Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are transmitted from the infected individual to a healthy individual through sexual contact; The most common mode of transmission is unprotected sexual intercourse. The greater the number of sexual partners, the greater the risk of acquiring any sexually transmitted disease.
Microorganisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases can be carried in blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Healthy-looking individuals can carry such diseases and can be transmitted to other individuals during sexual contact. Since most of the sexually transmitted diseases do not have symptoms in the early period, the disease may not be noticed.
Who is at Risk?
Individuals who have had unprotected intercourse
Those with any sexually transmitted disease
Individuals who have had one of the sexually transmitted diseases and have recovered (An individual who has had one STD has an increased risk of having another STD because these organisms are often carried together.)
Since many sexually transmitted diseases do not show any symptoms, all sexually active individuals
Individuals who are unsure whether their partner has the disease
Individuals showing symptoms in the genital area
Individuals with multiple sexual partners
Individuals who use drugs (In cases where the injector is shared, serious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis can be transmitted.)
General Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
There are many different symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and various combinations of these symptoms can be seen in infected individuals. One of the important points to note is that the early symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases can improve within a few weeks. However, the disease continues and may cause late complications in the future.
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Muscle or joint pain
Skin Rashes
Headache
Diarrhea
Nausea and Vomiting
Changes in vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding
vaginal itching
penile discharge
burning or pain on urination
Warts in the genital area
Pain during sexual intercourse
Swelling and soreness of the testicles
Breakthrough bleeding outside the menstrual period
Early detection of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) with tests; It is of great importance in terms of stopping the complications that may occur in the patient and preventing the transmission of the disease to other individuals. Especially since clinical symptoms are often insufficient in the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases, a screening test for sexually transmitted diseases should be applied in order to confirm the diseases.
What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
HIV/AIDS
HIV (Human Immunodeficieny Virus) is a disease that weakens the immune system and renders it inoperable if it is not brought under control with the appropriate treatment, called ‘Human Immunodeficiency Virus’. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is defined as ‘Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome’. It is possible for an AIDS/HIV positive individual to develop serious infections and various cancers if left untreated.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Caused by the hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus; It is an infectious disease that causes cell inflammation and damage in the liver. Fluids such as human-to-human intercourse, blood, semen (semen), vaginal fluid and secretions (including menstrual bleeding); tattoos, piercings, shaving tools, toothbrushes, etc., as well as transmission to the baby during birth, perianatal (transition during pregnancy) is also possible. It is also an insidious disease that can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Syphilis (Syphilis)
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. It is a disease that can be easily transmitted by vaginal, oral and anal contact with wounds formed on the external genital organs, vagina, anus, rectum, mouth and lips due to the disease. It can cause serious health problems if not treated properly. It can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and childbirth.
chlamydia
Chlamydia, a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis in the reproductive system, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It affects both sexes and can occur at any age. It can cause urethritis and proctitis in both men and women. Symptoms may be mild in the early stages, but if left untreated, it may cause problems such as premature birth, cervical infection (cervicitis), pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain, and may pose serious risks for the baby during pregnancy. The most effective way to prevent chlamydia is to use appropriate contraception during sexual intercourse.
Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma
Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma, sexually transmitted; are microorganisms that cause genital and urinary tract infections in both men and women. generally specify
they don’t show. It can be transmitted from the genital area to the genital area or from the genital area to the mouth by oral sex. The effects of diseases that occur especially in women and men with weak immune systems and newborns are quite high. The microorganism causes damage to the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes and creates the problem of “Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PIH)”. It also causes infertility problems by causing permanent damage to the fallopian tubes and uterus. In men, it causes urinary tract inflammation (urethritis). It can cause discharge, burning in urination and especially prostate infections. It can make it difficult to have a child by impairing sperm count and movement.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea (gonorrhea) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisserria Gonorrhoeae. It is transmitted through semen and vaginal fluids during sexual intercourse. It most commonly affects the genitals, urinary tract, rectum or throat; It can also infect the cervix in women. Babies can become infected at birth if their mothers become infected, and it most commonly affects babies’ eyes. Men with gonorrhea (gonorrhea) often have urinary tract inflammation (urethritis), and women often have cervix inflammation (cervicitis). Symptoms appear between 4-6 days after the bacteria enters the body. However, sometimes it does not show any symptoms. The most common symptoms are; Yellowish and viscous liquid discharges (such as pus) coming from the genitals (from the tip of the penis in men, from the vagina in women), non-menstrual bleeding (menstrual irregularity), chronic inguinal pain, pain, pain and burning sensation during urination (Cystitis), frequent urination protrusion (pollakiuria), sore throat (pharyngitis). Gonorrhea (gonorrhea) is a cause of infertility in both men and women if left untreated. The most effective way to protect against this bacteria is to be protected during sexual intercourse.
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases
As the surest way to be protected from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); It is recommended to avoid suspicious relationships and to prefer long-term, monogamous sexual relationships. The use of condoms in men and women reduces the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. It is recommended to test for sexually transmitted diseases after a suspected sexual contact.