All sexually active people must know the signs and symptoms of STDs and how to treat them, as they are at risk of contracting these diseases. In this post, we’ll look at the details of STDs, including what they are, how to recognise them, and how to treat them. Understanding STDs is crucial to having a healthy sex life and preventing the spread of these diseases.
Let’s get started.
An overview of sexually transmitted diseases
Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an umbrella term that refers to any infection or illness caused by sexual contact with another person. This can include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The most common types of STDs include gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, genital herpes, HPV (human papillomavirus), and hepatitis B and C.
It’s important to remember that STDs can be highly contagious, most can be prevented with proper protection during sexual activities.
Types of STDs
There are numerous types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), each with its symptoms, causes, and treatments. Here are ten common types of STDs:
Chlamydia:
This bacterial infection can affect both men and women. It is spread through unprotected sex and can cause discharge, burning during urination, and abdominal pain.
Gonorrhoea:
This is another bacterial infection that affects both men and women. It is spread through unprotected sex and can cause similar symptoms to chlamydia, including discharge and burning during urination.
Syphilis:
This is a bacterial infection that causes sores, rashes, and fever. It is spread through unprotected sex and leads to serious health problems if left untreated.
HIV:
This is a viral infection that attacks the immune system. It is spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth.
Herpes:
This is a viral infection that causes sores and blisters. It is spread through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
HPV:
This viral infection can cause genital warts and increase the risk of cancer. It is spread through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
Hepatitis B:
This viral infection can cause liver damage and even liver cancer. It is spread via contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, including sexual contact.
Hepatitis C:
This viral infection can also cause liver damage and liver cancer. It is spread when in contact with infected blood, such as sharing needles.
Trichomoniasis:
This is a parasitic infection that can cause discharge and itching. It is spread through unprotected sex and can be treated with medication.
Bacterial vaginosis:
This bacterial infection can cause discharge and a fishy odour.
STD symptoms
Here are six common symptoms of STDs:
Unusual discharge:
Many STDs can cause abnormal discharge from the genitals. This may be thick, cloudy, yellow, green, or bloody.
Painful urination:
STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and herpes can cause pain or burning during urination. This may be accompanied by a frequent urge to urinate.
Sores or blisters:
Some STDs, such as herpes, syphilis, and chancroid, can cause sores or blisters on or around the anus, genitals, or mouth.
Rash:
Certain STDs, such as syphilis and HIV, can cause a rash on the skin. This may be red, blotchy, or bumpy, and it may be accompanied by fever, headache, or other symptoms.
Pelvic pain:
STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.
Flu-like symptoms:
Some people with STDs may experience flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, fatigue as well as muscle aches.
STD treatments
Antibiotics:
Many bacterial STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are medications that kill or stop the growth of bacteria.
Antiviral medication:
Some viral STDs, such as herpes, HIV, and Hepatitis B & C, are not curable, however, they can be treated with antiviral medication.
Conclusion
STDs are serious diseases caused by bacteria or viruses that can spread through unprotected sex or contact with infected body fluids. While some STDs can be cured completely with antibiotics, others may have no cure and require ongoing management. To avoid getting an STD, it’s important to have safe sex and to be tested regularly.
FAQs
Q1. What causes STDs in women?
A. For women, STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites typically spread through sexual contact.
Q2. Can STDs be cured?
A. In some cases, STDs can be cured with antibiotics or other medications. However, many STDs have no cure and may require long-term treatment for management.
Q3. How long does it take for an STD to be treated?
A. The length of time it takes for an STD to disappear depends on the type and seriousness of the infection. Certain STDs can be treated with only one course of antibiotics, while others may require more extensive treatment.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.