Table of Contents
Introduction
Reproductive health has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a holistic approach to all aspects of reproductive health, namely, physical, emotional, moral, and social. In our country, we have many programs aimed at maintaining reproductive health. These efforts include raising awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STDs), their causes, transmission, and prevention. Here we will discuss some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and how they can be prevented.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
STD is an abbreviated form of sexually transmitted disease. Venereal Diseases are sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which are sexually transmitted diseases. Also known as reproductive tract infection (RTI). AIDS, measles, syphilis, genital herpes and warts, Chlamydiosis, and Hepatitis-B are just a few examples of known STDs. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites of all kinds all contribute to STDs. Most of these disorders develop without any symptoms, which increases the risk factors, especially in women. Infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and, in extreme cases, cancer of the reproductive system are also risk factors. STDs can cause abnormal discharge from the genitals, genital sores, tumors, itching, and other symptoms. In addition to sexually transmitted infections, STIs are also transmitted to other people in various ways. This is breastfeeding, sharing infected needles, etc. There are many diseases under the STD category, and these can be treated by maintaining good sexual health and hygiene.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a term coined in combination with sexually transmitted diseases. However, every STD is not sexually transmitted; it can be spread through non-sexual contact as well. Methods of non-contact include transfusion of contaminated blood and tissue, breastfeeding, injection sharing, etc. Sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS can be passed from a mother to her baby at birth, or after birth through breastfeeding. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment are required before its eruption. Researchers in the field of medicine have a cure for all STDs, while hepatitis-B, genital herpes, and HIV are on the list. These diseases still confuse them.
Protective Strategies
Despite advances in technology, STIs remain a major threat to the nation. We come across a number of commercials on television that talk about various programs that promote safe sex practices and raise awareness about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). All of these efforts by government and non-governmental organizations are aimed at achieving a healthy reproductive society.
General awareness about STDs is needed to control additional waves. The introduction of sex education is one of the steps taken by the government to aim to make young people aware of safe sex practices. In addition to the awareness and education component, it is also important to provide appropriate medical facilities to deal with STD-related problems.
So let’s conclude with ‘Prevention is better than cure:
- Avoid unprotected sex
- Avoid having sex with too many partners
- Consult a qualified physician for diagnosis and treatment.
List of all sexually transmitted infections and symptoms
As mentioned earlier, there are various diseases classified under STDs. The list of STIs is as follows:
- AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
The most common sexually transmitted disease is AIDS. It is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Usually, the immune system is destroyed by HIV, and the body becomes weaker. When a person gets AIDS, he or she gets other diseases. Direct sex is the most likely way to transmit HIV.
The first symptoms of HIV are headache, swollen lymph nodes, rash, fever and chills, and nausea. No cure for AIDS has been found so far, but effective treatment can extend the patient’s life span by a few years. AIDS can be prevented by ensuring safer sex.
- Gonorrhea
Bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, an agent of this STD. In this disease, both men and women can be affected. The urogenital tract, which includes the rectum, urethra, and cervix (for women only), is most affected. Gonorrhea, like other STDs, is most commonly spread through direct sexual contact. Oral and anal sex are also the means by which gonorrhea is transmitted.
Symptoms of gonorrhea are discharged from the penis, hot flashes (in men), and pus in the vagina, pelvic or abdominal pain (in women). Gonorrhea can be prevented by safe sex.
- Syphilis
The bacterium, Treponema pallidum, is the cause of this STD. Germs find their way into the body through various wounds. Syphilis can also be transmitted from pregnant mothers to their babies. Early symptoms include an ulcer called ‘Chancre’. Other symptoms include headache, weight loss, fatigue, rash, fever, etc. In the later stages, it may lead to cognitive impairment, vision loss, heart disease, etc. Syphilis can be prevented by avoiding exposure. sexual contact and other measures are taken in an STD.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
As the name suggests, it is a disease caused by bacteria. The most common symptoms include warts on the buccal cavity, throat, and external genitalia. If left untreated, HPV can lead to other incurable diseases such as cervical cancer, cervical cancer, cervical cancer, etc. No treatment has been found for HPV so far.
- Chlamydia
It is caused by a virus called Chlamydia trachomatis. Very few symptoms are associated with the disease in the early stages. But symptoms in later stages include pain during urination, yellow discharge from the penis or vagina, etc. Left untreated, this can lead to infertility and inflammation of the pelvic girdle. It can also spread from a pregnant mother to her newborn baby, causing blindness, pneumonia, and a host of other problems.
- Herpes
The full name of this virus is the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV. These are HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is a major agent for oral herpes. And HSV-2 often causes genital herpes. The most common symptoms are sores on the genital area. Congenital herpes spreads from a pregnant woman to their baby. Safe sex can prevent this disease.
Symptoms of STDs in Men
It is possible to catch an STD without noticing any symptoms. However, some STDs show obvious symptoms. Common symptoms in men include:
- Discomfort or pain during sex or urination.
- Blisters, bumps, or abrasions on the penis, testicles, anus, buttocks, thighs, abnormal discharge or bleeding from the penis are painful or enlarged testicles.
- Depending on the STD, certain symptoms may be different.
Symptoms of STDs in Women
STIs do not always cause visible symptoms. When possible, common STD symptoms for women include:
- Discomfort or pain during sex or urination.
- Blisters, bumps, or bumps on the vagina, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth that are not common or bleeding from or near a woman’s vagina.
- The specific symptoms of one STD may differ from another.
- Physical infections and infections (STIs and STDs) are transmitted through vaginal, middle, or oral sex. Symptoms of STDs in those who have a vagina include:
Female genital itching
Arashi
Amazing release
Most STIs do not show any symptoms at all. If left untreated, they can increase the risk of cervical cancer. These risks make it very important to repeat safe sex.
Worldwide, there are about 376 million new infections in syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Since most people with genitals do not show signs of other sexually transmitted diseases, they may not realize that they need treatment. It is estimated that 1 in 6 Americans has genital herpes, yet most do not realize it.
Also read: Male and Female Reproductive Systems
FAQs
Q. What can I do to avoid getting an STD?
Ans: There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of getting an STD.
- Be dependable. Only have sex if you trust her. If you only have sex with people who are not sick, you will not get an STD from them, and they will not get one from you.
- Use condoms. Latex or polyurethane condoms, if used correctly every time you have sex, can provide excellent protection against many STDs.
- Reduce the number of partners. The more people you have sex with, the more likely you are to get an STD.
- Never use IV street drugs or share needles. Many STDs are spread through the blood.
How can I tell if I have an STD?
There is no way to say for sure until you are tested. Most STDs have no obvious symptoms. Sexual intercourse, vaginal and/or oral sex are all examples of sexual activity. When doctors or nurses ask this question, they really want to know if you have done anything from your previous diagnosis that could lead to an STD or pregnancy. The STD test should be included in your regular test. However, if you suspect that you have had an STD, consult your doctor and ask to be tested immediately.
What is a tumor that is linked to HIV-positive men?
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8, causes Kaposi's sarcoma (HHV8). It is a type of tumor on the skin that causes red or purple sores on the skin. In most cases, KSHV does not cause Kaposi's sarcoma itself; however, when a person with a high-risk immune system, such as those with HIV, becomes infected, he or she may develop the condition. Human herpesvirus 8 is found in the sperm of an HIV-positive man, which gives evidence that it is a sexually transmitted disease.
