13/07/2022
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
S*xually transmitted infections (STIs) are major health problems worldwide, and despite identification of the causative agents and understanding of the mechanism of transmission, many have continued to grow in prevalence. Untreated, STIs may complicate pregnancy and fertility, lead to stillbirth, or result in chronic disease or death.
STDs are very common.
In addition to HIV, there are dozens of other types of s*xually transmitted diseases. Often there are no symptoms, at least not at first. Left untreated, STDs can cause serious health issues.
STD symptoms
If an STD starts with a symptomatic STI, you might first experience:
-pain or discomfort during s*xual activity or urination
-sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the va**na, p***s, testicles, a**s, buttocks, thighs, or mouth
-unusual discharge or bleeding from the p***s or va**na
-painful or swollen testicles
-itchiness in or around the va**na
-unexpected periods or bleeding after s*xual activity
But remember that not all STIs have symptoms.
If an STI progresses to an STD, symptoms can vary. Some of them may be similar to the above, such as pain during s*xual activity, pain during urination, and irregular or painful periods.
But other symptoms can be quite different and depend on the STD. They can include:
-fever
-recurring pain
-fatigue
-memory loss
-changes to vision or hearing
-nausea
-Weight loss
-Lumps or swellings
Underlying STD causes
All STDs are caused by an STI.
These infections are usually transmitted through s*xual contact, including through bodily fluids or skin contact via va**nal, oral, and a**l s*x.
Some of them never become a disease, especially if they’re treated, and they can even go away on their own.
But if the pathogens that caused the infection end up damaging cells in the body and disrupting its functions, an STI will progress to an STD.
STDs AND PREGNANCY
Some STIs can be transmitted to a fetus during pregnancy or a newborn during childbirth. But this isn’t the case for all STDs.
-Syphilis can be passed to an unborn baby, resulting in a serious infection, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
-Ge***al warts can also pass to a baby, but it’s extremely rare.
-PID can affect future pregnancies, making an ectopic pregnancy more likely and causing infertility in 1 in 10 people.
Here’s what else to consider if you’re pregnant:
-Get screened for STIs, including HIV and syphilis, to avoid complications by ensuring any infection can be detected and treated.
-Speak with a healthcare professional if you have an STD. They may need to check that a medication is safe for you to use or delay treatment where necessary.
-Note that a cesarean delivery may be needed —particularly if ge***al warts make it difficult for the va**na to stretch.
STD DIAGNOSIS
It’s hard for healthcare professionals to diagnose an STD based on symptoms alone, so they’ll need to do some tests and examinations.
Depending on the suspected STD, this may involve:
-physical examinations
-swabs of bodily fluids
-blood tests
-specialist procedures, such as keyhole surgery or a colposcopy
TiPS FOR STD PREVENTION
The best way to avoid an STD is to prevent STIs. And the only foolproof way to do that is to avoid s*xual contact.
But there are ways to make s*x safer and reduce the risk of contracting an STI:
-Have an open discussion about s*xual history with a new partner before engaging in any s*xual activity, and decide what you’re each comfortable with.
-Get tested regularly for STIs, especially if you have a new partner or multiple partners. Ask any partners to do the same.
-Use a condom properly during va**nal, a**l, and oral s*x to help prevent STIs that spread through fluids. Dental dams can also provide protection during oral s*x.
-Consider getting vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis B.
-If you’re at a higher risk for contracting HIV, think about taking PrEP medication every day.
