Sexually transmitted diseases

How many types of sexually transmitted diseases?

Physicians classify STDs based on the route and source of infection. We highlight the sexually transmitted diseases transmitted based on the pathogens spreading the infection. It includes:

Bacterial STDs

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis

Viral STDs

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Hepatitis B
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Genital Herpes

Parasitic STDs

• Shigellosis
• Trichomoniasis

STD symptoms: How to recognise a venereal disease?

Sexually transmitted diseases show few symptoms in the early stage of the infection. These are not life-threatening conditions but can lead to permanent reproductive issues or a slow death (HIV) if not detected during early infection.

Here are the probable signs that patients should know about STDs:

• Unexplained discomfort in the pelvic region
• Intense pain during sexual union or urination
• Itchiness of the vagina/penile shaft
• Foul-smelling fluid leaking from penis/vagina
• Presence of rash, cold sores and allergies to the genital regions (patients may develop it around the mouth while indulging in unprotected oral sex)

Besides, patients experiencing STD types also report body aches, fever, loss of appetite, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and loss of immunity. 

STDs are among the most reported diseases among patients with poor sexual awareness and a frequent history of unprotected intimacy. Check out the potential routes of infection that can lead to various sexually transmitted diseases:

• Unprotected sexual union (anal, oral, vaginal)
• Physical intimacy with strangers
• Lack of intimate hygiene
• Individuals sharing IV injections for drug abuse
• Individuals using unsterilised toiletries (razor) of individuals suspected of STD symptoms
• Infection from body fluids (blood transfusion from a patient with STD)
• Newborn developing infection from an infected mother during delivery (HIV and syphilis)

Patients require pathological examination, including specific diagnostic tests, to confirm sexually transmitted diseases. Physicians perform the following to diagnose patients showing suspected STD symptoms:

• Manual inspection
• Antigen/antibody tests (AIDS)
• Body fluid tests (blood, saliva, urine)
• Evaluation of abnormal discharge
• Swab test of the infected area (cheek, genitals)
• Cell sampling or biopsy to detect potential carcinogenic activities
• Colposcopy and laparoscopy for further inspection of the site of infection

STDs are treatable conditions. Except for AIDS, herpes, hepatitis, and human papillomavirus (HPV), most sexually transmitted diseases are curable. Patients with a history of casual or unprotected sexual interaction with multiple partners must seek clinical aid when experiencing potential STD symptoms during the early stages of the infection.

STD treatment includes:

• Antibiotics help fight bacterial STDs (chlamydia, gonorrhoea)
• Antiviral medications help slow virus-borne STD infections from spreading since most have no cure.
• Vaccination is an essential step against STD types like hepatitis and human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Surgical measures (cryotherapy, electrocautery) in removing genital warts that frequent patients with HPV

How to prevent sexually transmitted diseases?

STDs are easily preventable, unlike most diseases, given the narrow route of infection limited to transferring body fluids or sexual union. Sexually transmitted diseases are preventable through responsible behaviour and hygienic measures to eliminate the passing of body fluid, the primary carrier of infection.

It includes:

• Abstinence from casual intimacy
• Use of protection (condom, dental gum) when cohabiting with a stranger
• Not taking part in IV drug abuse (sharing injections suspected individuals having underlying STDs are among the top reasons for spreading the infection)
• Regular clinical visits and undergoing testing help spot suspected STD symptoms.