Sexually Transmitted Disease Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact.
This venereal disease is transmitted through sperm, blood, vaginal fluids, or other body fluids.
STD transmission can also occur from pregnant women to the fetus in the womb or after the baby is born.
In addition, the use of needles repeatedly or alternately can also increase the risk of transmission (in some types of STDs).
There are more than 30 types of pathogens that can be transmitted through sexual contact. However, signs of PMS do not always appear on the genitals.
Symptoms can also be found in the mouth, digestive tract, and other parts of the body.
Type
There are many types of sexually transmitted diseases, for example:
1. Chlamydia
One of the most common types of STDs, chlamydia is caused by an infection with the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium.
This type of PMS can cause fertility disorders, as well as problems in pregnancy such as ectopic pregnancy.
2. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea or gonorrhea is also a common form of PMS. This condition is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.
Gonorrhea causes complaints on the genitals, rectum and throat.
3. HIV/AIDS
This disease is an STD caused by infection with the HIV virus. Transmission is through sexual contact or other bodily fluids, especially blood.
HIV/AIDS causes weakness in the body’s immune system, so sufferers become susceptible to disease.
4. Syphilis
Syphilis or lion king is caused by Treponema Pallidum bacterial infection. PMS has the potential to cause serious complications if not properly treated.
This condition can cause sores in the genital area, mouth, or rectum. Contact with syphilis sores that causes transmission.
5. Genital herpes
As the name implies, genital herpes is caused by the herpes virus. Transmission is caused by contact with herpes lesions, saliva of an infected partner, body fluids, genital skin areas in partners with genital herpes.
6. Pubic lice
Pubic lice live in the genital area, especially in the pubic hair area. Close contact during sexual intercourse causes pubic lice from your partner to infect you.
7. HPV infection
HPV is a type of virus that can cause various health problems, such as genital warts and cancer.
Transmission occurs through sexual contact, as well as skin touch during intercourse.
8. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by infection with the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite . Transmission by means of sexual contact.
Trichomoniasis is the most common type of STD and is often asymptomatic.
9. Hepatitis
Hepatitis virus infection that causes inflammation of the liver, which can develop into chronic hepatitis and even liver cancer.
Transmission through sexual contact and bodily fluids, especially blood.
10. Chancroid
Chancroid is an infection caused by the Haemophilus ducreyi. The typical symptom is sores in the genital area that are very painful.
PMS is now less common than before.
11. Limfogranuloma Venereum
Lymphogranuloma Venereum is an STD caused by certain variants of Chlamydia bacteria. This infection is a less common form of STD.
Lymphogranuloma venereum is more common in men, especially those who have sexual contact with men. This condition is very rare in women.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
| Medical specialist | Specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, skin and genitalia, and urology. |
| Symptoms | Abnormal discharge from the genitals, genital sores/warts, painful urination, redness and itching of the genitals, fever, change in genital odor. |
| Risk Factors | Changing sexual partners, unprotected sexual contact. |
| Diagnosis | Medical interview, physical and laboratory examination |
| Treatment | Medication, surgery, nutritional support |
| Drug | Antibiotics, antivirals |
| Complications | Pelvic inflammation, fertility problems, pregnancy problems, cancer |
| When to see a doctor? | There are PMS symptoms and have risk factors. |
Symptoms
Symptoms of PMS depend on the diagnosis of the disease. Some examples of symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases are as follows:
- abnormal discharge from the genitals
- genital sores or warts
- painful urination, frequent urination
- redness and itching of the genitals
- change in sex odor
- abdominal pain
- fever
Reason
After knowing what a sexually transmitted disease is, you must also know what causes it.
There are several types of pathogens that can cause sexually transmitted diseases, including:
- bacterial infections, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum, Haemophilus ducreyi
- viral infections, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Herpes simplex virus, Human papillomavirus, hepatitis B
- fungi, such as Candida albicans
- parasites , such as Phthirus pubis, Sarcoptes scabiei
Risk Factors
There are several factors that increase your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, namely:
- multiple sexual partners
- sexual contact without using a condom
- forced sexual contact
- not getting vaccinated (for HPV and hepatitis)
- history of PMS
- alcohol or drug use (increases risky sexual behavior)
Diagnosis
Determining the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases begins with a medical interview, physical examination, then additional examinations. Here’s an explanation.
- Through interviews, the doctor will look for various symptoms, such as painful urination, fever, and enlarged glands in the groin area.
In addition, the doctor will also ask about the patient’s medical history. The search for risk factors needs to be done, to prevent recurrent infections in sufferers.
- On physical examination, the doctor will look for reddish genitalia with clear signs of inflammation. Examination of the penis or vagina will be carried out thoroughly and thoroughly.
- Often additional tests (laboratory) are also needed to determine the presence of STDs, considering that there are often no typical symptoms.
Samples examined include blood, urine, vaginal swabs, penile swabs, genital wound swabs, etc.
Treatment
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases depends on the type of infection, location, and severity of the disease.
Oftentimes, treatment through drugs taken. In certain cases, such as genital warts or cancer, surgery may be needed.
Meanwhile, drug administration will adjust to the germs that cause STDs, for example:
- Antibiotics are given for cases of bacterial or parasitic infections
- antivirus is given for cases of viral infections
- flea medication for pubic lice
Prevention
There are several ways to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, namely:
- do not have sexual intercourse
- inter-spousal commitment to monogamy
- reduce the number of sexual partners
- use a condom when having sex
- and get vaccinated (for HPV, hepatitis)
Complications
The impact of sexually transmitted diseases that are not handled properly can cause complications, such as:
- pelvic inflammation
- fertility disorders
- pregnancy problems, transmission to the fetus
- cancer (cervical, liver, etc.)
- heart disease
- eye inflammation
- joint inflammation
- anal abscess
When to See a Doctor?
You should get yourself checked if you have PMS symptoms.
Those who are sexually active and have risk factors should get checked out even if they don’t experience any symptoms.