Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause several uncomfortable symptoms, from rashes and sores to more serious conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. While some STDs can be cured with antibiotics, others require long-term treatment or even a lifetime of management. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about the treatment and diagnosis of STDs, including how to get tested, what treatments are available, and how to prevent STDs in the future.
What are STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. STDs are also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and venereal diseases. It can infect anyone, no matter their age or gender.
Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and genital herpes. Some diseases can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated, such as infertility or chronic pain. Thus, it is important to practice safe sex and get tested for STDs regularly in order to protect yourself and your partner.
What Causes STDs?
There are various ways that can increase the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). These include:
Unprotected sexual intercourse: Having unprotected sex with multiple partners increases your risk of infection. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Having multiple partners: The more people you are in contact with sexually, the higher the risk of infection.
Certain medical conditions: A weakened immune system or a pre-existing STD can increase the risk of contracting a new one.
Poor hygiene: If basic hygiene habits such as washing hands after sexual activity are not followed, it can put you at greater risk of infection.
What Are the Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
STDs can present a range of symptoms depending on the type of infection. Common symptoms of STDs include:
- Unusual discharge from the genitals
- Burning or pain during urination
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Itching, burning, and swelling around the genitals
- Sores or bumps on the genitals or anus
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Rashes on the body
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches
- Unexplained weight loss or night sweats
- Swollen glands or lymph nodes in the groin area
It is important to note that some STDs may have no symptoms at all. That is why it is extremely important to get regular tests if you are sexually active.
How Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Diagnosed?
Most STDs can be detected with a urine sample, blood sample, or swab of the affected area. Urine samples are typically used for bacterial STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, while blood tests are mostly used for STD diagnosis or STD testing such as HIV and hepatitis. Swabs of the affected area (such as the genitals, throat, or rectum) may be necessary to detect some STDs, like herpes and trichomoniasis.
In some cases, your doctor may ask you to have a physical exam as part of your STD diagnosis. During the STD testing, they may look for signs of an STD, such as sores, warts, or rashes. They may also take a swab of suspicious-looking areas to test for an infection.
What Are the Treatments for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) varies depending on the type of STD, the severity of symptoms, and the overall health of the person infected. Some common STD treatments include:
Antibiotics: These medications can be taken orally or through injection, depending on the type of STD. Antibiotics help treat bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
Antivirals: These medications help treat viral infections like HIV, genital herpes, and hepatitis B. These drugs can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and can also help prevent the spread of infection further.
Topical creams/ointments: These creams/ointments are used to treat skin infections like genital warts, scabies, and pubic lice.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove an infected lesion or tissue.
Can Sexually Transmit Diseases (STDs) Be Prevented?
Yes, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading STDs. Practising safe sex is the most effective way to prevent STDs. This includes using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity and avoiding contact with bodily fluids.
Additionally, getting tested regularly and talking openly with your sexual partners about their sexual health history can help identify any potential risks. It's also important to get vaccinated against certain STDs, such as Hepatitis B and HPV, to protect yourself and your partner(s).
Conclusion
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a serious health concern and can have long-term effects if left untreated. It is important to be aware of the risks of sexually transmitted infections and to practice safe sex to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting an STD.
Regular check-ups are highly recommended, as they can help diagnose any possible issues early on and provide appropriate treatment. While there is no sure way to prevent all STDs, being aware of potential risks and taking preventive steps can help keep you healthy.
References:
https://www.nurx.com/faq/which-stds-are-detected-by-blood-tests/#:~:text=Blood%20tests%20are%20currently%20used,the%20affected%20area%2C%20or%20sores.
https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/default.htm
https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/std-treatments
https://www.healthline.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stds/conditioninfo/causes
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240
https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/std-treatments#1
