Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Causes and Symptoms
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
STDs is an abbreviation for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The same diseases can be considered as Sexually Transmitted Infections which are abbreviated as STIs. STDs or STIs are diseases or infections transmitted through sexual contact, developed by shared bacteria, viruses, or parasites. A disease or an infection related to the sexual transmission could be born then and there itself during sex between two uninfected persons who are subjected to earlier sex with other persons. In another way, the infected person may share a virus or parasite with an uninfected person during a sexual course. It is more of an uncertain infection, most of the STDs require a medical diagnosis.
Various STDs
Depending on the type of virus, bacteria, or parasite, depending on the way of transmission, there are dozens of sexually transmitted diseases or infections identified in the course of health sciences. Some of them are completely curable and a few of them are deathly dangerous that cannot be cured.
1) Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
An infection that causes warts in various parts of the body, depending on the strain which is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Causes
To experience unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex could lead to Human Papillomavirus.
This virus can be transmitted to the baby from the mother by pregnancy, labor, or nursing. HPV requires a medical diagnosis. Most people with HPV do not develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact. The most common symptom is warts on the genitals or surrounding skin.
2) Genital Herpes
A common sexually transmitted infection is marked by genital pain and sores.
Causes
To indulge in Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Transmit from mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.
Symptoms
Usually self predictable. Pain, itching, and small sores are the first showers that result in ulcers and scabs. After initial infection, genital herpes lies inactive in the body. Symptoms may happen again after years.
3) Chlamydia
A common, sexually transmitted infection that may not cause symptoms.
Chlamydia affects people of all ages but is most common in young women.
Causes
Not using a condom during sex results in unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse.
Oral sex.
mother can transmit to a baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.
Symptoms
Requires a medical diagnosis
Many who have chlamydia do not develop symptoms, but they can still infect others through sexual contact. Symptoms may include genital pain and discharge from the vagina or penis.
4) Gonorrhea
Also called the clap is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that, if untreated, may lead to infertility.
Causes
Condom less sexual intercourse results in unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Transmission from mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing is possible.
Symptoms
A medical diagnosis is required to confirm the infection. Regular screening could help detect chances of infection being present despite showing no symptoms.
Symptoms like painful urination and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina occur. Men may feel testicular pain, women experience abdominal pain. Gonorrhea shows no symptoms in some cases.
5) HIV/AIDS
Also called as Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome(AIDS) is considered a familiar repulsive monster in mankind born on its own.
HIV causes AIDS and gets involved with the body's ability to fight infections.
No cure exists for AIDS, but strict sticking to antiretroviral regimens (ARVs) could gradually slow the disease's progress, also prevent secondary infections and complications
Causes
The virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.
blood products (unclean needles or unscreened blood).
Intercourse unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Transmission from mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.
Symptoms
Medical diagnosis
Once HIV infection is induced, flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue could occur. HIV is usually asymptomatic until it develops into AIDS. AIDS symptoms include weight loss, fever or night sweats, fatigue, and recurrent infections.
6) Syphilis
A bacterial infection spread by sexual contact begins as a painless sore. It progresses in stages and symptoms change with each stage. Syphilis is treated with penicillin. Sexual partners should also be treated.
Causes
unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.
blood products (unclean needles or unscreened blood).
mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.
Symptoms
Requires a medical diagnosis.
The first stage involves a painless sore on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
The second stage is characterized by a reddened skin zone. The symptoms disappear until the final stage may occur years later. This final stage may result in damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, or heart.
There are other STDs like Trichomoniasis, Scabies, Chancroid, Public lice, Molluscum Contagiosum, Lymphogranuloma Venereum which resemble the above-briefed infections with little differences in causes, symptoms, and treatments. Any sexually transmitted disease is supposed to be contagious over close contact. A person is better suggested to stick to one person in sexual intercourse or limited to fewer sex partners. The condom-like substance is highly advisable to use if the partners increase in life.
