What Is Sexual Transmitted Disease (STD)?

19/01/2024Blogs

Understanding sexual health is a crucial step in promoting overall well-being and protecting our health from any sexually transmitted disease (STD),

Recognizing the symptoms of sexually transmitted disease (STD) helps individuals seek appropriate healthcare solutions early, and make informed decisions about their sexual health.

In this article, we aim to provide comprehensive insights into sexually transmitted diseases’ nature, causes, symptoms, and available treatments.

What Is Sexual Transmitted Disease (STD)?

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), also known as Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), is an infection that is spread through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can have serious health consequences if left untreated.

Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV/AIDS, with a wide range of symptoms or may be asymptomatic, making it vital to get tested regularly if you are sexually active.

6 Types of Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI):

It is important to understand the different types of STIs and the attached STI symptoms in order to stop transmission and ask for appropriate medical care.

1. Chlamydia:

Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, chlamydia is one of the most common STIs worldwide.

Moreover, it often has no symptoms but can lead to dangerous complications if left untreated, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

2. Gonorrhea:

This sexually transmitted disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat.

The attached symptoms may include painful urination and abnormal discharge, moreover, if left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to other serious health problems.

3. Syphilis:

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum, that progresses in stages and can cause long-term complications if not treated early.

The symptoms vary depending on the stage of the infection.

4. Herpes:

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes, which results in painful sores on the genitals or mouth.

However, while there is no real cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks.

5. Human Papillomavirus (HPV):

HPV is a group of related viruses that can cause genital warts and lead to various cancers, including cervical cancer in women.

6. HIV/AIDS:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system and can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated.

Additionally, HIV/AIDS is known for its ability to weaken the body in front of infections and certain cancers.

Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) Symptoms:

STD symptoms can vary depending on the specific infection type, as some STIs may not present any symptoms at all, making it difficult to detect and treat them effectively.

Common STI symptoms include:

Genital sores or ulcers.
Unusual discharge from the genitals.
Burning sensation during urination.
Itching, irritation, or redness in the genital area.
Swollen or tender lymph nodes.
Pain during sex or while urinating.
Lower abdominal pain.
Fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.

3 Main Causes of Sexual Transmitted Infections:

Now, we are going to discuss the various causes of STIs, including the most common ones:

1. Bacterial Infections:

Bacterial infections are some of the most common causes of STIs, some of the bacterial STIs include:

– Gonorrhea: Caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, gonorrhea can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex.

– Chlamydia: Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, chlamydia primarily impacts the genitals, but it can also infect the rectum, eyes, and throat. It is transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex.

– Syphilis: Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, syphilis is transmitted through direct contact with syphilis sores during oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

– Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Caused by many bacteria, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, which can lead to infertility if left untreated.

2. Viral Infections:

Viral infections are another common cause of STIs, including:

– Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): Transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if not treated.

– Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a group of more than 100 related viruses that can cause warts and cancer in both men and women. Some HPV strains are transmitted through sexual contact.

– Herpes simplex virus (HSV): HSV-1 (cold sores) and HSV-2 (genital herpes) are both transmitted through oral or genital contact and can cause painful sores and blisters.

– Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through blood, semen, or other body fluids and can cause liver disease or liver cancer.

3. Parasitic Infections:

Parasitic infections are less common than STIs but still possible:

– Pubic lice (Crabs): Transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that infest the pubic hair.

Diagnosis of Sexual Transmitted Infections:

The diagnosis of STIs typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing.

Diagnostic tests for STIs may include:

– Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs): to detect the presence of specific STI-causing bacteria or viral DNA in urine or genital samples.

– Culture tests: involve the growing of the bacteria or virus in a laboratory to confirm the presence of an infection.

– Antibody tests: to discover the presence of specific antibodies in the blood that indicate an STI infection.

– Serologic tests: to detect the presence of specific proteins (antigens) in the blood that indicate an STI infection.

Sexual Transmitted Disease (STD) Testing Dubai:

If you are looking for an STD test Dubai, then you will find many healthcare facilities that offer a wide range of STD testing options to cater to different needs. These may include:

– Blood tests: are commonly used to detect various STDs such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis, that are effective in identifying the presence of the infection in the bloodstream.

– Urine tests: are utilized for detecting STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. This non-invasive method is convenient for patients and provides accurate results.

– Swab tests: involve taking samples from the genital area, mouth, or throat to test for infections such as herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

– Physical examination: Healthcare providers may conduct a physical examination to check for visible signs of STDs such as genital warts or sores.

– Rapid tests: Some clinics offer rapid STD tests that provide quick results within a short period, enabling quick diagnosis and treatment

3 Effective Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) Treatments:

The treatment for STIs differs based on the specific infection, furthermore, it is important to note that not all STIs can be cured, but many can be effectively treated to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.

1. Bacterial STI Treatment:

Chlamydia: is usually treated with a course of antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Moreover, both sexual partners need to receive treatment to prevent reinfection.
Gonorrhea: is also treated with antibiotics, often a combination of ceftriaxone and azithromycin. However, due to increasing antibiotic resistance, it is crucial to follow the prescribed treatment regimen.
Syphilis: is treated with penicillin or other antibiotics, depending on the stage of the infection. And the treatment may involve a single dose or multiple doses over a while.

2. Viral STI Treatment:

HIV/AIDS: antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to manage HIV and prevent its progression to AIDS. ART involves a combination of medications that defeat the virus and support the immune system.
Herpes: while there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir can help manage outbreaks and reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus): there is no specific treatment for the virus itself, but healthcare providers can treat the symptoms such as genital warts or abnormal cell changes in the cervix.

3. Parasitic STI Treatment:

Trichomoniasis: is usually treated with prescription antibiotics, such as metronidazole or tinidazole.
Pubic lice (Crabs): these infestations are typically treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications that kill the lice and their eggs.
Scabies: are treated with prescription topical medications that kill the mites, such as permethrin cream or oral ivermectin.

To sum up,

Any sexually transmitted disease (STD) poses a significant risk to public health globally. Thus, understanding the different types of STDs, their symptoms, prevention methods, and available treatments is crucial for promoting sexual health and reducing the spread of these infections.