The sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that mostly spread from one to another through sexual contact, usually through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But sometimes they can spread through other intimate physical contact as in herpes and HPV.
According to the WHO, over 1 million STDs are acquired every day worldwide and the majority of which cause no symptoms. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites and affect both men and women, but mostly the health problems they cause are more severe in women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can result in serious health problems for the baby.
STDs aren’t always accompanied with symptoms or with only minimal symptoms. So, it is possible to have an infection and not know it and even pass it to others. Without treatment, they might result in serious health issues. Fortunately, most STDs are easy to treat. STDs caused by bacteria or parasites can be treated by antibiotics. There is no available cure for viral STDs, but medicines can offer symptom relief and lower the risk of its spread.
If you are sexually active, you should have a talk with your health care provider about your risk for catching STDs and if you need to get tested.
What Causes STDs?
STDs include just about every kind of infection. Bacterial STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. STDs caused by viruses and including HIV, genital herpes, HPV, and hepatitis B. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite.
What Are The Top Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection of the genital tract. It may be difficult to detect early because it often causes no symptoms. But the good news it is easy to treat once it’s diagnosed.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common STD that is caused by a bacterial infection. Often doesn’t cause symptoms and sometime cause burning sensation and Whitish-Yellowish discharge, but easily treatable once diagnosed. If left untreated, it may lead to serious health problems.
Ureaplasma & Mycoplasma
Common bacteria, present in the urinary and genital system, especially in women, usually doesn’t cause symptoms, treatable once diagnosed. If left untreated, it may lead to some health problems especially in women trying to get pregnant.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause liver disease and usually spread through sex or sharing personal hygiene items like razors or toothbrushes. It is considered the leading cause of liver cancers worldwide.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a highly contagious STD that infects the mouth and genitals. Most people usually do not know they got infected. While there is no cure, medicines available are used to prevent outbreaks, there’s 2 types, the type 1 which is usually oral one, and the type which is more genital one.
HIV & AIDS
HIV, an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, may interfere with the body’s ability to fight off various infections that cause illness, and it may cause AIDS, a chronic, life-threatening disease.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV infection is one of the most common forms of STDs. HPV usually has no symptoms and goes away by itself. Some forms might put women at great risk of cervical cancer and other forms may cause genital warts.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a common bacterial infection. It can be cured with medicine. However, if left untreated it can cause serious issues.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common STD caused by Trichomonas vaginalis and spreads during sexual intercourse with someone who already has the infection. Most people having trichomoniasis do not experience any symptoms.
If you suspect that you have one of these or other STDs, contact your doctor for testing. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid more-severe, potentially life-threatening health problems and to avoid infecting others.
Prevention of STDs
There are several ways to reduce the risk of catching an STD such as:
- Use condoms correctly and consistently.
- Do tests with the fixed partner before starting sexual life.
- Get vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B.
If you are looking for a urology clinic near you to screen yourself for STDs, visit us at Dr Anis Haddad clinic, one of the best urology clinic in Dubai. Our goal is to provide you with the information, treatment, and care you deserve.
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