Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are illnesses or infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites and are often contracted through sexual interaction.
These infections can affect people of all ages and genders and can result in serious health challenges if left untreated.
The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases, their prevention, and treatment options will all be covered in greater detail in this article.
Types of STDs
There are many types of STDs, but some of the most common ones include the following:
- Chlamydia: Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria.
- Genital herpes: Genital herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
- Gonorrhoea: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the organism that causes gonorrhoea, a bacterial sexually transmitted infection.
- HPV: Human Papillomavirus is a viral infection that commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths (warts).
- Pubic lice are parasitic insects found in the pubic or genital area.
- Syphilis: Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria which most often spreads through sexual contact.
- Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite
Symptoms of STDs
STD symptoms can vary depending on the nature of infection. However, some frequent ones include:
- Painful or frequent urination
- Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
- Genital sores, bumps, or blisters
- Pain during sex
- Itching or burning in the genital area
- Rectal pain or discharge
- Sore throat or swollen glands
Note that not everyone with an STD exhibits symptoms, so regular STD testing is vital.
Prevention of STDs
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are mostly spread through unprotected sex. Therefore, maintaining good sexual health requires preventing the transmission of STDs. The prevention of STDs includes;
- Practice safe sex
Using condoms can prevent STD transmission. However, no one technique is 100% successful. Therefore, employing additional preventative measures is crucial.
Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels
- Get vaccinated
Human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B vaccines are available to prevent certain STDs. Discuss this with your healthcare provider to know the ones available for you.
- Avoid multiple sexual partners
Having sex with multiple sexual partners increases the likelihood of contracting STDs like HIV, gonorrhoea, syphilis, etc
- Have an honest communication with your partner
Ask about your partner's sexual history and share your own. Open and honest conversation about one’s sexual health can reduce the risk of contracting STDs
- Get tested
Regular testing is essential to knowing your status because many STDs do not have symptoms.
- Avoid sharing personal products
Personal products like towels, razors, and sex toys can carry STI-causing germs and transmit it to others or spread it from them. .
- Look out for the signs and symptoms
Understand the warning signs and symptoms of STDs, which include vaginal sores, discharge, and pain during intercourse. Get checked out and start receiving treatment immediately if you feel any symptoms.
Risk factors for STDS
Research has shown that the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has been impacted by sociological and demographic factors, such as family life and urbanisation (Patterson-Lomba et al., 2015), meaning that factors like family life and urbanisation contribute to the prevalence of STDs. For example, urbanisation can increase the prevalence of STDs due to higher population density and increased social interactions, while family dynamics can also affect the spread of STDs based on communication and education about sexual health.
Therefore it is important to understand these risk factors and take measures to reduce the risk of acquiring an STI. Having unprotected sex raises the chances of getting an STD. Condoms are the most efficient way to prevent STD transmission.
The following are some other STD risk factors:
- Having multiple sexual partners
Having multiple sexual partners increases your chance of contracting an STD. Your risk increases as you have more sexual partners.
- Early sexual activity
Those who start having sex at a young age may increase the risk of contracting an STD. This is because they may lack the skills or understanding necessary to engage in safe sex.
- History of STDs
Individuals who have had an STD in the past are more likely to have one again.
- Being in a same-sex relationship
Men who have sex with men (MSMs) are more likely to contract some STDs, including HIV, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.
- Drug and alcohol abuse
Using drugs and alcohol can result in unsafe sexual conduct, such as having intercourse without a condom, which raises the possibility of contracting an STD.
- Weak immune system
Those with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV or cancer, are more likely to contract STDs.
Treatment of STDs
It's critical to see a physician when you suspect an STD. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs can easily treat many STDs, because if the disease is left untreated, they can have significant health impacts.
Antibiotics can treat bacterial sexually transmitted diseases if treatment starts early enough. Although there is no treatment for viral STDs, medications can help manage symptoms.
Conclusion
Sexually transmitted diseases are a serious health concern that can have long-term effects.It's critical to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases on a regular basis, particularly if you have several relationships. Being tested is the only way to find out whether one has an STD, as some may not show any symptoms. Notifying sexual partners of the diagnosis of an STD is very important because it allows them to get tested and receive treatment if needed.
Always remember that getting tested for STDs is nothing to fear, it is always preferable to know your status rather than put your health and the health of others in danger.
