Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Overview

Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are caused by sexual contact between an infected and a healthy person. STDs result from sexually transmitted infections or STIs which may be primarily caused by parasites, bacteria or viruses. STIs can be spread to a healthy person via shared needles, and blood transfusions. They can be passed down to the newborn at childbirth or during the pregnancy stage itself. Breastfeeding has also been recorded as a medium for STI spreading.

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases are caused by infections or STIs that have been passed down from one person to another via exchange of blood, semen, vaginal discharge or other bodily fluids. Even, vaginal, anal or oral intercourse can lead to the spreading of STDs or STIs. They can also be spread via skin-to-skin contact (STIs like herpes or HPV). There are over 20 types of STDs that affect sexually active people around the world.

Both men and women are at risk of developing STDs. However, women are prone to more complications and compromised health issues for extensive periods. If the STI is passed on to the infant during childbirth or pregnancy, said child is going to face high degrees of health concerns as well.

Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are several types of sexually transmitted diseases recognised worldwide. Here are some of the most commonly occurring types of STDs for your reference:

Chlamydia

An infection caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis leads to chlamydia. It is spread via vaginal, anal or oral sex or may also be passed down to an infant during childbirth. Chlamydia usually does not trigger symptoms but can result in grave complications like infertility if immediate treatment is not opted for. However, it is relatively easy to cure with early treatment.

Crabs

Crabs, also known as pubic lice, usually cling on to pubic hair and sometimes, even the hair present in the moustache, beard, armpits, eyebrows or eyelashes. The person will feel a nagging, itchy sensation in the affected areas.

Genital Herpes

HSV or the herpes simplex virus is a virus that affects the cervix, skin, genitals, and even other body parts. HSV-1, for instance, affects the mouth region and can be spread through saliva. If there is a herpes-associated sore anywhere near the other individual's mouth, the virus can be spread to a healthy person. During oral sex, it can also be spread to the genital area.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B triggers a long-term infection and can even lead to severe complications like liver damage. Upon coming in contact with the virus, it shall remain in one's blood, semen, and bodily fluids. It can be transmitted to a healthy person via sexual contact, use of non-sterile injection equipment, etc.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, also known as trich, causes more intense symptoms in females, than in males. Trichomonas vaginalis causes this infection and affects the female vagina. In men, it can affect the urethra. The virus is often spread through vulva-to-vulva contact or penetrative sex.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is contagious and can have life-threatening risks associated with it if treatment is not immediately pursued. It can be spread via oral, anal or vagina intercourse.

Syphilis

Syphilis is triggered by an infection of the bacterium named Treponema pallidum. This condition can also potentially get serious and have life-threatening complications. As early treatment is highly recommended, one should keep an eye out for a roundish, firm-looking sore at the place of the potential infection. It usually shall be around the anus, genitals, rectum, or the mouth.

HIV

HIV attacks one's immune system and can be spread via sexual contact. People who test HIV positive are more prone to developing infections and contracting STIs. Without treatment, there shall be life-threatening complications such as resulting in the development of AIDS.

Scabies

Scabies is caused by a mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. It triggers the appearance of a pimple-like rash on the body. Symptoms may show up 2 - 6 weeks after exposure to the mite. Scabies is spread via skin-to-skin contact.

Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV)

One of the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections, the HPV infection sometimes does not cause recognisable symptoms. However, the appearance of genital warts may oftentimes be tell-tale signs of the condition. It is also associated with high risks of cervical cancer.

Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases depend on the type of STD one is diagnosed with. The table below lists the symptoms associated with respective STD types:

Type of STD	Symptoms
Chlamydia	Burning sensation during urination, pain in the abdomen, fever, pain in the vagina during sex, lower back pain, fever, vaginal discharge, discharge from the penis, bleeding between periods, testicle swelling/pain, rectal pain, rectal discharge/bleeding.
Crabs	Itching that worsens at night, lice bites appear as small red/blue areas on the skin, lice eggs in the form of white or yellow dots clinging to hair, lice poop as brown or dark red areas in one’s underwear, crusty eyelashes, if affected.
Genital Herpes	Itching and pain around the genitals, blisters and bumps near the genitals, mouth or anus, painful ulcers that may ooze or bleed, scabs formation, pain during urination, discharge from urethra and vagina.
Hepatitis B	Pain in abdomen, dark urine colour, pain in joint, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and nausea, weakness, fatigue, jaundice
Trichomoniasis	Strong, fishy vaginal odour, vaginal itching and burning sensation, soreness, greenish, yellowish, clear or white vaginal discharge, discharge from the penis, itching of the penis, painful intercourse and urination, pain in the abdomen
Gonorrhoea	Pain or burning feeling during urination, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding in between periods, thick, often bloody discharge from the vagina/penis, swollen testicles, painful bowel movements, pain in the pelvis and stomach area, anal itching, rectal discharge or bleeding
Syphilis	Muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, loss of hair, unintentional weight loss, sore throat, rashes (rough, discoloured areas on the body, like palms and soles), fever, fatigue, discomfort, headaches
HIV	Muscle ache, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, fever and chills, headache, rashes, fatigue, sweating at night, mouth ulcers, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, weight loss, lots of sweating at night, development of infections like pneumonia, sores in the mouth, anus or genitals, loss of memory, depression
Scabies	Intense itching, especially at night (pruritus), appearance of rash
HPV	Small bumps or clusters of bumps in the genital area, warts, itching and discomfort in the genital area, bleeding during intercourse

Causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases result from sexually transmitted infections, which can be caused by agents like parasites, bacteria or viruses. For example, syphilis, gonorrhoea as well as chlamydia are caused by bacteria. Parasites may cause trichomoniasis. Finally, viruses are responsible for causing STDs like the human papillomavirus (HPV), genital herpes, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which leads to AIDS, one of the serious complications of sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Diagnosis and Tests

Before the diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease, the concerned person’s sexual history and present symptoms are analysed. The healthcare professional may also conduct a physical exam or a pelvic exam to nail down the signs of an infection.

Certain lab tests including blood tests, fluid samples and urine sample tests help detect the exact cause of an STD. When one does not show signs of STD but gets tested for it, the procedure is called screening. STI screening is recommended to everyone between the ages of 15 to 65 years, at least once in their life to stay on the safe side.

Besides that, women aged 21 and older, pregnant women, sexually active women who are under 25 years of age, men who have intercourse with other men, people who have HIV, and individuals with new partners should also opt for STD screening to promote a safe sexual experience.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Management and Treatment

Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases may differ based on their cause. For example, STDs caused by bacteria may heal quicker while ones caused by viruses are much more difficult to cure or eliminate.

The healthcare professional prescribes antibiotics (when the STD is caused by bacteria or parasites; including chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea) or antiviral drugs (when the STD is caused by a viral infection; including HIV and herpes).

If one has an STD, it is their responsibility to notify their current or past partners (within 3 months - 1 year) of their situation. Respective partners should also get tested for the infection and opt for treatment immediately if detected.

Preventive Measures for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are certain preventive measures one can undertake to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. For example, using a fresh latex or polyurethane condom while having sex is a safe practice to inculcate. There are also vaccines available for HPV, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Screening for STDs before indulging in intercourse with a new partner is recommended as a safety measure. Male circumcision has also been recognised as a preventive measure against potential STDs.

Myths and Facts Related to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Here are some myths related to sexually transmitted diseases and the alternative facts of the matters:

Myth 1: One Can Only Get a Sexually Transmitted Disease if They Have Multiple Sexual Partners
Fact: One can get a sexually transmitted disease even if they have intercourse with one person, at one time. It is best to use appropriate protection and get tested for STDs either way.

Myth 2: A Person Can Get a STD Only Once
Fact: If someone has already had an STD and has been cured of it, they can still get it again upon contact with a person who has the infection. They are not immune to developing the STD.

Myth 3: Only Adults Get Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Fact: Not only are adults susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases, but so are teens and young adults (if not more). Young women's bodies are naturally vulnerable to STDs. Besides, limited sex education and less healthcare advice put teens more at risk of contracting the conditions.