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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) – Know The Facts

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are infections that are contracted through sexual contact. However, there are other ways in which a person can get infected. Research has it that worldwide; more than one million infections are contracted on a daily basis. Women are also more susceptible to contracting STDs, as compared to men. Currently, there are over 30 parasites, viruses, and bacteria. The common types include; gonorrhoea, syphilis, Chlamydia HIV/AIDS, genital herpes, bacterial vaginosis, viral hepatitis, HPV, and trichomoniasis.

 How one can contract STDs?

Through sexual contact; As opposed to the commonly understood notion of vaginal intercourse, it goes beyond this. It also includes sharing of sex toys, touching of each other’s genitals, kissing, oral and anal sex. Parasitic and viral STDs are transmitted through body fluids and contact with the skin. Bacterial STDs are also transmitted through the fluids or when one comes into contact with an open sore secreting the bacteria through pus, blood fluids and mucous. Contact with mucous membranes increases the risk of transmission. This is because they are porous. Non-sexual contact; It includes sharing of sharp objects like blades and needles, for instance, you can contract HIV and hepatitis, sharing food and bleeding, childbirth as in the cases of herpes, Chlamydia and syphilis, breastfeeding and not forgetting surgical procedures.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The time taken for the symptoms to appear mostly depends on the type of STD. In women HIV signs and symptoms can take up to 10 years or more to be detected. They could also vary depending on the type of infection. The signs and symptoms are more difficult to detect in women. Some like Chlamydia are asymptomatic. One can hardly detect them as there are no visible symptoms during the early stages.

• Painful urination and vaginal discharge are some of the symptoms of Chlamydia.
• Discharge from the penis or vagina
• Sores, abdominal pain and painful bowel movements
• Fatigue

How STDs affect a person?

It is one of the causes of infertility. For women who are expecting a baby, an STD can cause complications during pregnancy. This can lead to miscarriage or affect the development of the child. The signs can go unnoticed until the last stages of the pregnancy. STDs cause discomfort and can affect the general health of your body. One is not able to work like before and can become unproductive in the society. A lot of money is also spent on treatment. The infected person’s family, relatives, and friends can also be emotionally affected by their patient’s situation.

Precautions and prevention measures against contracting STDs

• Use of condoms in a proper and consistent manner can act as a barrier method against contracting STDs. They should be used whenever one engages in oral, vaginal or anal sex especially if it is not with your trusted partner.
• Abstaining from sexual intercourse is also a sure way to prevent one from contracting them.
• Committing to one sexual partner can also reduce the chances of new infections.
• Sex education is also a great way to prevent new infections. Sex workers, adolescents and those who engage in drug and substance abuse including injection of drugs should be a key target.
• Keeping sheets clean and thorough vacuuming can be used to remove parasites that could cause infections.
• General body hygiene should also be observed.
• Toilets should be kept clean and washed well to reduce infections.

Are there any treatments available for STDs?

One can take immune system modulators and antiviral medications to slow down damage to the liver and fight the virus in Hepatitis B. Gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis and Chlamydia are curable. It includes single-doses of antibiotics. Herpes and HIV have no cure. Antiviral is taken to combat the infection. Other treatments for STDs involve the application of creams, using the pessary or oral treatments to treat yeast infections. Since most doctors will not routinely screen their patients for STDs, it is advised to have regular checkups. Heeding to the preventive measures could also reduce the chances of new infections. STDs are serious illnesses and in case one notices unusual signs and symptoms, they should consult a doctor immediately.

Tags: Precautions for STD, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, STD