STDs are diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse. They have an infectious origin, so a latent or incubation period is implied.
In this article, we will consider STDs, the incubation period, the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.
Basic concepts
The latent or latent phase is a period of time that begins from the moment of infection (or the pathogen enters the body) and ends with the first clinical signs.
Infections transmitted through sexual contact include:
- Trichomoniasis.
- Gonorrhea.
- Mycoplasmosis.
- Chlamydia.
- Ureaplasmosis.
- Syphilis.
- Genital herpes.
This list is usually not limited. There are many such diseases.
Why is there an incubation period for STDs? The reason for its occurrence is the need for adaptation of the pathogen in a new human body. This period is characterized by:
- Adapting to an aggressive environment inside a person (acid-base, biochemical characteristics of a person).
- Formation of a person's allergic reaction to the actions of an aggressive agent.
- Reproduction of pathogens in the body.
- Change in the excitability (most often reflex) of the nervous system.
- Violation of human immunological resistance.
With different types of diseases, the latent period is not the same in duration. In addition, this is directly affected by human immunity, as well as the number of infectious agents that have entered the body. For example, signs of gonorrhea will appear in a maximum of a year, symptoms of hepatitis C or HIV infection - in a maximum of six months.
Mandatory presence of gender differences in the incubation phases. For example, the effect of a woman's hormonal background can increase or decrease the duration of this period.
It is important to note that taking a blood test to determine the presence of an infection in the latent phase is most often meaningless. It won't show anything yet. But a qualified consultation with a venereologist can help.
No changes in the body occur during this phase. Also, the patient is not dangerous to other people, since he still has a small amount of infectious agents. But if there is anamnestic data indicating the presence of an infection, then it can be diagnosed even in the incubation period.
This happens with unprotected intercourse or identified pathology inpartner. With the help of highly sensitive diagnostic methods, the disease is determined (PCR method for detecting STDs).
STD incubation period
There can be a big difference in the incubation period for different diseases. This is influenced by the type of pathogens.
The incubation period has time limits. It depends on what disease the person has:
- With urogenital herpes, the latent period is from 1 to 21 days. On average - 10 days.
- For gonorrhea - from 6 days in women (and 2 days in men) to 3 weeks. The average is also 10 days.
- With mycoplasmosis, it is 3-5 weeks.
- With syphilis - from 8 to 200 days, and an average of 21-28 days.
- With trichomoniasis - from 7 to 28 days. Rarely - from a day to a month. On average, the causative agent of trichomoniasis will manifest itself in 10 days.
- When ureaplasmosis is 3-30 days, the average is 21 days.
- With chlamydia - from 1 week to 3 months, and on average - 12 days.
- With venereal lymphogranulomatosis - from 3 days to 12 weeks, on average about 20 days.
A consultation with a venereologist will be required for timely detection of the disease and its treatment.
Influence of additional factors
The latent period of the disease may be influenced by other factors. Its duration may depend on:
- Age. In older people, the incubation period is reduced due to a decrease in resistance toinfectious agents.
- Paul. The hormonal background of a woman greatly affects the duration of the latent phase. It may decrease or, conversely, increase.
- The amount of the pathogen that entered the body. A negative effect on the body will begin faster if there is a lot of infectious agent.
- Presence of other acute and chronic diseases. This significantly reduces the immune defense of the body, so the latent period is shortened. Completely destroys the immune system HIV infection.
- Taking medication. Taking antibiotics, for example, can have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms, so the latency period for sexual infections is noticeably lengthened.
Symptoms of some STDs
After the incubation period, the first symptoms of diseases appear. Let's consider some of them. For example, on what grounds gonorrhea is determined. Symptoms, treatment following diagnosis are certainly interrelated.
Men have a characteristic appearance:
- yellowish white discharge from the urethra;
- pain when urinating.
Women have a characteristic appearance:
- yellowish white vaginal discharge;
- pain when urinating;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intermenstrual bleeding.
If these signs occur, you should immediately visit a doctor.
How is venereal lymphogranulomatosis manifested? Small blisters appear on the genitals, which after a while turn into sores. They gradually heal. But laterlymph nodes become inflamed for a certain period.
Trichomoniasis (trichomoniasis) is a sexual infection that leads to inflammation of the organs of the genitourinary system. The causative agent of trichomoniasis is vaginal (vaginal) Trichomonas, which is transmitted through sexual contact.
Men:
- sometimes scanty whitish discharge from the urethra;
- pain and burning when urinating;
- blood in urine;
Women:
- vaginal discharge, profuse, frothy, yellow;
- symptoms of colpitis: itching, burning, redness of the genitals and perineum;
- pain during sex;
- discomfort in the abdomen.
Depending on the state of the body, this disease proceeds. In the most severe cases, the causative agent of trichomoniasis affects the internal organs - the uterus and ovaries, adhesions and cysts appear.
Features of the causative agent of trichomoniasis
Trichomonas are unicellular anaerobic microorganisms, parasites, widespread in nature. Three types of Trichomonas can be found in the human body:
- vaginal (largest, active, pathogenic);
- oral;
- intestinal.
Flagella provide activity and mobility of microorganisms. Trichomonas are asexual and omnivorous, multiply rapidly.
After fixing in the urogenital tract cause inflammation in it. The products of their vital activity poison the human body,immunity is greatly reduced.
Trichomonas have a high ability to survive: they change shape, disguise themselves as blood plasma cells, "cling" to other microbes - all this allows them to evade the body's immune defenses.
Other pathogenic microorganisms (chlamydia, ureaplasma) penetrate Trichomonas, where they hide from the effects of drugs and immunity. The epithelium is damaged, its protective functions are reduced due to Trichomonas. Getting rid of trichomoniasis is much more difficult than other urinary infections.
Diagnosis of STDs
How are infections detected? STDs are diagnosed microscopically and with the help of a biochemical blood test. In the first case, a smear is studied under a microscope. This is how chlamydia, ureaplasma, trichomonas are found. This method is more informative, since antibodies are not detected in the blood during the latent period. But when taking a smear, not all types of pathogens are detected. For this, more detailed studies are used.
Treatment methods
STDs are most often treated with strong antibiotics. The course of therapy is approximately 14 days, but can be extended. In addition to tablets, vaginal suppositories are prescribed. It is important to understand that both partners need treatment.
During this period, all sexual contacts should be excluded, and drinking alcohol is also unacceptable. The doctor must choose the right medicine, otherwise the treatment process may be ineffective. A specific diet is selected that will help the body fight againstinfectious agent. To strengthen the immune system, immunomodulators are often prescribed, as well as taking vitamin complexes.
Prevention
As a preventive measure, it is recommended to have a normal sex life with a regular partner. It is also mandatory to use barrier protection methods, namely, a condom should be used during sexual contact.
Regular visits to the doctor and testing with a partner guarantee timely detection of the disease. It is necessary to observe personal hygiene, as well as strengthen the body's defenses. All chronic diseases need to be treated. This is the prevention of STDs. The incubation period, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are described in this article.
