Sexually Transmitted Infection:
It is an infection transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact, and infection occurs when bacteria, viruses, or parasites enter and grow in or on the body. Sexually transmitted diseases do not always cause symptoms or may cause mild symptoms, it is possible to become infected without knowing it, and here comes the importance of getting tested for STDs.
Types of STDs:
Curable diseases: These are sexually transmitted diseases that can be treated and cured, but they can lead to serious complications if they are not detected and treated early before complications develop.
- Chlamydia: This is a common and treatable STD, but if left untreated it can cause infertility.
- Gonorrhea: It is a common disease that can be treated with appropriate medications, but if left untreated it can cause very serious health problems.
- Syphilis: If left untreated, the infected person can have very serious problems, and it is easy to treat with the right treatment.
- Trichomoniasis: Most people with it do not show any symptoms. Infection with it increases the chance of contracting STDs.
- Bacterial vaginosis: This is a common, treatable vaginal condition that may increase the chance of contracting an STD.
Curable diseases: These are sexually transmitted diseases that cannot be completely cured, but they can be controlled and symptoms managed well if they are detected early and treatment begins.
- Viral hepatitis: It is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants.
- Genital herpes: A sexually transmitted disease, often without symptoms, although there is no cure for it, but there are medications that can prevent or reduce spread of the disease.
- HIV/AIDS: People with STDs are at a higher risk of contracting HIV.
- Human papillomavirus: Most infected people do not show symptoms, and it can cause some health problems that can be prevented with vaccines.
Methods of STDs transmission:
- Having vaginal, oral, or anal sex without a condom with someone who has an STD. It can be difficult to know if someone has an STD, as STDs can spread even when there are no signs or symptoms.
- While touching the genitals, it is possible to contract some STDs (such as: syphilis and herpes) without having sex.
- Sexual intercourse between homosexuals.
- From a pregnant or breastfeeding woman to her child.
Symptoms:
STDs do not always cause symptoms or may cause mild symptoms. It is possible to get an infection without knowing it, but in general, symptoms vary according to the type of infection, but they may include:
- Unusual secretions from vagina, penis, or anus.
- Pain when urinating.
- Abnormal skin growth around or below the genitals (anus).
- Rash.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding.
- Itching in the genitals or anus.
- Blisters and sores around the genitals or anus.
- Warts around the genitals or anus.
- Warts in the mouth or throat (very rare).
Complications:
STDs can have severe consequences beyond the direct impact of the infection itself:
- Some STDs (such as herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis) can increase the risk of contracting HIV.
- Transmission of STDs from mother to child can lead to stillbirth, neonatal death, low birth weight, septicemia, conjunctivitis of the newborn, and congenital anomalies.
- HPV infection causes cervical cancer and other types of cancer.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (such as gonorrhea and chlamydia) are among the main causes of pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women.
- Hepatitis B infection can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.
Prevention:
The most reliable way to avoid infection is not to have sex, but some protection methods can be applied to prevent this:
- Proper use of condoms before any sex is effective in reducing the transmission of STDs.
- Vaccines are safe, effective and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is also recommended.
- To be in a long-term relationship (marriage) with a partner who has been tested and does not suffer from any sexually transmitted disease.
- Reducing the number of sexual partners.
- Undergoing medical examinations and early treatment for the injured person and his sexual partner.
- Male circumcision for adults who have not done so.