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Sexually transmitted diseases also known as sexually transmitted infections are acquired by sexual contact. Blood, semen, and vaginal and other bodily fluids can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases.
Sometimes these infections can be transmitted nonsexual. It spreads from mothers to their infants during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions.
Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Disease
- Bumps or sores in the genital or rectal area
- Bumps or sore on oral area
- Painful or burning urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Foul or unusual odors from the vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Swollen or sore lymph nodes
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever and rashes in most areas of the body
Men can also experience the following symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort during sex or urination
- Bumps and sores around the penis, testicles, and anus
- Rashes in the buttocks, thighs, mouth, penis, and anus
- Unusual discharge or bleeding from the penis
- Swollen and painful testicles
Types of Sexually Transmitted Disease
- Chlamydia. It is typical among Americans. It causes pain and discomfort during sex and urination.
- HPV (human papillomavirus). It is a virus that spreads from one person to another through skin-to-skin or sexual contact. The typical symptom of HPV are warts on the genitals, throat, or mouth.
- Syphilis. It is another bacterial infection that often goes unnoticed during the early stages. It can develop on the genitals, mouth, or anus.
- HIV. It damages the immune system and increases your risk of having other viral infections.
- Gonorrhea. It is another typical bacterial infection or STD. It causes a yellowish or green colored discharge from the penis.
- Pubic lice. These are tiny insects that inhabit your pubic hair.
- Trichomoniasis. It is due to a tiny protozoan organism that spreads from person to person through genital contact.
- Herpes. It has two strains and they are both STDs. Herpes sores crust over and heal within a few weeks.
Risk factors of Sexually Transmitted Disease
- Having unprotected sex.
- Having sexual contact with multiple partners
- Having a history of STIs
- Being forced to engage in sexual activity
- Misuse of alcohol or use of recreational drugs
- Injecting drugs. Needle sharing spreads many serious infections
How to Diagnose Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
- Blood tests. It can confirm the diagnosis of HIV or later stages of syphilis.
- Urine samples. Some STIs can be confirmed with a urine sample.
- Fluid samples. If you have open genital sores, your doctor may test fluid and from the sores to diagnose the type of infection.
Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Disease
The treatment depends on the type of infection you have. For bacterial STDs, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. Other treatment for STDs are Antiviral medicine for viral STDs and topical medications for lice and scabies.
