Living With Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Introduction:

Sexually transmitted diseases are commonly known as STDs. They are also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs). One can get STDs from any sexual activity that includes oral, anal, or vaginal. Some sexually transmitted diseases are fatal and require treatment.

What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases and What Are the Types?

Sexually transmitted diseases are serious illnesses that require treatment. Many STDs can be cured, but some conditions like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cannot be cured and can be life-threatening without treatment.

Sexually transmitted infections include:

• Syphilis.

• Hepatitis B.

• Gonorrhea.

• Chlamydia.

• Genital warts.

• Trichomonas.

• Genial herpes.

• Human immunodeficiency virus.

Who Is at Risk for Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Anyone sexually active is at risk for STDs. Also, using the same needles, drug use, or any other substance, and unsafe sex. People who are embarrassed about STDs are less likely to get treated. But because of this, people tend to spread more STDs. So being open about the symptoms and sexual health is essential.

What Causes Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases develop when bacteria, viruses, or parasites infect your body. This is shared through sexual activity. The sexually transmitted infections in infected blood can be transmitted through contaminated drug needles and from mother to newborn.

What Are the Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

If you are sexually active, get tested even if you do not have any symptoms of STDs. Sometimes you might pass an STD without even knowing.

The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases are:

• Weight loss.

• Diarrhea.

• Night sweats.

• Chills.

• Aches and pains.

• Painful or frequent urination.

• Bumps, sores, warts near the penis or vagina.

• Discharge from penis.

• Itching, swelling near the penis or vagina.

• Painful sex.

• Vaginal bleeding.

• Skin rash.

How Do I Know if I Have Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

A person may have uncomfortable symptoms, such as genital itching, burning, or discharge. Discuss with your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms. Your healthcare provider may examine you to figure out your infection accordingly.

What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases Testing Like?

The sexually transmitted disease testing depends on the type of STDs one may have. Your provider will discuss your symptoms and the tests you need to do.

The STDs testing includes:

• Blood test.

• Urine test.

• Examination of your genital area.

• Testing fluid samples.

• Testing discharge samples from your body.

How Can I Protect Myself From Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

The only way to fully protect from sexually transmitted diseases is to avoid having sex.

But if you are sexually active, make sure that:

• Having sex with one person and limiting the number of partners. A new partner raises the chances of having STDs.

• By choosing partners carefully.

• Avoid alcohol or drugs before having sex.

• Test yourself for sexually transmitted diseases regularly.

• Sexual health education.

• Learn about the signs and symptoms.

• Using latex condoms.

• Using protection and educating others about the importance of using protection.

If I Have a Sexually Transmitted Disease, How Can I Prevent Spreading It to Others?

Follow these steps on being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease.

One should:

• Talk to your partner about your signs and symptoms.

• You can speak to your healthcare provider if you feel uncomfortable sharing it.

• Using condoms when you are sexually active can prevent STDs.

• Sexually transmitted diseases can be controlled without long-term complications.

• For some conditions, you may need lifelong medication.

• Do not have sex if you are getting STD treatment.

What Are the Treatments for Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Many STDs can be cured. But some, like HIV, require long-term treatment.

• Antibiotics can treat many STDs. These medicines can be either vaccination or oral medication. A single dose of antibiotic can cure many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

• Unstraining from sex is important until one antibiotic treatment.

• Experts suggest that women should retest themself after three months because there are high chances of reinfection.

• Antiviral drug therapy.

• You should ask your doctor about the treatment and the need to be retested.

• Getting retested will help you to make sure that the treatment worked, and it will ensure that you have not been re-infected.

• It is crucial to be honest with your healthcare workers because they may help you to get the proper treatment.

Do Sexually Transmitted Diseases Cause Complications?

Sexually transmitted diseases can cause lifetime complications.

If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS, which can be fatal. Also, if syphilis is not treated, it can progress to damage your nervous system and other organs. It can also infect unborn children.

The complications for women include:

• Problems with pregnancy.

• Infertility.

• Pelvic pain.

• Eye inflammation.

• Pelvic pain.

• Arthritis.

• Heart disease.

• Certain cancers.

How Can I Take Care of Myself if I Have Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

• Firstly one should get tested, and if STDs are detected, one should take the treatment accordingly.

• Using protection while having sex.

Conclusion:

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) present a significant public health concern worldwide. If infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydial infections, and syphilis are undiagnosed, they can have harmful effects during pregnancy and on the newborn. Therefore, one should follow all the precautions and get them treated accordingly.