Sexually transmitted disease (STD) OR Venereal disease can be defined as a disease transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. You can get infected by unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with a person who is having an STD. STDs are not only transmitted through sexual contact, but it may also transmit through used needles, breastfeeding, etc.
Causes
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be caused by:
Bacteria (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia)
Parasites (trichomoniasis)
Viruses (human papillomavirus, genital herpes, HIV)
Types of STDs
There are many types of STDS, some of them are:
HIV
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
HPV
Pubic lice
Genital herpes
Other, less common STDs include:
Chancroid
Lymphogranuloma venereum
Granuloma inguinale
Molluscum contagiosum
Scabies
Prevention of STDs
Effective STD prevention begins before sexual activity occurs. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your STD risk before having sex:
Limit your number of sexual partners.
Talk honestly with potential partners about both of your sexual histories.
Get tested, along with your partner, before having sex.
Avoid sex when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Get vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B (HBV).
Use condoms.
Avoid unprotected sex.
Diagnosis of STDs
In most cases, doctors can’t diagnose STDs based on symptoms. If your doctor suspects that you might have an STD, they will recommend tests to check. Home testing kits are also available for checking some STDs, but they may be unreliable, use them with caution.
Treatment of STDs
The treatment is usually recommended on the basis of the STD you have. If it is a bacterial STD, usually prescribed to take an antibiotic. Normally, there are no medications for treating viral STDs. It is cure usually by itself. Some medications are available for reducing pain and chances of transmission. STDs other than bacterial or viral can be treated with oral or topical medications.
Fortunately, most of the STDs are curable, so if you test positive on an STD consult a doctor for treatment. Leaving untreated may cause severe problems that may even lead to death. Following your doctor’s advice and prescription can help you to control the risk of STDs on your body as well as transmitting to others.
Prepared By
K N Sana
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