Sexually transmitted diseases: Precaution and cure

Sexually transmitted diseases or STD is the infection that is passed from one person to another during sexual contact. Bacteria, parasites, yeast and other viruses are the cause of STDs and till now there are 20 different types of STDs which have been discovered. It is not limited to any gender as it can be found in both men and women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems and can also transmit the same to the baby.

STDs which are caused by bacteria, yeast or parasites are curable with antibiotics but there is no cure for the STD caused by a virus. There are some developed medicines which can help with the symptoms and also control the disease to some extent. As it is caused by sexual contact, the high-end quality latex condom reduces the risk of catching or spreading the disease but it cannot eliminate the chance completely.

Different types of STDs

• Chlamydia:

It is also known as chlamydia infection which is caused by a bacterium that infects only humans. It causes genital and eye diseases and as per the reports, 6.8 per cent of girls aged from 14 to 19 years have chlamydia. There are no specific symptoms of this infection but largely it includes cystitis, change in the vaginal discharge, mild lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain, painful sexual intercourse and bleeding between menstrual periods.

• Chancroid:

It is a bacterial infection caused by fastidious and spread solely through sexual contact. The rate of the disease is found less in developed countries and limited to the commercial sex workers and some low groups. It has severe effects on women as compared to men, as it impacts the ulcers. It is curable and can be controlled with a seven-day course.

• Crabs (pubic lice) :

Phthiriasis is primarily spread through the sexual contact. It produces human lice which are mostly found in the armpits, moustache, beard, eyelashes and eyebrows. These lice feed on human blood.

• Genital herpes :

It is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). It affects the skin, cervix, genitals and some other parts of the body. It is easily transmissible from human to human during direct contact and never shows any symptoms. Individuals who suffer from herpes mainly have blisters and ulceration on the cervix, vaginal discharge, pain while urinating, fever, cold shores around the mouth, and red blisters.

• Hepatitis B :

It is caused by Hepatitis B virus which can be transmitted via contact with infected semen, blood, and some other body fluids. Having unprotected sex, using an unsterilized syringe, pricked by a sharp object, drinking infected breast milk, or being bitten by an infected person. This virus damages the liver of the person which can eventually lead to cancer.

• HIV/AIDS:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It solely affects the immune system of the infected person and makes him vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It can be caused by the body fluid of the infected person like semen, blood, breast milk and vaginal fluids during sexual contact, blood transfusions, breastfeeding, childbirth and sharing the infected needles.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) :

There are over 100 types of HPV which affect the skin, throat, cervix, anus and mouth of the infected person. This virus has no symptoms and signs and can be transmitted through vaginal or anal sex. Infected pregnant women can transmit the virus to the baby at the time of the delivery. This virus can be cured through vaccination.

• Trichomoniasis :

It is caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite ‘Trichomonas vaginalis’ and can be transmitted by penis to vagina intercourse or vagina to vagina. It can affect the vagina of the women and urethra in men. The common symptoms of this virus are the vaginal odour, vaginal discharge, pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse and pain while urinating.

• Molluscum contagiosum :

It is a virus infection which affects the skin of the infected person. Molluscum has been categorised into four different types, depending on the reason of the transmission. Symptoms of the virus are small and round bumps on the skin which can be cured with prescribed medicines.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID):

PID can be caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites and cause the inflammation of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. It forms a scar formation and fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs. The most common symptoms are lower abdominal pain, fever, lower back pain, rectal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Cure and prevention

• Safe sex is always recommended by doctors and being followed by many groups who understand the seriousness of the disease. During each sexual act, use a new latex condom and avoid using any oil-based lubricant.

• To avoid such condition, many governments have started a new program in which they will supply the condoms for free and will also educate the people about the disease.
• Education also plays a vital role, as this is the disease which can be caused by different reasons and one needs to take preservative actions to avoid it.
• Abstaining from any sexual act is probably the most effective way to avoid becoming infected with any STD.
• There are vaccinations which will help you to overcome this deadly disease and control the symptoms which are not curable.
• It is also recommended to get the checks done before you are starting a new life as it will be good for both the individuals and the one for whom you will plan in the future.
• School and parents are important as they are the ones who will educate the young generation and can explain how to prevent becoming infected with STD.

Read more about HIV and other diseases:

1. Leading causes, symptoms and preventions of HIV
2. These are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease
3. Myths and truths about Down syndrome
4. Stigma of being a HIV positive. Are we ready to take the bull by the horns?

This post was originally published in CareGuru.

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