Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by the transfer of infectious organisms during sexual contact. STDs are caused by harmful bacteria, parasites, yeast and viruses.

Occasionally, STDs are caused by the use of unsterilized drug needles during childbirth or during breast-feeding, and transmission from mother to infant during blood transfusions.

Types of STDs

Some specific types of STDs are:

STDs Related to Bacteria

• Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis)
• Gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)
• Syphilis (Treponema pallidum)
• Chancroid (Haemophilus ducreyi)

Virus-related STDs

• Crabs, also known as pubic lice
• Hepatitis B and D, and more often, A*, C*, E* (hepatitis virus, types A-E)
• Genital herpes (herpes simplex virus)
• Genital warts (human papillomavirus virus [HPV])
• HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV virus])
• Molluscum contagiosum* (poxvirus)

STDs Related to Protozoa

• Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis)

STDs Related to Parasites

• Pubic lice or crabs (Pediculosis pubis)

Fungus-Related STDs

• Yeast Infection (Candida Albicans)

The genital areas are usually moist and warm and are an ideal environment for the growth of yeasts, viruses and bacteria etc.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

• Painful sores on the genitals
• Rash, Fever, Headache and cough, Joint pain
• Recurrent outbreaks of blister-like sores on the genitals
• Tiredness, night sweats, chills
• Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes
• Weight loss
• Diarrhoea
• Strong vaginal odour
• Vaginal itching or burning and painful urination
• Serious complications of AIDS include uncommon infections or cancers, weight loss, intellectual decline (dementia) and death.

During transmission, the likelihood of disease transfer depends on the donor and the carrier carrying the infection. For example, in the case of shingles, HSV 2 transmission is likely:

Herpes male to non-herpes female = 10%

Herpes female to non-herpes male = 4%.

Some STDs, such as genital herpes and HIV, that causes AIDS cannot be cured, but can only be controlled with medication.

For the treatment of STDs, Antibiotics are preferred in case of bacterial infections.

For the virus, antiviral drugs or anti-retroviral therapy are given.

Diagnosis methods of STDs

• Blood tests: Blood tests help confirm the diagnosis of HIV and AIDS or sometimes a later stage of syphilis.

• Urine samples: Sometimes, an STD can be confirmed from a urine sample.

• Fluid samples: In the case of active genital sores, fluids and samples are collected from the wounds to diagnose the type of infection. In some cases, laboratory tests of samples of genital sores or discharge are used to diagnose certain STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
• Pregnant women are screened to protect the baby from infection

Treatment and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Antibiotics can cure many sexually transmitted infections and parasites, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. However, there is always the possibility that the infection may recur.

• Antibiotics reduce the risk of infection, but it is possible that the infection may recur. Antiretroviral drugs can keep HIV infection under control for many years, but the virus continues to spread and spread, although the risk is minimal.
• The earlier treatment is provided, the more effestctive it is.

• Health experts refer to safer sex, such as using a condom during sex, to reduce the risk of STDs. But safer sex methods may not always provide complete protection against STIs.

• Avoid transfusions and exposure to body fluids such as blood transfusions and other blood products, needle sharing, tattoo sharing, etc.

• Abstinence is abstinence or abstinence from any sexual contact with an infected person and is the most effective way to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
• Marriage to an HIV-negative partner: Long-term, monogamous relationships reduce the risk of getting an STI.

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