Sexually transmitted diseases are quite common. The number of people visiting doctors for anxiety symptoms is constantly growing. Meanwhile, the number of cases of infertility associated with sexual infections is increasing. In order to prevent the development of chronic pathology of the urogenital area, it is required to periodically take tests for the presence of diseases transmitted through sexual contact. Tests should be taken for preventive purposes, and not only when pathological symptoms occur.
So what are sexually transmitted diseases? What are these diseases, what are their symptoms, and how is the treatment, we will tell further. Consider the most common infections.
Development of mycoplasmosis
Mycoplasmosis is a sexually transmitted disease. Thispathology is caused by a group of special bacteria mycoplasma. The incubation period of the infection lasts up to five weeks. All this time, the pathology does not manifest itself in any way, but for this period a person already becomes a carrier of parasites and can infect other people himself. After an incubation period, a person develops symptoms of urethritis in the form of burning and pain in the urethra. Against the background of urination, mucous discharge may appear, which occurs mainly in the morning. Often, especially in women, mycoplasmosis occurs without any symptoms. Thus, the manifestations of this disease are expressed only slightly, so often patients do not attach importance to them. The symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease are very unpleasant.
Of the possible complications in women against the background of this infection, infertility can develop along with spontaneous miscarriages and menstrual irregularities. And in men, the appearance of acute and chronic prostatitis, sexual weakness and infertility, including.
There are examples in which, due to the low level of pathogenicity of pathogens and a good state of immunity, mycoplasma for a long time (even up to several years) does not manifest itself in any way. Such a condition is called the carriage of the infection, while it poses a significant danger, since a person may not be aware of the presence of mycoplasma in his own body, and that he can infect another. In addition, without making itself felt, this infection creates a favorable background for the development of other diseases. Because of this, the carrier will subsequently be moresusceptible to any other STDs.
In the event that a pregnant woman is a carrier of mycoplasma, there is a danger that her child will also become infected during childbirth, when she passes through the birth canal. In more rare cases, children become infected with mycoplasmosis in utero, but basically the placenta reliably protects the fetus from such dangerous pathogens. If left untreated, mycoplasmosis is often the leading cause of miscarriage.
Diagnosis and treatment of mycoplasmosis
The most reliable method for diagnosing this sexually transmitted disease is the culture method, in which the causative agent of the disease is sown on a nutrient medium. This technique is time consuming, and you will have to wait a week or more to get the result. Microscopic, enzyme-linked immunosorbent or molecular biological methods can be used as express diagnostic methods.
The material for diagnosis is primarily discharge along with scraping from the urethra in this sexually transmitted disease. In men, the secret of the prostate gland is examined. If necessary, urine and a swab from the throat are subjected to research. To treat this infection, antibiotic therapy is used along with immunomodulatory procedures.
Chlamydia infection
Among the sexually transmitted diseases, chlamydia is considered the mostcommon pathology, occurring in 20% of all cases. It is characterized, first of all, by the defeat of the genitourinary system, and, in addition, by the presence of remote symptoms. There are two types of chlamydia. The first type usually affects animals with birds, and in humans causes an infectious disease called psittacosis. The second species has the Latin name clamidia trachomatis, about 15 of its subtypes are known, some of them cause trachoma along with venereal lymphogranulomatosis. Two of these fifteen varieties of chlamydia infect the human genitourinary system, causing urogenital-type chlamydia.
Chlamydia are called intracellular parasites, which in their properties occupy an intermediate position between bacteria and viruses. As a result, chlamydia is still more difficult to diagnose and treat than common bacterial infections. Often, a combination of chlamydia with various infections of the genitourinary system is noted. For example, it is often combined with trichomoniasis and ureaplasmosis.
The incubation period usually lasts two weeks. Chlamydia can occur in subacute, chronic and acute forms. Against the background of chlamydia, patients notice glassy discharge in their mornings, and itching with discomfort during urination is also noted. Without treatment, after some time, the symptoms of the disease completely disappear, after which it becomes chronic. Symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease are difficult to recognize in this case.
The main danger of chlamydia lies in itscomplications. In women, this infection causes inflammatory pathologies of the uterus and ovaries. Against the background of this infection, obstruction of the fallopian tubes often develops. In men, chlamydia infects the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, causing chronic prostatitis along with vesiculitis. Then the chronic process can spread to the epididymis, which can provoke male infertility. In addition to all sorts of complications affecting the genital area, chlamydia can cause damage to the eyes, joints, spine and internal organs.
How is a sexually transmitted disease treated?
Chlamydia treatment
Diagnosis of chlamydia is very difficult compared to common bacterial infections. The simplest diagnostic methods provide an accuracy of no higher than 40%. The most accurate way to determine chlamydia today is to carry out an immunofluorescence reaction using labeled antibodies.
Chlamydia treatment is a very complex and time-consuming process. Be sure to treat both partners at once. In addition to the course of antibiotic treatment, the therapy of this disease necessarily includes immunomodulatory procedures. Also, such patients require normalization of their lifestyle along with diet, cessation of sexual activity for the period of treatment, and so on.
At the end of the course, control tests are taken. In the event that chlamydia is not detected, then the tests will need to be taken a couple more times a month later. Only then will it be possible to verify the effectiveness of the treatment. It is worth emphasizing thata disease like chlamydia is much easier to avoid than to cure later.
What other sexually transmitted diseases?
Infection with genital mycosis
Against the background of this infection, the mucous membranes and skin of the genitourinary organs are affected. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the most common mycosis in women. The causative agent of candidiasis are the yeast-like fungi Candida. This infection can be provoked by prolonged and uncontrolled use of antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives, and it is also caused by oncological and infectious diseases along with radiation therapy. All these factors, as a rule, contribute to a decrease in the resistance of the female body, changing the he althy microbiocenosis of the vagina and destroying the barrier mechanisms that block the reproduction of fungi. Yeast-like fungi can enter the genital tract from the intestines, and, in addition, through household items and through sexual transmission.
Often, sexually transmitted diseases become chronic, resistant to ongoing treatment. This can be explained by the deep penetration of fungi into the stratified epithelium of the genital tract, where they can stay and multiply for a long time, being absolutely protected from the action of drugs.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is very common in pregnant women due to changes in their hormonal status, and, in addition, due to increased susceptibility to all kinds of infections. Against the background of fungal infections, women are predominantlycomplain of itching and burning in the genital area. There is also an increase in leucorrhea with an unpleasant odor.
What tests to take for sexually transmitted diseases?
Diagnosis and treatment of genital mycosis
Diagnosis of candidiasis is carried out by well-known laboratory methods, for example, using microscopy, PCR, and so on. Treatment of this disease should be complex. Within its framework, it is necessary to use antibacterial ointments along with the internal intake of various medications. Vitamin therapy with immunostimulating drugs is also often used.
Sexually transmitted diseases should be detected in a timely manner.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a disease in which the vagina is dominated not by lactobacilli, but by a complex of various microbes and gardnerella. In he althy women, lactobacilli are present in the vagina along with non-pathogenic corynebacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Violation of the ratio of bacteria under the influence of certain factors leads to the clinical manifestation of infectious processes in the vagina, that is, to vaginitis and vaginosis. The displacement of one species of bacteria from other members of microbial communities leads to the appearance of clinical symptoms of vaginitis.
The main complaint with this sexually transmitted disease in women is the occurrence of liquid discharge with an extremely unpleasant odor, and some discomfort may also be felt. Against the background of a long-term process of selection, as a rule, they acquire a greenishcoloration.
Bacterial vaginosis is not uncommon in pregnant women. The fact is that during pregnancy, under the influence of hormones, the vaginal mucosa changes, the level of acidity decreases, which in turn creates extremely favorable conditions for the numerical increase of some pathogenic microorganisms.
How to get rid of this female sexually transmitted disease?
Diagnosis and treatment of pathology
Diagnosis of this infection is carried out using a blood test for sexually transmitted diseases, as well as known laboratory methods. Thus, swabs, scrapings and the like are taken. It is very important that the examination be carried out in relation to both sexual partners at once.
During the treatment of bacterial vaginitis, it is important to give up sexual activity, and, in addition, the use of alcoholic beverages. In parallel, they carry out a correction of the general state of he alth, attention is paid to increasing immunity and the general resistance of the body. Also, as part of the treatment, antibiotic therapy is used, general anti-inflammatory measures are taken.
Deadly sexually transmitted diseases: HIV, syphilis.
HIV
Immunodeficiency of the body - the last, deadly stage of this disease is called AIDS. Viruses in the body can develop in a latent form, more slowly or rapidly. Tumors, multifocal infections caused by protozoan bacteria and fungi appear in the body. For a he althy person theymay not affect, but for an HIV-infected person they are deadly.
A he althy person has a strong immune system, a diseased body has a weakened immune system that is unable to fight infection. AIDS cannot be cured. It is possible to support the immune system with special preparations and medicines, but the cost of such treatment is very high. Transmission routes: through unprotected intercourse, through blood and syringes, in some cases from mother to child.
Syphilis
STD, which is caused by microorganisms pale triponema. A person who has syphilis does not even know about his illness for the first month. The incubation period of the virus is about 30-35 days. The disease manifests itself on the skin in the form of eczema, spots, purulent wounds. Further affects the internal organs, mucous membranes, nervous system and bones.
Papillomavirus infection
Human papillomavirus is dangerous because it serves as a predisposing factor for the development of precancerous disease of the genitals. It can also cause squamous cell carcinoma. Papillomavirus infection of the genitals is classified as a disease that is transmitted through sexual contact. Recently, the frequency of papillomavirus lesions of the larynx and bronchi among children has increased, which is considered as a result of infection of women during pregnancy. It is also possible that the infection can be passed directly from parents to children.
The incubation period of pathology lasts up to nine months. Against the background of this infection, people have visible warty lesions and genital warts, which candegenerate into carcinomas and lead to ovarian and uterine cancer.
The reasons for contracting this infection are usually as follows:
- Early onset of sexual activity.
- Too many sexual partners.
- Having partners who have had sex with a woman with cervical cancer.
- Also, this disease can be provoked by syphilis, smoking, alcohol, endometriosis, beriberi, and so on.
Against the background of pregnancy, this disease can progress significantly. It is generally accepted that this infection is introduced into the female body as a result of changes in immunity. During pregnancy, warts can increase significantly, reaching large sizes, although they often regress immediately after childbirth.
Treatment and diagnosis of human papillomavirus infection
Forms of this disease usually do not manifest themselves clinically, they can be detected only with the help of colposcopy, and, in addition, through cytological examination. Spontaneous cure for this infection is impossible. In this regard, genital warts must be removed, regardless of their size and position.
The treatment methods are cryotherapy along with the use of laser and electrocoagulation. Complex combined therapy of both partners is mandatory, taking into account comorbidities.
Trichomoniasis
In gynecological practice, trichomonas vulvovaginitis is most often detected. Trichomonas vaginalis oftenfound in association with mycoplasmas, chlamydia, gonococcus and fungi.
Trichomoniasis is also one of the sexually transmitted infections. Moreover, trichomoniasis ranks first in prevalence. Almost one third of patients' visits to doctors for infections are due to Trichomonas infection. The causative agent of this infection is a mobile unicellular microorganism, which belongs to the class of protozoa. Nowadays, more than fifty varieties of Trichomonas are known, but only three species parasitize directly in the human body, namely oral, urogenital and intestinal microorganisms.
In women, the main habitat of Trichomonas is the vagina, while in men it is the prostate along with the seminal vesicles. The urethra can be affected in both sexes. Trichomonas can be fixed on the cells of the epithelium of the genital mucosa, penetrating into various glands and lacunae. Infection is possible from a sick person. Women who have multiple sexual partners tend to suffer from trichomoniasis four times more often than those who have only one man. The incubation period can be up to one year.
Signs of sexually transmitted diseases
Against the background of trichomoniasis, yellow fetid, and at the same time foamy discharge can be observed, and, in addition, there is irritation and extremely severe itching of the vulva along with burning and soreness during urination. Clinical symptoms may be exacerbated directlyafter menses. The transition of the disease to the chronic stage is carried out through the gradual subsidence of acute symptoms. Relapses often occur immediately after sexual intercourse and alcohol consumption. Also, relapses are likely in the presence of poor body resistance. The recurrence of symptoms can also provoke ovarian dysfunction along with a change in the acid content in the vagina.
Chronic trichomoniasis is usually a mixed bacterial process, as Trichomonas serves as a reservoir for chlamydia, gonococci and other representatives of the pathogenic flora. Under the carriage of this disease is understood the presence of Trichomonas in the body against the background of the absence of clinical signs of the disease.
This infection is difficult to correct and treat. Very often, patients experience relapses even despite the use of the necessary antiseptic treatment. It should be noted that relapses of this disease occur in more than 20% of cases.
How to prevent sexually transmitted infections?
Prevention of sexual infections
Methods for the prevention of genital infections are usually divided into chemical and mechanical methods. In addition, the culture of intimacy and body hygiene are of great importance in this matter. The best prevention of sexually transmitted infections is protected sexual intercourse. The use of condoms helps in many situations to reduce the risk of infection of the body with certain sexual infections.
It is very important to purchase high-quality, and at the same time certified condoms, which have a normal expiration date. Buy condoms should be exclusively in pharmacies. They, as a rule, help to protect themselves from large microorganisms, for example, from gonococci, treponema and the like. But it should be borne in mind that infections such as papillomavirus, along with herpes and cytomegalovirus, can penetrate even through latex, due to their microscopic size. Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is very important.
In this regard, against the background of casual contacts, people need additional methods to prevent all kinds of infections that can be sexually transmitted. The options for emergency prevention of infections include the treatment of genital organs with antiseptic drugs, such as, for example, Betadine along with Miramistin, Chlorhexidine or Cidipol.
Women can inject a suitable drug directly into the vagina in the form of suppositories. In parallel, a solution of antiseptic drugs should be treated with external genitalia, thighs and pubis. As for men, the medicine is administered to them in the form of a 5% solution in the region of the urethra. And already the external genital organs with the pubis are treated with a 10% solution of an antiseptic. After the procedure, complete abstinence from urination is required for two hours.
It should be noted that the above measures with the use of antiseptics should be taken immediately aftersexual contact. Or, at the very least, it's important to disinfect no later than four hours later.
We reviewed the list of sexually transmitted diseases.
