Commonly Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases can be life threatening in case of complications. Since awareness is first step to the prevention, and prevention is better than cure let us understand about these diseases.

Syphilis

This disease shows three distinct stages. The first stage is visibility of a sore like structure called chancre. The second stage shows a variety of symptoms which include hair loss, paralysis, swelling of lymph nodes in the groin region, body ache, fever, rashes. Sores may even develop on tongue, lips and genital area. These symptoms disappear after a while and the third stage of the disease may take up to 20 years to become visible.

Antibiotics, in IV form, are the usual treatment options for syphilis.

Gonorrhea

This bacterial infection can even occur from having oral sex. If left untreated it can spread to other organs and effects joints, leading to arthritis.

Men may show symptoms such as burning sensation in the urine, anal irritation and frequent need to urinate. But women may or may not show prominent symptoms and feel well otherwise. Some women may experience bleeding in between their periods or suffer from heavy periods.

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, perihepatitis and infertility. Use of condom is highly recommended. Oral sex must be avoided.

Genital Warts

This is the most common type of STD. These are not curable but they can be prevented. Even if you are having genital warts you may not be showing any visible signs. Still, you can infect your partner. Most of the warts take more than a year to appear on the walls of vagina or the anus.

In men, the warts appear on the shaft, foreskin and the anus. In women, the warts appear in groups on the vulva, cervix and inside of the vagina.

Treatment options include antiviral lotions and creams, vaccination and laser treatment. The problem with genital warts is that they tend to reoccur in after complete treatment.

Chlamydia

The infection may go unnoticed for years. But irregular signs of pain in lower abdomen, frequent urge to urinate and burning sensation during urination could suggest chlamydia.

To prevent you and your partner from STDs, always use condoms, especially if you are having more than one sexual partner. Abstain yourself from sexual activity unless infection has been completely cured.