Sexually Transmitted Diseases & Infections- An Overview

By Dr. Bhavana Sheth & Sumitra Puri

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are the ones you get from having vaginal or oral sex with someone who has the infection. The causes of STDs are transmissions of harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses from one person to another. There are more than 25 types of STDs.

STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases its more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby. STDs/STIs are also responsible for infertility in women at large.

Causes: 

-By having sex with infected person.

-Some STDs can also be transmitted via the use of IV drug needles after its use by an infected person. -And through childbirth or breastfeeding.

-By using unhygienic public toilets.

-In some cases, by using unhygienic personal garments, towels or sheets.

  

Sexually transmitted infections have been well known for hundreds of years. STDs may be bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic.

Some of the common STDs are:

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Chlamydia

Warts
Gonorrhea
Hepatitis, Viral
Herpes, Genital
HIV/AIDS & STDs
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis

Symptoms:

Symptoms may vary but most common signs are:

-Soreness at genitals

-Unusual lumps or sores

-itching

-pain while urinating

-unusual discharge from genitals

-unusual foul smell 
-pain while intercourse 

 

Prevention: 

Many of the STDs are incurable and can be fatal. It is therefore very important to be aware of the mode of transmission and prevention. The most effective way to prevent sexual transmission of STDs is to avoid contact of body parts or fluids which can lead to transfer with an infected partner.

Although a condom is effective in limiting exposure, some disease transmission may occur even with a condom. Condoms only provide protection when used properly as a barrier and only to and from the area that it covers. Uncovered areas are still susceptible to many STDs.

As far as the treatment is concerned; it can be done only by a certified physician and no one else. Please do not self medicate with over the counter medicines, it could be extremely dangerous.

-Sticking with one partner reduces the chances of contracting a STD. 

-Do not share needles or sexual toys; they act as vectors on transmission.

-Be very careful in your choice of sexual partner and it would be a good idea to have yourself and your partner tested before you start a sexual relation.

Finally it is important to be aware that many sexually transmitted diseases are either incurable or very difficult to cure; so it is better to prevent them in the first place. 

Photo Source: Google Images, Thanks to makers of these photos, well informative.

You get only one life be very careful how you treat it!