infected area. The infection is easily treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated can lead to serious long-term health problems, including infertility.
Genital warts
Genital warts (genital warts) are small growths, bumps, or skin changes that appear on or around your genitals or anus. Their causative agent is the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are usually painless, but you may notice some itching or redness. Sometimes they bleed.
It is not necessary to have penetrative sexual intercourse to transmit the infection, since HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Genital warts are treated with several methods, including ointments and cryotherapy (freezing the warts).
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), the same virus that causes cold sores.
Some people experience symptoms of HSV within a few days of coming into contact with the virus. Typically small, painful boils or sores appear that may cause itching, tingling, or painful urination. Once you are infected, most of the time the virus remains inactive. However, certain triggers can reactivate the virus, causing the boils to reappear, although they are usually smaller and less painful.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a disease caused by bacteria that is easily transmitted through sexual contact. About 50% of women and 10% of men do not experience any symptoms and do not know they are infected.
In women, gonorrhea can cause pain or burning when urinating, vaginal discharge (often watery, yellow or green), pain in the lower abdomen during or after sex, bleeding during or after sex or between periods, sometimes causing heavy periods.
In men, gonorrhea can cause pain or burning when urinating, a white cloudy or watery discharge from the penis, and pain or discomfort in the testicles. Gonorrhea can also affect the rectum, throat, or eyes.
Gonorrhea is easily diagnosed through a urine test or a swab taken from the infected area. The infection is easily treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated can lead to serious long-term health problems, including infertility.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a disease caused by bacteria that, in its early stages, results in a painless but highly contagious sore on your genitals or around your mouth. The ulcer can last up to 6 weeks and then go away.
Secondary symptoms may then appear, such as a rash, a flu-like state, or uneven hair loss. They may go away within a few weeks, after which there will be a period when you do not experience any symptoms.
Late, or tertiary, stage syphilis usually occurs many years later and can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, paralysis and blindness.
The symptoms of syphilis are not always easy to recognize. A routine blood test can most often show the presence of syphilis at any stage. It can be treated with antibiotics, usually injections of penicillin. With proper treatment, late stages of syphilis can be avoided.
HIV AIDS
HIV is most often transmitted during unprotected sex. It can also be transmitted through contaminated blood - for example, by sharing an injection needle.
The HIV virus attacks and weakens the immune system, making it less able to fight infections and diseases. There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments that allow most people to live long and otherwise healthy lives.
AIDS is the final stage of HIV, when your body is no longer able to fight off life-threatening infections.
Most people with HIV appear healthy and have no symptoms. When you first become infected with HIV, you may experience flu-like symptoms with a fever, sore throat, or rash. This is called seroconversion disease.
Typically, a routine blood test is used to detect HIV infection. Some clinics may also offer a rapid test using a finger prick blood test or a saliva sample.
In women, Trichomonas can cause frothy, yellow or watery vaginal discharge with a foul odor, irritation or itching around the vagina, and pain when urinating. In men, trichomoniasis rarely causes any symptoms. You may experience pain or burning after urination, gray-yellow or gray-green discharge, or inflammation of the foreskin.
Trichomonas can sometimes be difficult to diagnose and your GP may refer you to a specialist clinic for a urine test or smear test. Once diagnosed, trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics.
Testing for sexually transmitted infections can be done free of charge at a skin and venereal disease clinic or at a antenatal clinic. In addition, you can use paid services or by reading their price level and reviews of their work on our website.
Localization and translation prepared by site. NHS Choices provided the original content for free. It is available from www.nhs.uk. NHS Choices has not reviewed, and takes no responsibility for, the localization or translation of its original content
Copyright notice: “Department of Health original content 2019”
All site materials have been checked by doctors. However, even the most reliable article does not allow us to take into account all the features of the disease in a particular person. Therefore, the information posted on our website cannot replace a visit to the doctor, but only complements it. The articles have been prepared for informational purposes and are advisory in nature.
Sexually transmitted diseases are a fairly serious modern problem. The scale of such diseases cannot be fully revealed, since most people, having learned about their problem, are afraid to consult a doctor. Most often, patients are not even aware of their problems, since many sexual diseases do not show serious noticeable symptoms. Female genital infections, such as mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, etc., occur without any symptoms at all.
Causes of sexually transmitted infections in the world.
The reason for the emergence of more and more new varieties of sexual diseases is, of course, modern ecology and unprotected sexual intercourse. The current generation has a very weak immune system, due to which such infections are easily transmitted and are increasingly appearing among modern youth. The body simply cannot cope with the natural fight and protection against this type of infection.
All currently existing sexually transmitted diseases are named after Venus, who was the goddess of love bonds. HIV, syphilis, genital herpes, lymphogranulomatosis venereum, goronea are the most popular sexually transmitted diseases. Diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse are the most popular infectious diseases. A disease like gonorrhea affects about 260 million people every year around the world! But to this day AIDS is the most terrible problem of humanity.
But also every day new sexually transmitted infections appear: trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, chlamydia, genital herpes, urethritis, ureaplasmosis, papilloma virus, bacterial urethritis, and don’t forget about HIV infections.
The most common infections in the world
Scientists are still arguing about the appearance of these diseases on earth. Some say that they were brought by sailors from exotic islands, where, as is known, most sexually transmitted infections originated. Others are even inclined to believe that it was the goddess of love who rewarded all the “naughty” with such charms. Whether this is so, we can only guess.
What are sexually transmitted infections?
Almost all sexually transmitted infections are treatable, but diseases such as HIV, HPV, and hepatitis B are incurable. You can only stop the progression of the disease with the help of drugs and a serious course of treatment. But, unfortunately, not everyone succeeds in curing sexually transmitted infections, since they find out about the problem too late, and not everyone has the opportunity to undergo such expensive treatment.
Classification of sexually transmitted infections
Types of sexually transmitted infections:
1. Even despite constant advances in the field of medicine and research by microbiologists, the use of more and more new antimicrobial drugs does not always have the desired effect in the treatment of sexual diseases. These diseases include female genital infections, such as:
vulvar infections;
· vaginal infections.
And in particular, these are the more common genital herpes, candidiasis or thrush, vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis.
2. Sexual diseases are divided into a number of genitourinary infections. These include: genitourinary infection in the form of inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), as well as any inflammation of the urinary tract - urethritis, vesiculitis, endometritis, etc.
3. Genital viral infections:
· AIDS or HIV infection, the causative agent is the immunodeficiency virus.
· Genital herpes, the causative agent is the herpes virus of the second type.
· Infections caused by the human papillomavirus - papillomas and condylomas of the genital tract.
· Hepatitis B virus.
· A group of viruses called cytomegaloviruses causes the disease cytomegaly.
· And one of the varieties of the smallpox virus causes molluscum contagiosum disease.
· And also don’t forget about Kaposi’s Sarcoma.
4. Genital fungal infections. This type of infection includes pathogenic and opportunistic fungi. Such fungi are not part of the normal microflora of the body, but opportunistic fungi can be present in our body, but only in small quantities. In case of any disturbances, the relationship between the normal environment and opportunistic fungi provokes the appearance of mycoses or, as they are otherwise called, fungal infections.
Genital fungal infections include: any type of candidiasis (yeast fungus), which has a huge number of associated names - thrush, genital fungus, urogenital candidiasis and mycosis, vulvovaginal mycosis.
5. Male genital infections are also quite common and very dangerous. These are male gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, gardenerelosis, genital warts, ureplasmosis, molluscum contagiosum, etc.
Diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections. Methods for detecting viruses and infections in the early stages
When visiting doctors who specialize in identifying these diseases, tests can be taken in various ways. The most popular is scraping from the vagina, cervical canal, cells from the urethra, or in other options a blood test is taken. But this method can not detect all sexually transmitted infections.
The most accurate analysis at the moment is the polymerase procedure - this is a molecular diagnostic that allows you to detect any pathogens of sexually transmitted infections. It also identifies pathogens that have been living in a given organism for a long time; the procedure occurs without the use of a culture method, which greatly simplifies the task of identifying diseases and infections of the genital tract. In cases of genital herpes and papilloma viruses, such an analysis is necessary. The accuracy of this method is 100%.
This method is very expensive and requires compliance with many rules and the presence of the necessary equipped laboratory. Only a highly qualified doctor can carry out this type of research, observing all the rules when conducting this analysis. But do not forget that no matter how accurate the analysis, there is always the possibility of false results. This happens in the case of contamination of the analysis, the pathogen entered the analysis already dead from a long course of treatment, and when the infection was overcome by the patient’s immunity, it was at the stage of being eliminated from the body.
To ensure accurate results, it is better to combine several different research methods.
For example, taking a special blood test (enzyme immunosorbent test) is a type of laboratory test that studies the manifestation of the immune system’s reactions to a pathogen. This type of research is quite often used to determine any sexual diseases.
There is also a type of analysis called bacteriological culture. This analysis is carried out in this way: a sample is taken of secretions and placed in a special environment that promotes the rapid reproduction of pathogens and then their response to various types of antibiotics is checked. This method is not relevant for complex stages of the disease, since this type of analysis lasts about 14 days. If it is possible to take other tests, then it is better to seek help from them. But it is also necessary to carry out such an analysis in conjunction with the others to identify the response to antibiotic treatment.
The most famous type of diagnosis
This is a smear test that has been around for many years and checks the health of a woman's vaginal flora. A standard gynecological analysis of discharge is performed to determine the current state of the vaginal microflora. In a normal state, the microflora maintains an acidic environment, preventing the proliferation of various microbes. And with any violations, the reverse process occurs. This smear must be taken immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse, and if you have the following symptoms:
· Painful sensations in the abdominal area.
· The appearance of various types of discharge.
· Pain, itching and other painful manifestations on the genitals.
Taking a smear and checking yourself for any fungal and viral infections is recommended for all women, especially pregnant women, patients treated with antibiotics or medications that damage the entire immune system of the body.
How should you treat sexually transmitted infections?
How to get rid of such terrible diseases than to treat sexually transmitted infections? There are several ways to treat both diseases and infections of the genital organs in the world. For example, diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis and chlamydia are treated with special antibiotics (one tablet each).
Diagnoses such as HIV and herpes are treated under the influence of antiretroviral drugs; these types of drugs can extinguish the source of the disease for some time, but are not able to completely cure it. How to treat sexually transmitted infections is a complex question, because the process of such treatment is difficult, but science in our world does not stand still, and every day it comes up with more and more new methods of combating this disease.
Hepatitis B is treated with immunomodulators and antiretroviral drugs. They are designed to fight viruses and slow down liver destruction.
Due to the fact that sexually transmitted diseases and infections progress every year, they become increasingly difficult to treat. They develop a kind of resistance to many types of antibiotics, thereby reducing treatment options to a minimum. For example, gonorrhea has become unresponsive to standard antimicrobial therapy, which has led to drug instability of the gonococcus.
To protect yourself, it is worth remembering that modern medicine has protective vaccines against diseases such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus. They are a great way to prevent such diseases from occurring. The hepatitis B vaccine, according to research, has saved more than 1.4 million people from cancer and liver disease (chronic) through childhood immunization. And the human papillomavirus vaccine, when properly vaccinated, has saved more than four million women worldwide from dying from cervical cancer. There are no good and 100% vaccines against diseases such as herpes and HIV, although there have been successes in development. And vaccines against gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia are still being developed.
Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases
To prevent any sexually transmitted viruses and fungi, the following measures exist:
· Circumcision is suitable for men. It reduces the risk of HIV infection by 65%. It also protects against any existing sexually transmitted infections (herpes and human papillomavirus, etc.).
· Use of a special gel - tenofovir. Helps prevent female genital infections. This is a bactericidal agent that has gone through many stages of inspection and testing. It has been proven to prevent and protect against diseases such as HIV.
What sexually transmitted infections are transmitted?
All sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections are transmitted to your partner in most cases. It is important to remember that both partners need to treat such diseases, because if you are treated and your partner is not, then there is a high chance that after recovery you will catch the same disease again. You should also remember that men experience symptoms extremely less often than women, so you should immediately tell your partner about possible problems.
Let's look at some sexual diseases in more detail.
3. Bacterial sexual disease mycoplasmosis is caused by microbes that live on the mucous membrane of the genital urinary organs. This type of disease is asymptomatic and is quite difficult to identify. They can be present in the body of a healthy person, but in case of complications they cause inflammation of the uterus, appendages, and bacterial vaginosis.
4. Another bacterial disease is ureaplasmosis. The causative agent is microbacteria located on the genitals, or more precisely on the mucous membrane. Just like microplasmosis, this disease is asymptomatic and is detected only through complex laboratory tests. For women, this disease threatens miscarriages, premature birth, fetal infections, and infertility.
5. Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of another sexually transmitted infection - trichomoniasis. This disease can be contracted through oral or anal sex, and there is a possibility of infection through household means (through wet towels). It manifests itself in women in the form of painful sensations during sex and urination, as well as yellow or greenish discharge (foamy), redness of the genitals. This disease is very dangerous for pregnant women, causes premature birth, miscarriages, affects the cervix, and causes erosion.
6. One of the popular sexual diseases is genital herpes. It affects during any sexual intercourse. Symptoms are irritation, swelling of organs, subsequently bubbles with liquid appear, they open, and ulcers form in their place, which take quite a long time to heal. Very dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause fetal death or problems with the nervous system.
7. A viral and rather dangerous disease, cytomegalovirus, is transmitted not only through sexual intercourse, but also through kissing, and in everyday life through salivary secretions. This disease does not manifest itself with any symptoms; it is quite difficult to notice its presence. People with low immunity are more susceptible to this disease. Dangerous during pregnancy, causes nervous disorders in the fetus and is often fatal.
8. One of the most dangerous viral diseases is the human papillomavirus. It occurs differently in all people and has different types and subtypes, as well as the appearance of different symptoms: warts, papillomas, condylomas, genital cancer. It does not appear on diagnostics and is quite difficult to detect. Very high risk of disease. If the disease is detected early, it can be treated and symptoms can be eliminated. But remember that this disease provokes stress and hormonal changes, so pregnant women, postpartum women, and women during menopause need to be constantly examined for the presence of such an infection.
9. An increased number of bacteria in a woman’s vagina causes a disease called bacterial vaginosis. A large number of harmful bacteria begin to destroy all the beneficial ones, such a violation leads to an imbalance of the microflora. This is more dysbacteriosis than a serious sexually transmitted infection. This disease manifests itself as white vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.
10. And don’t forget about candidiasis. This is an overabundance of Candida fungi. Symptoms of this disease are copious vaginal discharge (white), pain when urinating, and itching of the genitals.
Our expert - gynecologist Marina Vedeleeva.
Dangerous Thirty
The topic is very prosaic - sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Almost every one of us has met them in person at least once in our lives. By the way, there are more than 30 of them: from the deadly HIV infection to the banal chlamydia, which, by the way, also cannot be called trivial. Moreover, in terms of prevalence in Russia, it is in second place after the flu.
Of course, most STDs are curable, but not all. For example, you will never be able to get rid of genital herpes - treatment only softens the course of the disease and reduces the frequency and severity of relapses. Only those under 25 have a chance to get rid of (HPV) forever. Later, it will not be possible to destroy the virus; the point of treatment is to eliminate changes in the tissues affected by the virus. By the way, it is believed that the human papillomavirus can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva and penis. The genital herpes virus also affects sperm, and if a woman is infected with it during pregnancy, it can cause severe congenital diseases of the fetus.
Treatment will be successful only if it is started without delay and completed. How to spot the very first danger signals?
The alarm has been declared!
There are seven main signs that you should not delay visiting a doctor if you discover them.
Itching and burning in the intimate area.
Redness in the genital area and anus, sometimes - ulcers, blisters, pimples.
Discharge from the genitals, odor.
Frequent, painful urination.
Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the groin area.
In women - pain in the lower abdomen, in the vagina.
Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
However, for example, syphilis or chlamydia can appear several weeks after infection, and sometimes STDs can generally run latent for a long time, becoming chronic.
Let's get to know each other better
Chlamydia
Symptoms. 1–4 weeks after infection with it, patients develop purulent discharge, painful urination, as well as pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, bleeding between menstruation in women, and pain in the scrotum and perineum in men.
Why is it dangerous? In women, it can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes, cervix, pathologies of pregnancy and childbirth, diseases of the liver, spleen; in men - to inflammation of the epididymis, prostate gland, bladder, and impaired potency. Newborns may develop conjunctivitis, nasopharyngeal lesions, and pneumonia.
Trichomoniasis
Symptoms. They can appear 4–21 days after infection, sometimes later. Women experience copious foamy discharge of a white or yellowish-green color with a pungent odor, causing severe itching and irritation of the genitals, as well as pain, burning during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. Men experience a burning sensation when urinating, mucopurulent discharge from the urethra. However, this disease is often asymptomatic.
Why is it dangerous? In women, the cervix and inner layer of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and urinary tract are affected. The infection can even cause peritonitis! In men, the prostate gland, testicles and their appendages, and urinary tract are affected.
Mycoplasmosis (in men - ureaplasmosis)
Symptoms. It may reveal itself 3 days after infection, or maybe a month later, manifested by itching and discomfort in the genital area, scanty transparent discharge, and painful urination.
Why is it dangerous? A common complication of trichomoniasis in women is inflammation of the genital organs; in men, a disorder of spermatogenesis.
Gonorrhea
Symptoms. 3–7 days after infection, women experience yellowish-greenish vaginal discharge, frequent, painful urination, pain in the lower abdomen, and sometimes bloody discharge. However, for most representatives of the fairer sex, the disease goes unnoticed for a long time. Men experience pain and burning when urinating, yellowish-greenish purulent discharge from the urethra.
Why is it dangerous? In women, the urethra, vagina, anus, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are affected. In men, the internal genital organs develop chronic inflammation of the epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate, which threatens impotence and infertility.
Syphilis
Symptoms. The incubation period of the disease is from 3 to 6 weeks. The first sign is a round ulcer (chancre). In women, it lives on the labia or vaginal mucosa (sometimes in the anus, in the mouth, on the lips), in men - on the penis or scrotum. In itself, it is painless, but a week or two after its appearance, the nearest lymph nodes enlarge. This is the time to start treatment! This is the first stage of the disease, when everything is still reversible. 2–4 months after infection, the second stage develops - a rash “spreads” throughout the body, high fever and headache appear, and almost all lymph nodes become enlarged. In some patients, hair falls out on the head, and wide condylomas grow on the genitals and in the anus.
Why is it dangerous? This disease is called slow death: if not fully treated in time, serious problems arise with the musculoskeletal system, irreversible changes occur in the internal organs and nervous system - the third stage of the disease begins, in which approximately a quarter of patients die.
Forget about the Internet!
Noticed something is wrong? It’s better to play it safe and hurry to see a doctor, rather than look for symptoms and treatment methods on the Internet.
How are STDs diagnosed? First, an examination by a doctor, then tests and studies. The most modern method of DNA diagnostics: PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For examination, scrapings are taken from the urethra, vagina and cervix.
Doctors also use the ELISA method (blood is taken from a vein or a scraping is made and the presence of antibodies to STDs is determined), bacterioscopy (most often detects gonococci and trichomonas) and many other diagnostic methods.
STDs are treated with antibacterial drugs, as well as local procedures (washing the urethra in men, sanitizing the vagina in women and other procedures). At the end of the course of treatment, you must undergo a follow-up examination - take several tests to make sure there is no infection in the body.
How to protect yourself?
The classic self-defense against STDs is the condom. High quality and correctly sized.
Emergency drug prevention is also used - a one-time dose or injection of antibacterial drugs, which can only be prescribed by a dermatovenerologist. The procedure helps prevent gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, syphilis and trichomoniasis. But this method cannot be used often.
But as for douching after sexual intercourse with special gels or chlorine-containing antiseptics, most experts believe that this does not reduce the risk of infection.
Sexually transmitted infections are diagnosed in women as often as in men. Moreover, many venereologists note that women turn to them more often. Since the symptoms of pathologies are more pronounced in them and cause more concern.
What pathogens of sexually transmitted infections in women can be found most often, and what are the symptoms of pathologies, patients often ask when visiting a doctor.
How to get rid of the disease and how to protect yourself from infections?
How can a woman become infected with sexually transmitted infections?
Many women are concerned about the ways of contracting sexually transmitted infections in women. As doctors note, there are three most common options in clinical practice.
- Sexual tract
Sexual intercourse always means sexual contact. Moreover, as venereologists say, the likelihood that a sexually transmitted infection will occur in women is slightly higher during unprotected sex than in men. This is tied to the structural features of the genital tract.
First of all, the short urethra plays a role. Through it, it is easier for pathogenic microorganisms to reach organs where they can successfully continue to reproduce. In both men and women, not only classic vaginal sex plays a role in the spread of the disease. Oral and anal sex is also dangerous. And, importantly, lesbian sex, if basic safety rules are not followed, can also lead to infection.
- Vertical path
This spread option occurs when a woman with a sexually transmitted infection gives birth to a child. Moreover, as doctors note, infection mainly occurs during childbirth.
Cases of transplacental transmission of infection are rather rare than a widespread method of infection. In boys, such infection mainly affects the eyes and oropharynx, as well as the lungs. But in girls, the reproductive tract is most often affected.
- Contact and household path
The most rarely implemented option for the spread of sexually transmitted infections is through household contact. It is implemented if a woman or child does not follow the rules of hygiene, sharing a towel, underwear or other personal hygiene items with an infected person. Of course, most STI pathogens do not survive in the environment. However, in some cases, infection through contact is still possible. Any of the routes of spread can play an important role in a woman’s life, leading to infection. But knowing the ways in which STDs spread allows you to take steps to reduce the likelihood of encountering the disease.
The most common genital infections in women
Reproductive tract infections in women are very diverse. In a doctor's practice, a huge number of different pathogens can be encountered.
Most often, doctors deal with specific pathogens, among which the most common are:
- Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by chlamydia - microorganisms that are transmitted from person to person mainly through sexual contact. The pathology is characterized by very vague symptoms. A woman may not have any complaints at all, or complain of scanty purulent discharge or pain during urination, which are episodic in nature. Due to the paucity of symptoms, timely diagnosis is quite difficult.
- Mycoplasmas
Mycoplasmosis, caused by mycoplasmas, most often indicates that a woman, for some reason, has had a decrease in natural immunity. The disease is characterized by scanty transparent discharge and unpleasant sensations during sexual intercourse.
- Candida
Candidiasis is a fungal infection. As in the case of mycoplasmosis, it mainly develops with a decrease in immunity. Women complain of copious discharge, reminiscent of cottage cheese in consistency and white in color. Additionally, they complain of soreness, itching and burning.
- Gonococcus
Gonococcus causes such an unpleasant disease as gonorrhea. It is characterized by vivid symptoms with copious discharge from the genital tract and severe pain.
- Genital herpes
The disease is caused by a virus, which is completely impossible to get rid of today. In the genital area with this pathology, rashes appear that resemble bubbles with clear liquid. There is practically no effective therapy, but the disease can be driven into a stage of long-term remission.
- Human papillomavirus
Causes various types of damage to the genital organs in the fair sex. It all depends on the strain of the pathogen and its general characteristics.
The disease is widespread and as incurable as genital herpes. Leads to the appearance of papillomas and condylomas on the genitals, and can contribute to the development of cervical cancer.
HIV during sexually transmitted infections in women only aggravates the course of any disease, but does not have any pronounced symptoms of its own. As doctors note, often pronounced herpes or a large number of condylomas may indirectly indicate infection with HIV infection.
Sexual infections: first symptoms in women
Many patients are concerned about the question of what are the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections in women. Most STIs have similar symptoms. This makes diagnosis based solely on one symptom or another almost impossible.
The first signs of sexually transmitted infections in women are most often the following:
Many patients mistakenly believe that a rash during sexually transmitted infections in women is a reliable symptom of an STI. However, this is a wrong opinion.
Often a rash is a consequence of skin diseases of a non-infectious nature. Which are in no way related to diseases of the genitourinary system caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi.
Sexual infections: what tests a woman will have to undergo
Many patients are concerned about the question of when and what kind of blood tests they take for sexually transmitted infections in women. As doctors note, a blood test is not the most important thing in diagnosing various STIs that a patient at a venereology office may suffer from. In most cases, the main diagnostic role is played by a smear from the genital organs.
The smear is performed in the venereologist’s office on a chair designed for gynecological examinations.
The procedure is painless, and is often performed on patients by gynecologists for preventive purposes. During the analysis, the doctor takes material from three points: from the vagina, cervical canal and urethra. It is this material that is being studied. It can be assessed using the following methods:
In some cases, the smear may not be taken from the genitals. For example, a mouth smear for sexually transmitted infections in women should be performed if there is a suspicion of infection with microorganisms through the oral route.
An anal smear for genital infections in women is effective if contact with a pathogenic microorganism was preceded by anal sexual intercourse.
Where to go for genital infections in women
Often, patients who are faced with certain negative symptoms wonder which doctor to see. There are several options. First of all, of course, it is recommended to visit a venereologist.
A venereologist specializes in timely diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections, their treatment and selection of preventive measures. It is the venereologist who will be able to correctly diagnose and give the most optimal recommendations for the treatment of the identified disease.
If the hospital does not have a venereologist, a woman can visit a gynecologist. This doctor is also often forced to deal with sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, I am familiar with their symptoms and features of manifestation.
From the gynecologist you can receive a referral for the necessary tests to establish a diagnosis, as well as recommendations for treatment. In some hospitals, the duties of a venereologist are performed by a dermatologist-venereologist. You can go to see him with the same courage as you would go to see a venereologist.
The contiguity of specialties here only means that many sexually transmitted diseases have skin manifestations.
Both a dermatologist and a venereologist must be able to distinguish STIs from non-infectious pathologies.
Principles of treatment of sexually transmitted infections in women
Infections of the genital organs in women are quite common, and therefore many patients are interested in how to treat these unpleasant diseases.
The first thing to remember is that self-medication will have to be completely abandoned. Self-medication can only cause harm. It is impossible to accurately determine the pathogen and select medications that would act specifically on it without special diagnostics. The doctor, having carried out all the necessary research and accurately established the diagnosis, can recommend the following medications:
The choice of drugs always depends on many factors. The characteristics of the infection, the patient’s personal data, the presence or absence of intolerance to any medications, etc. are taken into account.
Sex during the treatment of sexually transmitted infections
Many representatives of the fair sex are concerned about the question of whether sex is acceptable in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in women. Doctors have only one answer to this question, and it is very categorical.
During the entire treatment period, sexual contact will have to be strictly limited, or better yet completely excluded. There are several reasons for such strictness. Firstly, not only the woman, but also her sexual partner should be treated. After all, the likelihood that she became infected from him or has already infected him is very high. And, naturally, if a woman is treated, but her sexual partner is not, then at the next contact without covering with drugs, a re-infection will occur with a typical clinical picture of the disease.
Secondly, it is important to consider that sexual contact is irritating to the mucous membrane of the genital tract. And she is most often already irritated by the effects of pathogenic microflora. As a result, unpleasant sensations may appear that make sexual intercourse unpleasant.
Thirdly, local immunity is already impaired. A sexual partner may or may not be a carrier of any STDs. But there is a high probability that it will introduce opportunistic microflora into the woman’s body, which can provoke an increase in the inflammatory reaction.
Control tests after treatment of sexually transmitted infections in women
Why re-take tests after finishing therapy?
Patients who have undergone treatment for STDs often refuse them. This step, as doctors note, is a mistake.
After all, many pathogenic microorganisms are capable of developing drug resistance to the effects of various medications. To timely determine the development of resistance, control studies are performed. And, if necessary, change therapy. What else explains the need for regular testing during the treatment period?
The doctor needs to monitor whether any new pathogens have appeared in the woman’s body.
The treatment of which will require the prescription of new medications. Regular diagnostics also make sure that there are no latent infections in the body. Which could become more active due to a decrease in the body’s defenses.
Carrying out control tests at the end of the course of therapy is a kind of guarantee that the treatment was successful. If the tests are negative, the woman can safely consider herself completely healthy.
The influence of sexually transmitted infections on pregnancy
If a doctor who treats sexually transmitted infections in women finds signs of an STI in a representative of the fair sex, she is advised to begin treatment as soon as possible. However, many people are interested in the question of why being tested for STDs is recommended before conceiving a child? The fact is that sexually transmitted diseases can negatively affect the pregnancy process. Moreover, for many patients, untimely treatment of such pathologies ends in infertility. Everything is explained very simply.
Any inflammatory process in the genital organs negatively affects their structure. Infertility is often explained by the development of adhesions or degradation of organ tissues that are necessary for normal conception and gestation. Also, inflammation always negatively affects pregnancy itself, which is already a difficult time for any woman. As a result, even if pregnancy has occurred, it is highly likely to end in miscarriage or miscarriage.
Many sexually transmitted infections also negatively affect the health of the fetus itself. Due to their influence, the development of various deformities and premature births are possible, which also have a bad effect on the nervous and other systems of the child.
To avoid all these unpleasant consequences, it is recommended to take smear tests for sexually transmitted infections in women at the stage of planning pregnancy.
Principles of preventing sexually transmitted infections in women
As practice shows, it is much easier to prevent any sexually transmitted infection than to treat it. To prevent infection with STIs, it is recommended to follow the following preventive measures:
It is important to remember that genital infections in women are just as dangerous as in men. First of all, they affect the patient’s reproductive health.
Sometimes causing irreparable damage to him, making the woman infertile. To avoid dangerous complications, it is recommended to seek help from a doctor at the first suspicious symptoms.
Doctors will be able to adequately assess the situation and give optimal treatment recommendations. A woman’s reproductive health is only in her hands, which is important to know!
If you suspect sexually transmitted infections, contact competent gynecologists and venereologists.
Moreover, 30% of stable married couples are infected with sexually transmitted infections. The diseases were discovered during diagnostic tests for. It should be emphasized that common genital infections can be contracted even without sexual contact. To do this, close tactile contact of the skin, the use of common household items and ordinary kisses are sufficient. Such infections include herpetic, papillomavirus and cytomegalovirus, as well as syphilis.
Our doctors recommend that you adhere to strict sexual hygiene and exclude unprotected contacts with casual partners. Sexual infections in men lead to terrible and sometimes irreversible consequences, including death. In addition, they have a detrimental effect on reproductive function and potency.
If you discover at least one strange symptom, we advise you to immediately contact a specialist for adequate differential diagnosis and early effective therapy. Our doctors have extensive experience in the treatment of chronic sexually transmitted diseases and acute sexually transmitted infections. Modern medicine has made dramatic strides forward, and we are ready to assure you: any disease is not a death sentence at all!
Common sexually transmitted infections in men
Today, doctors identify the following diseases that are “popular” among men who are promiscuous:
You need to contact a specialist if you notice the following symptoms:
- Any neoplasms on the penis (wounds, cracks, vesicular plaques, papillomas);
- Itching and burning of the external genitalia;
- Pain when urinating;
- Separation of mucus from the urethra;
- Hyperemia and swelling in the genital area;
- Pain syndrome localized in the groin and anus;
- Inflammation of the testicles.
The main prerequisite for the development of STIs can be any type of unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, oral, anal). If you live a promiscuous sex life, know: illness is your negligent attitude towards your own health.
Diagnostics in our clinic
If you discover characteristic signs of an STI, we recommend that you consult a doctor immediately. Our qualified specialists will conduct a number of diagnostic studies to identify the presence of the disease and provide effective therapy:
- Scraping the mucous tissue of the urethra with further transfer to a test tube with a reagent;
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction) study.
- RPR Antibodies to cardiolipin antigen;
- Blood test for hepatitis;
- General urine analysis;
- Clinical blood test;
- Taking a smear for further microscopic examination (Gram stain);
- Blood test for HIV;
- Brief conversation with the doctor.
Treatment in our clinic
Our competent specialists will select the optimal treatment regimen for you, depending on your problem and the course of the disease:
1. Antibacterial therapy;
2. Selection of immunomodulatory drugs;
3. Selection of delicate hygiene products for subsequent use.
As a rule, such therapy is sufficient. If necessary, it can be repeated as prescribed by the doctor. Our specialists will also give you all the important recommendations during the intensive treatment period.
Genital infections in men are not only uncomfortable sensations, but also a direct path to severe complications from the health and reproductive system. Contact a specialist for help in a timely manner if you discover an alarming symptom. Our clinic will always help you find health and protect yourself from relapses.
Our specialists
Loading...
