Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases resulting from the transmission of infections (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, etc.) during sexual contact. The world population undeservedly gives little importance to these infections, although they are the second most common after acute respiratory infections and influenza. Chronic carriage of these infections leads to serious complications, which will be discussed below.
So, what are these infections? Below is a list of the main sexually transmitted diseases:
- Chlamydia;
- trichomoniasis;
- herpes;
- gonorrhea;
- mycoureaplasmosis;
- syphilis;
- condylomatosis (human papillomavirus);
- viral hepatitis B and C;
- AIDS.
It would take several pages of this magazine to even briefly describe each disease. For the average person, a detailed description of each disease would be tedious and discouraging. Therefore, this article intentionally does not describe the diseases separately. Only general features and common possible complications are presented. Details about each of the diseases, their causative agents, clinical manifestations, etc. can be read on the Internet or in the relevant literature, it is impossible for a non-specialist to memorize them. But it is necessary to know their general features.
When infected with these infections there are various symptoms - general and local. The general symptoms include malaise, weakness, headache, headache, pain, fever (i.e. flu-like condition). Local symptoms include itching, burning, heavy discharge from the genital tract, the appearance of ulcers, bumps, blisters, increased urination, pain in the lower abdomen. About 30% of all cases of infection are asymptomatic, ie, the person does not bother anything, but the infection continues to manifest its damaging effects on the body. The insidiousness of such an asymptomatic disease is that the disease begins to manifest itself only when there is already a pronounced adhesions, and the compaction of tissues in the inflammatory focus is such that the drugs introduced into the body, simply can no longer get to the destination.
STDs cause chronic, difficult to treat inflammatory processes, adhesions and associated pain, infertility, prostate tumors, cervical cancer and others. Undoubtedly, threatening complications entails untreated syphilis, AIDS. It is important to remember that at the beginning of the disease STDs are quite effectively cured, so you need to see a doctor as early as possible.
It should be noted that some diseases are different in men and women. For example, gonorrhea will most often bother a man, and his partner may not show anything at all. Conversely, chronic trichomoniasis, candidiasis are almost not manifested in men, women have foamy discharge, itching and burning. In such situations, the partner who has no symptoms of the disease, refuses to be examined or, even worse, to be treated. This is a gross mistake. Moreover, women are in such cases are more conscious and organized. It is necessary to treat both partners, because the one who has no manifestations of the disease, is a carrier of the pathogen. If you do not treat both partners, there will be re-infection, ie closed vicious circle.
What should be done when there is a suspicion of an STD?
The following are recommendations depending on which manifestations are present.
If you have never had sexual intercourse, you have a low chance of having an STD. Visit your gynecologist/urologist regularly once a year for a traditional checkup.
If you have changed partners in the current year, are not using barrier methods, and there are no signs of infection, you are likely to be carrying an infection. See your gynecologist/urologist regularly once a year for a traditional examination as well as screening for chlamydia infection.
If you have unusual discharge from the genital tract, itching, pain or foul odor, see your gynecologist/urologist within the next three days. The specialist will give you an in-depth examination for what he or she thinks is the most likely infection and treat you accordingly.
If you have an ulcer, bump, lump or blister on your genitals, see your gynecologist/urologist today or tomorrow. The urgency is due to the fact that tomorrow these manifestations may no longer exist, and the infection (e.g. syphilis) will continue its destructive effect.
Undoubtedly, the best way to protect yourself from STDs is to prevent infection. The gold standard of behavior should be an internal ban on casual sex. If you feel that you do not always cope with this "inner prohibition", keep a condom with you (in your cosmetic bag, purse, pants pocket, business card holder, etc.). And the condom should always be with you, and should be replenished in a timely manner as the supply is exhausted. It is necessary to program yourself in such a way that even in the state of heavy intoxication this program will work. It must not be otherwise. It is too painful to pay for slackness and promiscuity when you have to treat infertility for years, when HIV infection occurs, and even more terrible - its manifestations.
It should be remembered that spermicides used for contraception do not protect 100% from STDs. Although on television, advertising these products, charming "experts" continue to claim that their spermicides protect 100% against STDs and even AIDS! Amazing irresponsibility!
To prevent infection with human papillomavirus in our country, vaccination of girls aged 11-14 years old, who have not had sexual contacts, began relatively recently. Vaccination is also used to prevent hepatitis B infection. A promising antiretroviral gel that can protect against HIV infection is currently under development abroad.
When you talk to a patient suffering from STDs and ask why he/she did not use protection, the same answer is always the same: "I thought it would not happen to me. No matter what preventive drugs are developed, no matter how tempting the advertisements sound, the first place should be strict self-control and awareness of the real possibility of infection, with all the consequences and complications. Self-education, regular visits to a specialist, strict self-control and responsible attitude to your health - these are the components of a healthy lifestyle, which will help you avoid diseases and their consequences, bitter disappointments and broken fates. They will allow you to successfully realize yourself in life, experience the joy and happiness of motherhood or fatherhood in all its splendor.