Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Risks and Prevention
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or otherwise known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are generally acquired by sexual contact. The micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses or parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person through blood, semen, vaginal and other bodily fluids.
Majority of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) can be caused by:
- Bacteria: this includes gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and syphilis
- Parasites: this includes Trichomonas Vaginalis, scabies mites, and crab lice.
- Viruses: this includes HIV/AIDS, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital herpes and hepatitis B.
RISK FACTORS
Any sexually active individual risks some degree of exposure to a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Some of these factors are:
- Unprotected sex
- Sexual contact with multiple partners
- History of STDs.
- Age
- Transmission from mother to infant
SYMPTOMS
- Sores, ulcers, bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
- Difficult and painful urination
- A foul-smelling discharge from genital part/s.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Painful intercourse
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Fever
DIAGNOSIS
- Serological tests like Enzyme Immunoassay(EIA)
- HIV test
- Pharyngeal, urethral and rectal swabs in males
- FVU and rectal swab for Chlamydia
- Serological tests for hepatitis A and B
- Urethral and cervical swab in females
Sexual Health: Physical, Mental and Social well-being
COMPLICATIONS
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Infertility
- Complications during pregnancy
- Eye inflammation
- Arthritis
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Malignancy: infection from organisms like HPV can lead to oral, cervical, vulvar, penile and rectal cancer
PREVENTION
The following measures can be taken to avoid or reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Avoid sex with multiple partners
- Getting yourself and your partner tested for STIs
- Vaccination: for HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B
- Having protected sexual intercourse
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