Sexually Transmitted Diseases

HIV Treatment In Hyderabad

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. Sexual contact may occur through the vagina, anus, or oral. Sometimes, sexual diseases can also transmit through the skin to skin contact as in the case of herpes and HPV. There are several types of sexually transmitted diseases. The most common sexually transmitted infections include the following: Herpes, HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Aids, Pubic lice, Trichomoniasis, etc. Both men and women are affected by most STDs. But, women suffer from more complications as compared to men. If a woman gets infected during pregnancy it can cause serious health issues with the unborn baby.

Types of STDs

• Bacterial STDs:
  • Chlamydia: Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Often asymptomatic but can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  • Gonorrhea: Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Can cause painful urination and discharge.
  • Syphilis: Caused by Treponema pallidum. Progresses through stages, starting with sores and potentially leading to severe complications if untreated.
• Viral STDs:
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS if untreated.
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Causes genital or oral sores. Two types: HSV-1 (mostly oral) and HSV-2 (mostly genital).
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Can cause genital warts and increase the risk of cervical and other cancers.
  • Hepatitis B (HBV): Transmitted sexually; affects the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease.
• Parasitic STDs:
  • Trichomoniasis: Caused by a parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis). Symptoms include itching, discharge, and discomfort during urination.
  • Pubic Lice (Crabs): Tiny parasites that infest the genital area, causing itching.
• Fungal STDs:
  • Candidiasis (Yeast Infection): Not always sexually transmitted but can occur after sexual activity. Causes itching, redness, and discharge.
• Other STDs:
  • Mycoplasma Genitalium: A bacterial infection causing genital pain or discharge.
  • Ureaplasma Infection: A bacterial infection that may lead to infertility or complications during pregnancy.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases

Many people do not experience any symptoms with an STD. a sexually active person should regularly get tested. You can pass on an STD without even knowing it. The general symptoms of STDs include the following:

Some people do not experience any symptoms. Other people may experience the following symptoms:

• Sores, bumps, or warts may be present near the vagina, penis, anus, or mouth.

• There may be itching, redness, swelling around the genital parts

• There may be foul discharge from the genital symptoms

• The discharge from the vagina may have a bad odour which may be of different colours and may produce irritation of the genital organs.

• Unusual bleeding may occur from genital parts

• The sexual act may be painful                               

• Other symptoms of STDs may include the following:

• Pains, fever, and chills may be present

• Urination may be painful and frequent

• Some people experience rashes on the other parts of the body

• Some people may have weight loss, night sweats, and diarrhoea

Causes of STDs

STDS are caused by infections transmitted during sex and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The transmission of infection may occur through body fluids or skin-to-skin contact through the vagina, anal, and oral sex.

Some STDs may get transmitted through infected needles as the virus or bacteria may be present in the blood.

Complications of STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can lead to various complications if left untreated. Here are some common complications associated with STDs:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can lead to PID, causing severe pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancies.
• Infertility: Certain STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can damage the reproductive organs, leading to infertility in both men and women.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: STDs can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies, which can be life-threatening.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain: Some STDs, like herpes and chlamydia, can cause chronic pelvic pain in women.
• Cervical Cancer: Untreated human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of cervical cancer in women.
• Neurological Complications: Syphilis, if left untreated, can lead to serious neurological issues, including blindness, paralysis, and dementia.
• Cardiovascular Problems: Syphilis can also affect the heart and blood vessels, leading to aortic aneurysms.
• Arthritis and Skin Disorders: Reactive arthritis and skin conditions can result from chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Hepatitis and Liver Damage: Hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
• HIV/AIDS: Untreated HIV infection can progress to AIDS, compromising the immune system and leading to life-threatening illnesses.

Diagnosis of STDs

• If you experience uncomfortable symptoms such as burning, itching of genitals and pain during sex, and foul discharge from the vagina or penis, you must schedule an appointment with a doctor at the CARE Hospitals. The doctors at the CARE Hospitals have years of experience and they use the state-of-the-art treatment therapies for the patients depending on their individual needs. 

• The doctor can do a physical examination to find out if you have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection. 

• The doctor will ask about your symptoms, personal, and medical history.

• The doctor may recommend some tests that can help in the diagnosis of an STD. 

• Tests for the diagnosis of an STD will include a urine test, a blood test, a swab of the genital area, taking a fluid sample from sores, taking discharge samples from the vagina, cervix, penis, throat, anus, or urethra.

• Some STDs may be diagnosed by using special procedures called colposcopy.

Treatment options for STDs

Different treatment options are available depending on the symptoms and condition of the patient:

• The doctor may give antibiotics if it is a bacterial infection. You must take the antibiotic treatment for the period recommended by the doctor. Stopping the treatment in between can lead to the return of the symptoms.

• May give oral and topical applications to reduce itching and redness of the skin

• In some cases, the doctor may advise surgery

• Laser surgery is also recommended for certain types of STDs

• The doctor may also advise you to avoid sex when the treatment is going on. Some STDs do not have any cure such as AIDs, herpes, etc.

Tips to prevent an STD

There are several ways to reduce your risk of getting an STD:

• Be in a monogamous relationship: Having one partner who is not infected and only being intimate with them can lower your risk.
• Get tested before sex: If you have a new partner, both of you should get tested for STDs before having sex. Using condoms or dental dams during oral sex can also reduce the risk.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccines can protect against certain STDs, like HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
• Avoid excessive alcohol or drugs: These substances can impair your judgment and lead to risky sexual behavior.
• Have an open conversation with your partner: Discuss safer sex practices and agree on boundaries.
• Consider circumcision: For men, circumcision can reduce the risk of getting HIV, genital HPV, and herpes.
• Consider PrEP: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that can reduce the risk of getting HIV, especially for high-risk individuals. It must be taken every day as prescribed.

Living with STD

If your healthcare provider diagnoses you with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it's important to take the following steps to maintain your health:

• Follow your provider’s instructions and complete the full course of prescribed medication.
• Avoid sexual activity until you’ve completed your STI treatment and your healthcare provider gives you the go-ahead.
• Inform your sexual partners about your STI so they can consult their healthcare provider for testing and treatment. 

At CARE Hospitals, you can find qualified doctors who can help you and offer the right treatment for sexually transmitted diseases in India that doesn't hinder the quality of your life.