Sexually transmitted Diseases (STDs): Causes, Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, Preventive measures, Treatments

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 What are the causes of STDs and STIs?

Basically, some bacteria, viruses and parasites are played major role to occur Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) by causing Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) at the beginning in the human body by both sexual and non-sexual activities if any partner or individual carries out these diseases.



In general, when sexual activities happen with one of the carrier partner, transmit the diseases to other non-infective partner through the direct contact of body fluids of some sexual parts, such as mouth saliva during oral sex, vaginal or penis discharge, anal sex, even share the infected person sex toys as well. Along with these, some non-sexual activities, for examples, affected pregnant mother to baby, use of infected person blood, needle, blade, razor.

Those who have these diseases or infections, do not show the symptoms usually at the early stages of the infection, though, it is highly recommended from healthcare experts to do STDs test both the partner before or after intercourse.  

What are the common symptoms of STDs and STIs?

Normally, STDs and STIs take some days to months, even years to outburst the signs and symptoms, although, sometimes no symptoms at all which is identified after performing STDs test. However, some common signs and symptoms of STDs and STIs are:

  • Pain during intercourse
  • Notice some rashes, bumps, swelling, redness or sores on the genitals parts, groin, rectal and oral area
  • Unusual discharge from both penis and vagina
  • Burning or excruciating urination
  • Irregular and unusual Vaginal Bleeding
  • Lower abdominal pain, testicular pain and pelvic inflammation or pain
  • Some other problems may arise - weight loss, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, body pain,, fever, diarrhoea, reduce vision and memory power, inflammation and swelling of some body parts etc.

How many types of STDs and STIs have?

There are numerous kinds of STDs and STIs found among the world masses. Among them, the most common and familiar STDs and STIs are as follows:
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Chlamydia
  • Syphilis
  • Genital Warts
  • HIV/AIDS
  • HPV infection
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen)
  • Herpes
  • Hepatitis 
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  • Scabies, Chancroid and so on.

Disease Name

Type of microorganism infection

Major signs & Symptoms

Outbreak Time (Probable)

Curable or Incurable

 

Gonorrhea

 

Bacteria

Discharge from penis & vagina, irritating and painful urination, rash and sores

Within 1 week to 2 weeks

Curable

Chlamydia

Bacteria

Discharge from penis & vagina, vaginal bleeding, testicular pain, Pain during intercourse

Within 1 week to 3 weeks

Curable

Hepatitis A/B/C

Virus

Jaundice, yellow to dark urine, abdominal and joint pain, anorexia, weakness, nausea, vomiting

Within 2 weeks to 26 weeks

Incurable

Syphilis

Bacteria

Urticaria, sore throat, fever, headache, body pain, weakness and weight loss

Within 2 weeks to 20 years

Curable

Human papilloma Virus (HPV)

Virus

No symptoms

Within 4 weeks to 10 years

Incurable

Genital/ oral Herpes

Virus

One or more blisters around the mouth, genitals, rectum area along with body pain & fever.

Within Second day to 2 weeks

Incurable

HIV

Virus

Rash, sore throat, fever, headache, body pain, Diarrhea,  weakness and weight loss

Within 2 weeks to 4 weeks

Incurable

Trichomoniasis

parasite

Fishy odor different colored vaginal discharge, burning, itching, soreness of the genitals area , irritating and discomfort during urination

Within 1 week to 4 weeks

Curable

How to diagnose STDs and STIs?

Doctors are needed aid of both the different types of laboratory tests in clinic and the physical examinations to specify the exact pathogen which causing the specific STDs and STIs. Along with the visual or physical check-up, the specific tests in hospital regarding these diseases are Swabs test, Urine test, Blood test, HIV fingerprick test, Colposcopy, Laparoscopy etc.

What measures should take for infected people to prevent spreading STDs and STIs?

There are some steps that should take for patients to protect these diseases to others - 
  • Both partners need the treatment initially to minimize the symptoms or spread to others person if any STDs and STIs are detected.
  • Always counsel with healthcare provider whenever STDs and STIs will be identified and strictly follow the instructions.
  • To keep safe both infected pregnant woman and baby, talk with doctor regularly to know which treatments are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding periods.
  • Avoid to do unsafe sex without using condom.
  • Avoid or limit multiple sex partners, try to satisfy yourself with one life partner.
  • Do the STDs test before sex partner selection or going to perform any sexual relationship with new partner.
  • Ensure vaccination has been completed if anyone recognised with HPV or Hepatitis.
  • Take the immune booster supplements regularly to avoid other complications that are available in all pharmacy as OTC products.
  • Motivate individual for self-learning continuously regarding STDs and STIs.
  • Some other advices should definitely follow during and after the treatment periods to make life longer along with essential medications or treatments. These are given below - 
  1. keep learning everything regarding these diseases
  2. Be mentally strong to recover yourself
  3. Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water
  4. Maintain personal hygiene
  5. Try to do some physical exercises 
  6. Avoid sedentary lifestyles
  7. Abstain from smoking or taking e-cigarettes /vape or drinking alcohol too much

What are the possible treatments for STDs and STIs?

Actually, the STDs and STIs treatment plans are totally relied on disease type and patient overall body conditions as some sexually transmitted diseases are curable and less severe, and others are not treatable and showing more detrimental effects. However, some oral medications, such as antibiotics, painkiller, immune booster supplements, some injectable preparations, some topical cream or ointment products, surgery and laser therapy are used to cure or prevent the STDs and STIs. So, It is highly suggested that talk with general practitioner to get the best treatments and advices according to disease type.