Sexually Transmitted Diseases

STD is an abbreviated form of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Venereal infections sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infectious disorders spread by sexual contact. It is also known as reproductive tract infection (RTI). AIDS, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, genital herpes and warts, Chlamydiosis, and Hepatitis-B are a few examples of well-known STDs. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites of various strains all contribute to STDs. The majority of these disorders develop without any symptoms, increasing the risk factors, particularly in women. 

Infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), abortions, ectopic pregnancies, and, in severe cases, cancer of the reproductive system are also risk factors. STDs can cause unusual discharges from the genitals, genital ulcers, tumours, itching, and other symptoms.

Apart from sexual transmission, sexually transmitted diseases are also transferred to other persons in various ways. These are- breastfeeding, sharing of infected needles, etc. There are many diseases under the class of STD, and these can be cured by maintaining proper sexual health and hygiene. 

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List of all STDs and Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, there are various diseases categorized under STDs. Sexually transmitted disease list is as follows:

1. AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome)

The most common and chronic sexually transmitted disease is AIDS. It is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Generally, the immune system is destroyed by HIV, and the body becomes weak. When a person is infected by AIDS, he is susceptible to various other diseases. Direct sexual contact is the most probable way of transmission of HIV. 

The initial symptoms of HIV are headache, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, fever and chills, and nausea. No cure for AIDS has been found so far, but effective treatment can increase the lifetime of the patient for a few years. AIDS can be prevented by ensuring protective sexual intercourse.

2. Gonorrhoea

The bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is the agent of this STD. In this disease, both males and females can be affected. The urogenital pathway, including the rectum, urethra, and cervix (in females only), are mostly affected. Gonorrhoea, like other STDs, is majorly transmitted through direct sexual contact. Oral and anal sex are also the ways through which gonorrhoea is transmitted.

The symptoms of gonorrhoea are- discharge of pus from the penis, burning sensation during urination (in males), and similarly discharge of pus from the vagina, pelvic or abdominal pain (in females). Gonorrhoea can be prevented by protected sexual intercourse.

3. Syphilis

The bacteria, Treponema pallidum, is the causative agent of this STD. The bacteria find their path in the body through various wounds. Syphilis can also be transmitted from infected pregnant mothers to their children. The early symptoms include a sore that is termed as ‘Chancre’. The other symptoms include headache, loss of weight, fatigue, rashes, fever, etc. In the later stages, it may lead to a complete stop of mental growth, loss of vision, heart disease, etc. Syphilis can be prevented by avoiding unprotected sexual contact and other steps as taken for any STD.

4. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

As the name suggests, it is a viral disease. The most common symptoms include warts on the buccal cavity, throat, and external genitals. If left untreated, HPV may lead to other chronic diseases like cervical cancer, oral cancer, rectal cancer, etc. No treatment has been found for HPV so far.

5. Chlamydia

It is caused by a bacterium named Chlamydia trachomatis. Very few symptoms are associated with this disease in the early stages. But symptoms at later stages include pain during discharge of urine, yellow discharge from penis or vagina, etc. If left untreated, these may lead to infertility and diseases causing inflammation of the pelvic girdle. It may also spread from the pregnant mother to the newborn baby, causing blindness, pneumonia, and several other complications.

6. Herpes

The full name of the virus is the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two strains of HSV. These are HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is the major agent of oral herpes. And HSV-2 generally causes genital herpes. The most common symptoms are sores in the places surrounding the genitals. Congenital herpes spreads from the pregnant lady to their child. Safe sexual intercourse can prevent the disease.

A Few Other STDs

There are various other types of sexually transmitted diseases. These are Trichomoniasis, Pubic lice, Granuloma inguinale, Chancroid, Scabies, and Molluscum contagiosum.

We can further also classify STDs as curable STDs and non-curable STDs. Curable STDs are gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Syphilis, Pubic lice. Whereas non-curable STDs are Herpes, AIDS, HPV.

How to Prevent STDs?

The best possible way to prevent STDs is by avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse. Proper use of protective measures like condoms or the diaphragm may reduce the risk of contamination. Screening for STDs is also another effective way. One may consult the physician at the initial level of the appearance of the symptoms to prevent chronic infection by the disease.

STD Symptoms in Males

It is possible to catch an STD without experiencing any symptoms. However, certain STDs produce visible symptoms. Common symptoms in males include:

• Discomfort or pain during sex or urination.

• Blisters, pimples, or rashes on or around the penis, testicles, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth abnormal discharge or bleeding from the penis painful or enlarged testicles.

• Depending on the STD, specific symptoms may differ.

STD Symptoms in Women

STDs do not always create visible symptoms. When they happen, women's frequent STD symptoms include:

• Discomfort or pain during sex or urination.

• Blisters, pimples, or rashes on or around the vagina, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding itching in or around the vagina.

• The precise symptoms of one STD may differ from another. 

Physical contaminations and illnesses (STIs and STDs) are communicated through vaginal, butt-centric, or oral sexual contact. Indications of an STD for those with a vagina also include:

• Vaginal tingling

• Rashes

• Surprising release

Numerous STIs show no indications by any means. If left untreated, they can prompt an expanded danger of cervical disease. These dangers make it much more critical to rehearse more secure sex.

Around the world, there are roughly 376 million new transmissions of syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis. Since many individuals with vaginas don't show indications of some STIs, they may not realise they need treatment. It's assessed that every 1 out of 6 Americans has genital herpes, however, most are unaware that they have it.

Prevention Techniques

Despite advances in technology, STDs continue to pose a significant threat to the nation. We see a lot of commercials on TV for programmes that promote healthy sexual behaviours and raise awareness about sexually transmitted illnesses (STDs). All the government’s and non-governmental organisations' efforts are directed at building a reproductively healthy society.

To limit future waves, general knowledge of STDs is required. One of the actions taken by the government to raise awareness among teenagers regarding safe sexual behaviours is the implementation of sex education. Aside from raising awareness and educating people, it is also critical to provide adequate medical care for people suffering from STDs.

Obtaining a vaccination. Getting vaccinated early, before sexual exposure, can also help against some forms of STIs. Human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines are available.

Remember that non-barrier contraception, such as birth control tablets or intrauterine devices (IUDs), do not protect against STIs.