Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Also called: STDs, Sexually transmitted infections, Venereal disease

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites, yeast, and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STDs, including

Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.

Antibiotics can treat STDs caused by bacteria, yeast, or parasites. There is no cure for STDs caused by a virus, but medicines can often help with the symptoms and keep the disease under control.

Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The following features are indicative of Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
  • sores or bumps on the genitals
  • painful or burning urination
  • discharge from the penis
  • unusual or odd-smelling vaginal discharge
  • unusual vaginal bleeding
  • pain during sex
  • sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin
  • lower abdominal pain
  • fever
  • rash over the trunk, hands or feet
It is possible that Sexually Transmitted Diseases shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The following are the most common causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
  • trichomoniasis
  • human papillomavirus
  • genital herpes
  • HIV
  • gonorrhea
  • syphilis

Risk Factors for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
  • having unprotected sex
  • having sexual contact with multiple partners
  • having a history of sexual transmitted diseases
  • young age
  • alcohol consumption

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • abstain from sex
  • stay in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who isn't infected
  • avoid vaginal and anal intercourse with new partners
  • get Human Papillomavirus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccination early or before sexual exposure
  • use condom or dental dam for each sex act
  • avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Occurrence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Sexually Transmitted Diseases cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Sexually Transmitted Diseases most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 15-60 years

Common Gender

Sexually Transmitted Diseases can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
  • Blood tests: To diagnose the HIV or later stages of syphilis
  • Urine samples: To detect sexually transmitted diseases
  • Fluid samples: Samples from the sores may be done to diagnose the type of infection

Doctor for Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
  • Infectious disease specialist

Complications of Sexually Transmitted Diseases if untreated

Yes, Sexually Transmitted Diseases causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Sexually Transmitted Diseases is left untreated:
  • pelvic pain
  • pregnancy complications
  • eye inflammation
  • arthritis
  • pelvic inflammatory disease
  • infertility
  • heart disease
  • rectal cancers

Procedures for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The following procedures are used to treat Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
  • Cryotherapy: To destroy warts with liquid nitrogen or cryoprobe

Medicines for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Below is the list of medicines used for Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

Self-care for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
  • Reduce number of sex partners: Lowers your risk for sexually transmitted diseases
  • Mutual monogamy: Be sexually active with only one person
  • Use Condoms: Helps in lowering sexual transmitted diseases transmission

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
  • Tangential excision: To remove the warts with a pair of fine scissors or a scalpel

Patient Support for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The following actions may help Sexually Transmitted Diseases patients:
  • Contact your health department: Maintain sexually transmitted diseases programs that provide confidential testing, treatment and partner services
  • Be candid with health care workers: To prevent sexually transmitted diseases from spreading

Is Sexually Transmitted Diseases Infectious?

Yes, Sexually Transmitted Diseases is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • sexual contact
  • blood transfusions
  • shared needles

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 1/20/2022.
This page provides information for Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Chlamydia Infections
Genital Herpes
Genital Warts
Gonorrhea
HIV/AIDS
HPV
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis

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