STDs

mrsaepts
Sep 22, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Sep 24, 2021

By Natnicha Ngerndee, Apichaya sinchaipanich, Ninthira jarupanich, Sirorat khamwanate

Edited by Thorphan Tienboon

What are STDs?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases, commonly known as STDs, are diseases that are transmitted through direct sexual activities with infected patients. Lots of people in the world are infected with STDs while not showing any symptoms and thus tend to spread to their partners. Although some STDs can easily be treated, without treatment, can lead to more severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, gonorrhea, infertility, and cancer. On the other hand, HIV, HIP, Herpes are examples of STDs that are currently incurable.

Causes

It is crystal clear that the STDs or sexual transmitted deseases are caused by direct contact in sexual activities, including penetration, oral sex, and also sometimes ejaculation. However, there are also non-sexual causes such as shared needles, contaminated tattoo equipment, blood transfusions, and pregnancy from mother to child. These are only the external factors which can be avoided, but what exactly causes the STDs after the contact has been made are bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These microorganisms will be transmitted from person to person, embed in the infectee’s body, and make the person becomes the spreader without knowing.

Bacteria: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis
Viruses: HIV/AIDS, herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Zika
Parasites: trichomonas vaginalis, or insects such as crab lice or scabies mites

Symptoms

Many STDs show no sign of symptoms or they are asymptomatic, a condition producing or showing no symptoms. You can spread the virus to your sex partners even if you don't have any symptoms. As a result, it is critical to utilize protection during sex, and also to go see a doctor for STDs screening on a regular basis, so you can detect and treat an infection before it spreads.

An STD can cause a variety of symptoms include:

lumps or skin growths around the genitals
odd vaginal discharge, penis or anus pain when peeing
a rash
unusual vaginal bleeding
irritation at the genitals or anus
blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
warts in your mouth or throat

How are STDs transmitted and their risk factors

STDs, or STIs, are extremely common. They are transmitted from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They can also be transmitted by close physical contact, such as heavy petting, skin-to-skin interaction; however, this is uncommon. Although it is possible to become infected without sexual contact, sexual activity plays a major role in the transmission of many different types of illnesses. Hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, as well as shigella and Giardia intestinalis, are some examples.

Anyone who engages in sexual activity runs the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection (STI). The following are some of the factors that may raise your risk:

Having sex that is not protected

An STI is considerably increased by vaginal or anal intercourse by an infected partner who does not use a latex condom. Use of condoms incorrectly or inconsistently can potentially raise your risk.

Although oral intercourse is less dangerous, infections can still be transferred if latex condom or a dental dam, a thin, square piece of latex or silicone rubber, are not applied.

Having sexual contact with more than one partner.

The more people with whom you have sexual contact, the higher your risk. This applies to both competitors and sequential monogamous relations.

Having a STI history

With one STI in place, it is much easier for another STI to take hold.

Anyone who is compelled to engage in sexual intercourse or sexual activity.

This includes being raped or assaulted.

Misappropriation of alcohol or drug use

The misuse of these substances can impair your judgement of the matter, leading to consequences of more engagement in risky behaviors.

Doing drug injections

Numerous serious infections, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, are spread through needle sharing.

Men who seek prescriptions for erectile dysfunction medications.

STIs are more common in men who get prescriptions for drugs including sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), and vardenafil (Levitra). If you ask your doctor for one of these medications, make sure you are up to date on safe sex practices.

Protection

STDs can be prevented via several methods. The most certain way is to avoid having sex including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. The proper use of condom can also reduce the risk of infection for STDs; however, certain STDS such as herpes and HPV can be transmitted with contact regardless of whether condom is used or not. Another reliable method is to talk with your sex partner about STDs and get tested to ensure that neither of you has an STD before engaging in sexual activity. In addition, the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccine are available and is a safe and effective approach to prevent the most common STDs as well as avoiding HPV-related health issues like genital warts and some cancers.

Treatment

Depending on the infection, STIs are generally treated with one of the following:

Antibiotics. Many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasite diseases, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, can be cured with antibiotics. It is crucial to follow through your antibiotic treatment plan once started, even if the symptoms are gone, as well as to refrain from having sex for a minimum of 7 days after your antibiotic treatment is completed and any sores have healed.
Antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs will be prescribed if you are diagnosed with herpes or HIV. Taking daily suppressive therapy with a prescription antiviral medication can lower herpes recurrences. It is, however, still possible to infect your partner with herpes since viral STDs cannot be cured, but symptoms can only be managed with medications.