Sexually transmitted diseases, sometimes also known as sexually transmitted infections, are the ones that occur due to sexual intercourse. They can occur due to viruses, bacteria, or parasites and can be transmitted to another person through vaginal fluid, blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. One can catch a sexually transmitted infection through infected needles, or infected blood transfusion, or from mother to child during pregnancy.
Sometimes sexually transmitted diseases do not cause any symptoms. The person may not know that they have it and may seem fine. Therefore it is essential to get yourself checked for sexually transmitted diseases frequently. In this way, the disease can be diagnosed in the early stages, and you can keep your partner protected too. If you have any signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted disease, you should visit the best sexologist in Karachi
What are the Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Sexually transmitted infections or sexually transmitted diseases sometimes may not cause any symptoms. While sometimes, they may cause a variety of symptoms. The signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted infection are;
- Bumps or sores in the oral, genitals, or rectal area
- Fluid discharge from the penis
- Painful and burning urination
- Dyspareunia- pain during sex
- Odd smelling vaginal discharge
- Sore and swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Lower abdominal pain
- Rashes over trunk, feet, and hands
Often the signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections occur after few days of exposure. But sometimes, it may even take years to show up.
What are the Causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Sexually transmitted infections occur due to causes such as;
- Viruses- such as genital herpes, HIV, and human papillomavirus
- Bacteria- such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia
- Parasites such as trichomoniasis
Risk factors
Being sexually active always poses some degree of risk for sexually transmitted infections. However, factors that can raise the chances of getting them are;
Unprotected Sex
Not using a condom during sex, or using it irregularly can lead to sexually transmitted infections. Oral sex may pose less risk, but infections still can be transmitted without a dental dam or a condom.
Having more than one partner
Having more than one sexual partner can put you at increased risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection. Moreover, the rate of infection spread increases many times if you have multiple sex partners. If one person infects you through sex, you may end up infecting various others, and the chain goes on.
Having a history of STI
Having a previous history of sexually transmitted infections can make it easier for you to get another sexually transmitted infection.
Forced sex
Being raped or getting forced to have sex can increase the chances of sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, if, unfortunately, you have undergone any such experience, you should visit your healthcare provider soon after that to get checked for STDs.
Substance abuse
Abusing substances or misuse of alcohol can lead to risky behavior, eventually increasing the chances of sexually transmitted diseases.
Injecting drugs
People who share needles for injecting drugs are at risk of diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B.
Being Young
Young people are at increased risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection.
From mother to the child
A pregnant mother, having a sexually transmitted infection, can pass it on to her newborn baby through vaginal delivery. Therefore, all pregnant women should be tested and treated for sexually transmitted diseases.
What are the Complications of Sexually transmitted Diseases?
Getting yourself screened for sexually transmitted infections is important because many times they do not show any symptoms. However, the complications associated with it can be;
- Eye inflammation
- Arthritis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pelvic pain
- Infertility
- Heart disease
- Pregnancy complications
If you have any signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases, you should visit oladoc.com
