Manifestation of sexual diseases. Causative agents of genital infections - pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms

Some pathologies cause symptoms from the skin.

These include:

• syphilis
• candidiasis
• papillomavirus infection

With herpes, vesicles with liquid contents form on the skin.

They may be filled with clear fluid, blood, or pus. On average, after a week they disappear, crusts appear in their place. When they fall off, red spots remain, which can persist for several weeks or months.

With syphilis in the secondary stage, rashes appear throughout the body. They look like spots or papules.

With candidiasis, when the genitals are affected, the adjacent skin may also be involved in the pathological process. It turns red, inflamed, cracked. White deposits may appear on it, which are easily removed without leaving erosion.

With papillomavirus infection, warts appear on the skin. They can be single or multiple. Sometimes warts reach large sizes and merge with each other. In most cases, such formations are not dangerous, but create an aesthetic defect, and therefore must be removed.

Signs of complications of genital infections

If left untreated, sexually transmitted diseases cause complications. Among the most frequent of them is an inflammatory lesion of the internal genital organs.

In women, it is endometritis, salpingitis, oophoritis, pelvioperitonitis.

Men may develop prostatitis or orchiepididymitis. Some infections form abscesses.

Sexually transmitted diseases can cause spontaneous abortion. Therefore, the detected signs of genital infections during pregnancy are the reason for prescribing treatment at any time.

The main symptoms of complications in women:

• lower abdominal pain
• cycle disruption
• bleeding from the genital tract
• general symptoms: fever, malaise

Symptoms of complications in men:

• pain in the perineum
• and soreness of the scrotum
• scrotal enlargement: unilateral or bilateral
• sluggish urine stream or inability to empty the bladder

Signs of infertility in sexually transmitted infections

With many infections, especially bacterial infections, infertility develops in men and women. Its only reliable sign is the absence of pregnancy with regular sexual activity without the use of contraceptives.

An appropriate diagnosis is made after 12 months of trying.

However, there are concomitant signs that are often observed in infertility of an infectious origin.

For women it is:

• painful periods
• irregular menstrual cycle
• pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes paroxysmal
• discharge of blood from the genital tract after intercourse

For men:

• sexual disorders: decreased libido and worsening of erection, premature ejaculation
• significant decrease in semen volume
• change in the appearance of semen: yellow or green color, the appearance of blood, too thick, liquid or heterogeneous consistency, an unpleasant odor
• pain in the perineum or scrotum

Signs of genital infections in children

Often, sexually transmitted infections are transmitted to children from the mother. It occurs in utero or during childbirth. Less often - in the process of breastfeeding (HIV).

Signs of congenital genital infections in children can be different, depending on the causative agent of the disease. Often they develop inflammation of the conjunctiva. It is characteristic of bacterial infections.

Other manifestations are possible: pneumonia, damage to internal organs. Sometimes there are no signs at all, the disease may appear after a few months or even after a few years. As a rule, if a child was born from a sick mother, he receives preventive treatment from the first days of life, regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.

If you have signs of genital infections, please contact our clinic. We can take tests and get the necessary treatment.

If there are signs of a sexual infection, contact a competent venereologist.

STIs in men can be grouped into three categories:

1. Infections that cause lesions on the genitals (ulcers, pimples and formations on the genitals).
2. Sexually transmitted infections, which mainly lead to inflammation of the urethra, urethra (urethritis) in men.
3. Systemic STIs, due to which corresponding symptoms appear throughout the body.

Some infections (such as syphilis and gonorrhea) that cause localized symptoms or urethritis can also cause damage to other organs and spread throughout the body if left untreated.

Depending on the specific infection, lesions on the genitals are in the form of warts, painful sores and vesicles on the genitals of a man. STIs that lead to urethritis have early signs and symptoms often associated with a urinary tract infection, including discomfort, painful or burning sensation during urination, and discharge from the urethra.

INCUBATION PERIOD OF STIS IN MEN: TABLE

STD: LIST OF INFECTIONS IN MEN

The following list describes the signs, symptoms, and treatments for the most common sexually transmitted infections in men.

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is common among sexually active young people. This disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Both men and women are infected, many of them show no signs of illness. One of the most common symptoms that this infection causes in men is burning and discomfort when urinating (urethritis). Chlamydia can also lead to inflammation and pain in the testicles. Chlamydial infection is usually treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin. Re-infection (relapse) can sometimes occur, especially when the sexual partner of the infected man is not treated.

1. Gonorrhea

Like chlamydia, gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that does not always have symptoms and often goes undiagnosed, i.e. hidden. Gonorrhea also sometimes causes urethritis in men, which results in burning or pain when urinating and discharge from the urethra. Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus). If this STI in a man has symptoms, they occur approximately 4-8 days after infection. Gonorrhea can also cause infections in the rectum and throat. In addition, bacteria (gonococci) can spread inside the body, causing symptoms such as skin rashes and joint pain. Antibiotics, such as Cefiximum, are commonly used to treat gonorrhea in men. Doctors often prescribe treatment for chlamydia at the same time as gonorrhea medications, because the two infections often occur together.

1. Trichomoniasis

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the most dangerous STI because it causes dysfunction of the body's immune system. There are no specific symptoms that signal HIV infection, but some men develop a fever and flu-like condition 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Once active immune suppression by the virus begins, serious complications can develop, such as unusual (protracted and persistent) infections, certain types of cancer, and dementia. There are many drugs available today to delay or prevent the progression of the disease.

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) in men cause painful blisters (similar in part to pimples) on areas of the body that come into contact with a partner's skin during intercourse. They can be transmitted through any kind of sexual contact. Typically, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth, while HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is genital herpes, but at the same time, both types can infect the genital area. As with some other STIs, a man can be infected with HSV and have no or very mild symptoms. Even when the visible symptoms go away, the infection can still be passed on to another person.

The lesions caused by HSV usually take the form of painful blisters that eventually break open to form ulcers and then crusts. In men, the wounds are usually on the penis, scrotum, buttocks, anus, inside the urethra, or on the skin of the thighs. The first outbreak of herpes infection is usually more severe than subsequent outbreaks and may be accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes.

HSV infection is not curable and persists for life. It can cause a relapse at any time, although the number and severity of recurrence varies from person to person. Antivirals can shorten the severity and duration of an outbreak. For men with frequent relapses, longer courses of antiviral therapy are recommended (even when symptoms are no longer observed).

1. Genital warts (HPV)

Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) is a very common STI. There are many types of HPV that have different manifestations. Because of some of them, there are formations on the body that are not related to STIs, other types appear after unprotected intercourse, causing genital warts. Some types of HPV cause precancerous conditions and cervical cancer in women. Most people with HPV infection do not develop genital warts or cancer, and the body is able to suppress the infection on its own. It is now believed that more than 75% of sexually active people have been infected with the papillomavirus at some point in their lives. When HPV causes genital warts in men, the lesions appear as soft, fleshy, raised bumps on the penis or anal area. Sometimes they are larger and take on a cauliflower-like appearance.

There is no cure for HPV, but the symptoms of the virus often go away on their own. If this does not happen, you can undergo a procedure to remove genital warts (laser, acid preparations or liquid nitrogen). Boys and girls who have not yet become sexually active are vaccinated against the most common and dangerous types of HPV.

1. Hepatitis - inflammation of the liver

Hepatitis B and C are two viral diseases that can be transmitted sexually. Both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person or during sexual intercourse, similar to the HIV virus. Hepatitis B sometimes causes no symptoms, but in about 50% of cases it can cause acute hepatitis. The danger of contracting hepatitis B is that in about 5% of those infected, the disease becomes chronic. People with chronic hepatitis B are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer. However, an effective vaccine has already been created to prevent this disease. Treatment for the acute stage includes supportive care and rest, and men with chronic hepatitis are also treated with interferon or antivirals.

Unlike Hep. B, hepatitis C is rarely transmitted sexually and is usually spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. However, this virus can also be transmitted to a man through sexual contact. Most people infected with the hepatitis C virus do not have symptoms, so the disease often occurs in an advanced stage. Unlike hepatitis B, most people with HCV infection (75-85% of those infected) have a chronic infection with possible liver damage. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C yet.

1. Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum (treponema pallidum). If left untreated, the disease progresses through three phases and may also remain dormant. The initial manifestation is a painless ulcer, called a chancre, at the site of the genitals. Chancre develops 10-90 days after infection and resolves in 3-6 weeks. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but if the first stage of this infection is missed, secondary syphilis can develop. In secondary syphilis, the disease spreads to other organs, causing a variety of symptoms that may include skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, arthritis, kidney disease, or liver problems. After this stage, the man will have a latent infection for many years, after which tertiary syphilis develops. Tertiary syphilis can cause a variety of serious conditions, including infection of the brain, development of nodes called gummas, aortic aneurysms, vision loss, and deafness. Today, syphilis is curable with proper antibiotic treatment.

STD TESTS IN MEN: HOW TO TAKE

Many STDs are diagnosed on the basis of an imaging examination (clinical presentation and characteristic physical signs). For example, herpes and syphilis tend to have overt symptoms. Often the detection of infection depends on the general condition and immunity of the body.

Testing for chlamydia in men can be done on a urine sample. In this case, no preparation is required, but at least one hour before testing, you should not urinate. Scraping may also be used. To detect antibodies (which appear in response to an infection in the body), a blood sample is examined, in this case, before taking it, you must abstain from food for at least 4 hours.

To determine trichomoniasis, the PCR method can be used. In this case, scraping, prostate secretion, ejaculate or morning urine are taken for analysis. It is not recommended to take tests against the background of antibiotic treatment, unless it is prescribed by a doctor. Similarly, conduct a study on gonococci.

A blood sample is usually used to detect HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. For diagnosis of herpes and human papillomavirus, a swab or scraping is most often taken.

Which doctor to take an analysis and a smear for STIs for a man

A swab from the urethra or blood from a vein / finger for sexually transmitted infections can be taken from a man by a doctor of the laboratory (woman or man) in which the study will be carried out. If it is planned to take a smear in a free clinic, then an appointment for a study that is issued by a general practitioner, urologist, venereologist or dermatovenereologist may be required.

Some STIs may require consultation with other specialists, such as a gastroenterologist (for hepatitis) or an immunologist (for HIV).

TREATMENT OF STIS IN MEN

STIs in men can be treated by a urologist, venereologist or dermatovenereologist. Syphilis and gonorrhea are usually treated in a dermatovenerological dispensary, as these are serious diseases that require professional monitoring and adherence to the treatment regimen.

Sexually transmitted viral infections, such as HPV, can clear up on their own. Since there is no cure for papillomas, the treatment for genital warts is to remove them.

Hepatitis B and, to a greater extent, hepatitis C can persist and develop into a chronic infection. For their treatment, antiviral drugs and interferon can be used. Medicines to treat HIV can control the infection but do not completely cure the virus. Genital herpes persists for life, although antiviral drugs can reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

The consequences of STIs for men's health

Without proper treatment, some STDs begin to spread throughout the body and affect the entire body, causing far-reaching consequences. Gonorrhea and syphilis are examples of such treatable conditions that can cause serious consequences if they are not detected in time. HIV infection causes immune suppression that can lead to death from cancer or rare infections, although treatment can delay or delay the immunosuppressive effects of the virus. Hepatitis B and C can cause liver damage, which sometimes progresses to organ failure. Herpetic infection persists throughout life and may reappear periodically. STIs can also cause infertility.

Prevention of STIs in men

Condom use helps prevent the transmission of some STIs, but no prevention method is 100% safe. Sometimes STIs affect areas of the body that a man would normally not be protected by a condom during intercourse. Another common reason for infection is that preventive measures are ignored if the partner does not have visible signs of infection and symptoms of an STI, or they enter into unprotected contact without waiting for the partner to be completely cured (lack of visible symptoms does not always mean recovery). Limiting the number of unprotected sex can help reduce the risk of contracting infections, and early diagnosis with counseling and treatment can help prevent further spread of sexually transmitted infections.

The first signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women (STDs, STIs)

The negative side of sexually transmitted infections is that certain types of pathology are difficult to treat. The only option for the patient is to detect inflammation in a timely manner, i.e., the first signs and symptoms of STDs and be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. This increases the likelihood that complications will not arise, and the underlying health problem can be eliminated in a short time.

The first signs of sexually transmitted diseases in women

There are seven main first signs of sexually transmitted diseases in women, finding which you do not need to postpone a visit to the gynecologist:

Abnormal copious discharge from the genitals, having an unpleasant odor, a specific consistency.

Frequent urination, accompanied by soreness and general discomfort.

Enlargement of regional lymph nodes (especially in the groin).

Pain in the lower abdomen and inside the vagina.

Painful menstruation (uncharacteristic before).

Discomfort during intimacy, sensation of a foreign object, general inflammation of the mucous membrane of the genital tract.

Along with the listed symptoms of venous disease, a woman will notice reddening of the genital area and anus, in certain cases - erosion, blisters, rashes.

STD symptoms in women

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases that occur in women are similar only at first glance. Such a sign as discharge and rash may differ in color, consistency, localization; an increase in temperature is not always relevant, and an increase in lymph nodes is a phenomenon that is not characteristic of every sexually transmitted infection. Therefore, in order to differentiate pathology, not one symptom is taken into account, but a complex of them.

List of STI infections in women

Chlamydia

The first signs of STDs in women are observed after 1-4 weeks from the moment of infection. A woman has purulent discharge, urination becomes painful, an unpleasant sensation spreads to the lower abdomen, lumbosacral back. Noteworthy is the fact that bleeding occurs between menstruation.

If you ignore the listed symptoms of STDs in women and do not start treating the pathology, there is a high probability of inflammation of the fallopian tubes and cervix. Also, chlamydia adversely affects the course of pregnancy, creates additional difficulties in the process of labor. A newborn whose mother is sick with the sexually transmitted disease in question may develop conjunctivitis, inflammation of the nasopharynx, and lungs.

Trichomoniasis

Changes in health status become noticeable in the period from 4 to 21 days from the moment of infection.

The course of this disease confirms that the first signs of sexually transmitted diseases in women do not always look like purulent discharge from the vagina. With trichomoniasis, the patient notes abundant discharge of a foamy consistency. They are white or yellowish-green in color and are accompanied by a pungent odor. As the secretion comes into contact with the cover of the genital tract, which causes severe itching, intense irritation of the genitals, pain - both at rest and during urination.

A woman prefers to observe sexual rest, since intimacy causes discomfort due to extensive inflammation inside the organs of the reproductive system. Quite often, the pathology proceeds without severe symptoms of STIs.

It is important to identify the violation as early as possible, since the complications that it entails are serious - damage to the cervix and the inner layer of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, ureters, urethra. Along with diseases such as cystitis, endometritis, a critical condition, defined as peritonitis, may develop. Its symptoms are consistently high body temperature, pain in the peritoneum, sepsis.

Mycoplasmosis

The disease develops rapidly. The first symptoms of STIs in women are detected already 3 days after contact with an infected partner. In rare clinical cases, detection occurs only after a month. The incessant itching, discomfort in the area of ​​​​the external and internal genital organs attracts attention. Urination causes excruciating pain, discharge from the urogenital tract is insignificant, more often transparent.
Unlike men, in whom mycoplasmosis causes problems with sperm production, the functional activity of the reproductive organs of women does not suffer, and the main health problems are reduced to chronic inflammation of the genital organs.

Syphilis

A common sexually transmitted disease caused by the penetration of the pale spirochete into the body. The first signs of STIs in women are noticeable only after 3 weeks from the moment of infection (this is the minimum period).

Identifying the infection is quite simple: the obvious symptoms of STDs in women come down to extensive swollen lymph nodes, the appearance of roseola (red spots) and hard chancre. The general condition of the patient occurs with drastic changes - the period of remission may be replaced by an exacerbation. At the time of development of pink and red multiple spots on the surface of the skin, the level of body temperature rises.

A hard chancre is a specific neoplasm that clearly indicates the presence of syphilis. A well-defined erosion with a hard bottom is approximately 1 cm in diameter. The inflammatory element heals on its own, timely treatment will help speed up this process. If enlarged lymph nodes are located near a hard chancre, they are absolutely painless.

Among other manifestations of a venereal infection, massive hair loss attracts attention. If the patient does not seek medical help for a long time, extensive damage to internal organs occurs, which in 25% of cases leads to death.

Gonorrhea

Widespread infection. Without symptoms, STDs never occur in women: within a week (on average) after infection, vaginal discharge characteristic of gonorrhea appears. Pathological masses have a yellow or slightly greenish color, an extremely unpleasant purulent odor. Due to the constant contact of secretions with the mucous membrane of the bladder, cystitis develops - inflammation of this organ. The excretion of urine becomes more frequent, the process causes pain, there are constant pulling pains in the lower abdomen, additional bleeding occurs between menstruation.

Against the background of these signs, the body temperature rises, there is a general malaise, problems with the skin condition, the disease also affects the condition of the hair. If a venereal infection is ignored for a long time, the spleen and liver suffer. The immune system reduces its natural properties.

Often, gonorrhea is detected only when they turn to a gynecologist or urologist - with complaints of suspected cystitis, adnexitis, or endometritis. Gonorrhea tends to involve the tissues of the anus, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes in the main pathological focus. The most serious complication of the disease is infertility.

Laboratory diagnosis of venereal infections in women

When the doctor collects the maximum information regarding the state of the disease, clarifies the existing complaints and conducts an examination, the patient needs to undergo a series of tests. Since the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women resemble those of many other diseases, laboratory testing includes the following aspects:

1. Sowing secretions. The procedure, carried out in a bacteriological laboratory, takes a long time (at least 1 week), although its result unmistakably indicates an existing health problem.

2. A smear for microflora. With a special medical probe, a sample of secretions is taken from the patient from three points of the genital canal. Then the material is placed on a glass slide, stained with a special medium for a more accurate study of the composition of the secretion, and carefully examined under a microscope. In this way, the pathogen of bacterial and fungal origin is detected. Viruses are not detected by performing a smear.

3. ELISA (enzymatic immunoassay). A sample of vaginal discharge is subjected to study. The result of the study is ready after 5 hours (on average) after taking the analysis.

4. PCR. The most informative analysis to confirm the preliminary diagnosis. To perform a polymerase chain reaction or test for the DNA of the pathogen, a sample of urine or secretions from the genital canals is taken from the patient. The duration of the study on average does not exceed 2 days, the accuracy of the analysis is up to 95%. The method allows to identify infections of a latent or chronic course. If the patient has purulent inflammation, it is recommended to do an ELISA or culture.

5. To determine specific antibodies, venous blood is taken. The purpose of the study is to determine whether an immune response will occur in the presence of a particular pathogen. The method is effective in cases where it is necessary to confirm infections of viral origin (HIV, genital herpes) and syphilis. Since antibodies to bacteria are present in the blood for quite a long time (including after a therapeutic course), the method is never used to diagnose bacterial STIs, including chlamydia. You can read more about STD testing on our website.

In addition to the above tests, the venereologist prescribes a biochemical and clinical blood test, which reveals leukocytosis and an increase in ESR.

Not all sexually transmitted infections are treatable - genital herpes and human papillomavirus infection, for example, can only be stopped. The need for long-term treatment and the wide range of possible complications should motivate early medical attention.

The topic is very prosaic - sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In recent years, the rates of infection with sexually transmitted diseases have been steadily increasing. Unfortunately, this applies primarily to adolescents, due to the lack of proper sex education in schools and families. Statistics say that every 10 people on our planet suffer from STDs, not excluding children and the elderly.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a whole group of infectious diseases with a variety of clinical manifestations, united by sexual transmission and high social danger. The term appeared in 1980, and to date, more than 20 types of infections and viruses are classified as STDs: from deadly HIV infection to banal chlamydia, which, by the way, cannot be called trifling either. Moreover, in terms of prevalence in Russia, it is in second place after the flu.

According to the type of causative agent, STDs are divided as follows:

The World Health Organization classifies STDs as follows:

Common sexually transmitted infections

• gonorrhea;
• syphilis;
• lymphogranulomatosis (inguinal form);
• chancroid.
• granuloma of the venereal type.

Other STDs

that affect mainly the organs of the reproductive system:

• urogenital shigellosis (occurs in persons with homosexual sexual intercourse);
• trichomoniasis;
• candidal lesions of the genital organs, manifested by balanoposthitis and vulvovaginitis;
• mycoplasmosis;
• herpes type 2;
• gardnerellosis;
• scabies;
• genital warts;
• chlamydia;
• flatheads (pubic pediculosis);
• molluscum contagiosum.

that affect mainly other organs and systems:

• sepsis of newborns;
• Hepatitis B;
• lamblia;
• cytomegalovirus;
• AIDS;
• amoebiasis (typical for persons with homosexual contacts).

Often, STDs are asymptomatic and are detected only at the stage of development of complications. Therefore, it is very important to pay due attention to their prevention: use contraceptives, avoid casual sexual contact, observe hygiene and take tests twice a year in the direction of a gynecologist or urologist.

Of course, most STDs are curable, but not all. For example, it will never be possible to part with genital herpes - treatment only softens the course of the disease and reduces the frequency and severity of relapses. Only those under 25 have a chance to permanently get rid of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
By the way, it is believed that the human papillomavirus can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva and penis. The genital herpes virus also affects sperm, and if a woman becomes infected with it during pregnancy, it can cause severe congenital diseases of the fetus.

Note: almost all viral and bacterial sexually transmitted diseases penetrate the placental barrier, that is, they are transmitted to the fetus in utero and disrupt its physiological development. Sometimes the consequences of such infection appear only a few years after the birth of a child in the form of dysfunction of the heart, liver, kidneys, developmental disorders.

Treatment will be successful only if it is started without delay and completed. How to spot the very first danger signals?

An alert has been declared!

There are eight main signs, having discovered which, you should not delay a visit to the doctor.

1. Itching and burning in the intimate area.
2. Redness in the genital area and anus, sometimes - sores, vesicles, pimples.
3. Discharge from the genitals, smell.
4. Frequent, painful urination.
5. Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the groin.
6. In women - pain in the lower abdomen, in the vagina.
7. Discomfort during intercourse.
8. Cloudy urine.

However, for example, syphilis or chlamydia may appear several weeks after infection, and sometimes STDs can generally be hidden for a long time, turning into a chronic form.

Regardless of the presence of discomfort in the genital area, a preventive visit to the doctor is necessary twice a year, as well as after casual sexual contact, sexual violence, in case of infidelity of your regular partner. If you notice any STD symptoms, go to your appointment the same day.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women

The presence of certain symptoms of STDs in women is explained by the peculiarities of their physiology.

The following signs should alert a woman and become a reason for an extraordinary visit to the gynecologist:

• pain and dryness during sex;
• single or group enlargement of lymph nodes;
• dysmenorrhea (violations of the normal menstrual cycle);
• pain and discharge from the anus;
• itching in the perineum;
• anus irritation;
• rash on the labia or around the anus, mouth, body;
• atypical vaginal discharge (green, frothy, odorous, bloody);
• frequent painful urge to urinate;
• swelling of the vulva.

Sexually transmitted diseases in men: symptoms

You can suspect an STD in men by the following signs:

• blood in semen;
• frequent and painful urge to urinate;
• low-grade fever (not with all diseases);
• problems with normal ejaculation;
• pain in the scrotum;
• discharge from the urethra (white, purulent, mucous, with a smell);
• rash of various kinds on the head of the penis, the penis itself, around it.

Let's get to know each other better

• Chlamydia

Symptoms. 1-4 weeks after infection, patients develop purulent discharge, painful urination, as well as pain in the lower abdomen, in the lower back, bleeding between menstruation in women, in men - pain in the scrotum, perineum.

What is dangerous? In women, it can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes, cervix, pathologies of pregnancy and childbirth, diseases of the liver, spleen.
In men - to inflammation of the epididymis, prostate gland, bladder, impaired potency. Newborns may develop conjunctivitis, nasopharyngeal lesions, pneumonia.

• Trichomoniasis

Symptoms. They can appear on the 4-21st day after infection, sometimes later. Women have abundant foamy discharge of white or yellowish-green color with a pungent odor, causing severe itching and irritation of the genital organs, as well as pain, burning during urination, pain during intercourse. In men, there is a burning sensation during urination, mucopurulent discharge from the urethra. However, this disease is often asymptomatic.

What is dangerous? In women, the cervix and inner layer of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and urinary tract are affected. The infection can even cause peritonitis!
In men, the prostate gland, testicles and their appendages, and urinary tract are affected.

• Mycoplasmosis (in men - ureaplasmosis)

Symptoms. It can detect itself 3 days after infection, or maybe even a month later, manifesting itself as itching and discomfort in the genital area, scanty clear discharge, painful urination.

What is dangerous? A frequent complication in women is inflammation of the genital organs, in men - a violation of spermatogenesis.

• Gonorrhea

Symptoms. 3-7 days after infection, women develop yellowish-greenish vaginal discharge, frequent, painful urination, pain in the lower abdomen, and sometimes bloody discharge. However, in most of the fairer sex, the disease goes unnoticed for a long time. Men have pain and burning sensation during urination, yellowish-greenish purulent discharge from the urethra.

What is dangerous? In women, the urethra, vagina, anus, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are affected. In men - internal genital organs, chronic inflammation of the epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate develops, which threatens impotence, infertility.

• Syphilis

Symptoms. The incubation period of the disease is 3 to 6 weeks. The first sign is a rounded sore (hard chancre). In women, it lives on the labia or vaginal mucosa (sometimes in the anus, in the mouth, on the lips), in men - on the penis or scrotum. By itself, it is painless, but a week or two after its appearance, the nearest lymph nodes increase.
This is the time to start treatment! This is the first stage of the disease, when it is still reversible.

2-4 months after infection, the second stage develops - a rash “spreads” all over the body, high fever, headache appear, almost all lymph nodes increase.
In some patients, hair falls out on the head, wide condylomas grow on the genitals and in the anus.

What is dangerous? This disease is called slow death: if not fully cured in time, serious problems arise with the musculoskeletal system, irreversible changes occur in the internal organs, the nervous system - the third stage of the disease begins, in which about a quarter of patients die.

Forget about the Internet!

Did you notice that something is wrong? It is better to play it safe and hurry to the doctor, rather than looking on the Internet for symptoms and treatments.

How are STDs diagnosed? First - an examination by a doctor, then - tests and studies. The most modern method of DNA diagnostics: PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For research, scrapings are taken from the urethra, vagina and cervix.

Doctors also use the ELISA method (blood is taken from a vein or a scraping is done and the presence of antibodies to STDs is determined), bacterioscopy (most often it detects gonococci and Trichomonas) and many other diagnostic methods.

STDs are treated with antibacterial drugs, as well as local procedures (washing the urethra in men, sanitation of the vagina in women and other procedures).
At the end of the course of treatment, it is imperative to undergo a control examination - to pass several tests to make sure that there is no infection in the body.

What is important to know

• Is it possible to get infected in a bath or pool?

In fact, the likelihood of catching STDs in everyday life is very low. Microorganisms that cause venereal diseases are unstable in the external environment. In the pool, for example, it is almost impossible to pick up such an infection (unlike fungal or intestinal). Even if an HIV-infected or syphilis patient swims in the water next to you, chlorinated water will quickly kill pathogens.

However, in public toilets, if surfaces are not monitored there, there is a risk of infection with the papillomavirus or herpes virus. But the classic venereal diseases - syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis - require contact with blood or mucous membranes.
The exception is syphilis: it can be transmitted through saliva if you use the same dishes with the patient and do not wash them well. So, in any case, you should not forget about the rules of hygiene.

Keep in mind: for a short time, microorganisms that cause "bad" infections can survive on warm, damp clothes. Therefore, in the bath or pool (and at home too), do not use someone else's wet towel, washcloth or other personal hygiene items.

• Symptoms of sexual disease appear immediately?

Not always. With good immunity, a disease (for example, chlamydia) can proceed for years without symptoms. The person may not even know they are sick. And the only way to detect such a latent infection is through laboratory tests.

The first signs of infection in women are unusual vaginal discharge. In men, urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). Its symptoms are urinary incontinence and purulent discharge. All other symptoms (rashes, swollen lymph nodes, etc.) appear when the infection has already spread in the body.

• Condom - reliable protection against STDs?

Yes. If it is of good quality, has not expired, is properly sized and used correctly, then the risk of contracting most STDs is reduced to zero.
The exception is external warts and severe herpetic infection.

Incidentally, nonoxynol-9 spermicidal lubricant used on condoms does not protect against STDs, according to a 2001 WHO report. By damaging cell membranes, nonoxynol-9 spares neither spermatozoa, nor infections, nor the mucous membranes of the genital organs. By damaging the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, nonoxynol-9 "opens the gate" to infections.

While the condom is not the ideal way to prevent STDs, it is considered the most effective. Therefore, it is necessary to use condoms for all types of sex: vaginal, anal and oral.
In order not to increase the risks, you should buy condoms only in reputable pharmacies. To avoid damaging the condom, do not open the package with a file or fingernails.

It must be remembered: a condom can only be used with special lubricants. Ordinary creams and ointments are not suitable for this.
A common mistake is to use birth control pills, vaginal pills, or spermicidal creams with a condom. Gynecologists warn that these drugs disrupt the microflora of the vagina and provoke the development of candidiasis (thrush). Thus, instead of getting rid of problems, you can acquire them.

If you want to protect yourself as much as possible, it is enough to use a condom correctly and follow personal hygiene measures. A high degree of protection and the almost complete absence of side effects is a definite plus of condoms. However, it should be remembered that the condom can break, in which case you should have emergency prophylaxis on hand.

Emergency drug prophylaxis is also used - a single dose or injection of antibacterial drugs, which can only be prescribed by a dermatovenereologist. The procedure helps to prevent gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, syphilis and trichomoniasis. But this method should not be used frequently.

But you should not count on various gels, suppositories and vaginal tablets in terms of protection against STDs. These products contain spermicidal substances in insufficient quantities to secure at least 80-90%. In addition, the causative agents of many STDs do not live in seminal fluid, but on the genitals and are insensitive to spermicides.
The same applies to douching after intercourse with special gels or chlorine-containing antiseptics.

Remember!
Sexually transmitted diseases are dangerous, first of all, with complications: infertility, impotence, chronic inflammatory processes, lesions of the nervous system and internal organs. Improper treatment, ignoring symptoms, neglecting preventive measures can adversely affect your health.

What can be done in an emergency?

So, what to do after unprotected intercourse if you have no confidence in the health of your partner?

• Urinate profusely.
• Wash hands and external genitalia with soap.
• Treat the genitals, pubis and thighs with an antiseptic (miramistin, chlorhexidine and others). This technique helps to reduce the risk of STDs by 80-90%. But not 100%. So the best prevention is a condom and common sense.
• If it is not possible to visit a doctor in the next 24 hours, take a “shock” dose of antibiotics.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

It makes sense to see a doctor within 5 days of having unprotected sex. There are emergency drug treatments that can prevent the development of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
But it will not help against HIV and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Blood for hepatitis, syphilis and HIV is taken 3 months after contact. It makes no sense to be examined before: antibodies to these diseases do not appear in the blood immediately after infection.

Following these precautions will reduce the likelihood of infection and the severity of its possible consequences.

The sexual freedom that modern man is accustomed to using has its own “pitfalls”: according to WHO, at present, every tenth, including children and the elderly, suffer from one or another STD. Every 15 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. In order to maintain your health and not endanger your partner, timely prevention and treatment are required.

The constant increase in the number of sexually transmitted diseases does not indicate the complexity of prevention, but the irresponsible attitude of most people to their health and their ignorance in this matter. Often, patients are embarrassed to see a doctor when symptoms occur and try to get by with folk remedies. This is fraught with irreversible consequences for their health.

***
The only effective folk remedy for preventing STDs is complete sexual abstinence :).
Plus: it's free. Minus: does not exclude the possibility of infection by domestic means and in case of violence.
Based on materials

Sexually transmitted diseases are a rather serious modern problem. The scale of such diseases cannot be fully disclosed, since most people, having learned about their problem, are afraid to go to the doctor. Most often, patients are not even aware of their problems, since many sexually transmitted diseases do not show serious noticeable symptoms. Female genital infections, such as, for example, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, etc., occur without any symptoms at all.

Causes of sexual infections in the world.

The reason for the emergence of more and more new varieties of sexual diseases is, of course, modern ecology and unprotected sexual intercourse. The current generation has a very weak immune system, due to which such infections are easily transmitted and are increasingly occurring in today's youth. The body simply cannot cope with the natural fight and defense against these types of infections.

All currently existing sexually transmitted diseases are named after Venus, who was the goddess of love bonds. HIV, syphilis, genital herpes, venereal lymphogranulomatosis, horonea are the most popular venereal diseases. Diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse are the most popular infectious diseases. A disease like gonorrhea affects about 260 million people throughout the year worldwide! But the most terrible problem of mankind is to this day AIDS.

But also every day more and more new sexual infections appear: these are trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, chlamydia, genital herpes, urethritis, ureaplasmosis, papillomavirus, bacterial urethritis and do not forget about HIV infection.

The most common infections in the world

Scientists are still arguing about the appearance of these diseases on earth. Someone says that they were brought by sailors from exotic islands, where, as you know, most of the sexual infections originated. Others are even inclined to believe that it was the goddess of love who rewarded all the "naughty" with such charms. Whether this is so, we can only guess.

What is sexual infections?

Almost all sexually transmitted infections are treatable, but diseases such as HIV, HPV, hepatitis B are incurable. You can only stop the progression of the disease with the help of drugs and a serious course of treatment. But, unfortunately, not everyone succeeds in healing sexual infections, since they learn about the problem too late, and not everyone has the opportunity to undergo such an expensive treatment.

Classification of genital infections

Types of genital infections:

1. Even despite the constant advances in medicine and microbiological research, the use of more and more new antimicrobial drugs does not always have the desired effect in the treatment of sexual diseases. Such diseases include female genital infections, such as:
infections of the vulva
Vaginal infections.
And in particular, it is the more common genital herpes, candidiasis or thrush, vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis.

2. Sexual diseases are divided into a number of genitourinary infections. These include: a genitourinary infection in the form of inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), as well as any inflammation of the urination canal - urethritis, vesiculitis, endometritis, etc.

3. Sexual viral infections:
AIDS or HIV infection, the causative agent is the immunodeficiency virus.
Genital herpes, the causative agent is the herpes virus of the second type.
· Infections caused by the human papillomavirus - papillomas and condylomas of the genital tract.
Hepatitis B virus.
A discharge of viruses called cytomegaloviruses causes a disease called cytomegalovirus.
· And one of the varieties of the smallpox virus causes the disease of molluscum contagiosum.
And don't forget about Kaposi's Sarcoma.

4. Sexual fungal infections. This type of infection includes pathogenic and opportunistic fungi. Such fungi are not included in the normal microflora of the body, but conditionally pathogenic ones can be present in our body, but only in small quantities. In case of any violations of the relationship between the normal environment and opportunistic fungi, they provoke the appearance of mycoses, or, as they are called in another way, fungal infections.
Sexual fungal infections include: any type of candidiasis (yeast fungus), which has a huge number of related names - this is thrush, genital fungus, urogenital candidiasis and mycosis, vulvovaginal mycosis.

5. Male genital infections are also quite common and very dangerous. These are male gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, gardenerelosis, genital warts, ureplasmosis, molluscum contagiosum, etc.

Diagnosis of genital infections. Ways to detect viruses and infections in the early stages

During visits to doctors who specialize in identifying these diseases, tests can be taken in various ways. The most popular is scraping from the vagina, cervical canal, cells from the urethra, or in other cases, take a blood test. But this method can reveal not all sexual infections.
The most accurate analysis at the moment is the polymerase procedure - this is a molecular diagnostic that allows you to detect any pathogens of genital infections. It also determines pathogens that have been living in this organism for a long time, the procedure takes place without the use of the seeding method, which greatly simplifies the task of identifying diseases and infections of the genital tract. In cases of genital herpes and papillomaviruses, such an analysis is necessary. The accuracy of this method is 100%.

This method is very expensive and requires compliance with many rules, the availability of the necessary equipped laboratory. Only a highly qualified doctor can conduct this type of study, observing all the rules when conducting this analysis. But do not forget that no matter how accurate the analysis, there is always the possibility of false results. This happens when the analysis is contaminated, the pathogen got into the analysis already dead from a long course of treatment, and when the patient's immunity overcame the infection, it was at the stage of elimination from the body.

For the accuracy of the results, it is better to combine several different research methods.

So, for example, to pass a special blood test (enzymatic immunoassay) is a type of laboratory study that studies the manifestation of the reactions of the immune system to a pathogen. This type of research is often used to determine any sexual diseases.

There is also such a type of analysis as bacteriological culture. This analysis is carried out in this way: secretions are taken for a sample and placed in a special environment that promotes the rapid reproduction of pathogens and then their reaction to various types of antibiotics is checked. This method is not relevant for complex stages of the disease, since this type of analysis lasts about 14 days, if it is possible to pass other tests, then it is better to seek help from them. But to conduct such an analysis in tandem with the rest is also necessary to identify a response to antibiotic treatment.

The most famous type of diagnostic

This is a smear that has existed for many years, checking the condition of the flora of the woman's vagina. A standard gynecological analysis of discharge is given to determine the current state of the vaginal microflora. In a normal state, the microflora maintains an acidic environment, preventing the reproduction of various microbes. And in case of any violations, the reverse process occurs. Such a smear should be taken immediately after unprotected intercourse, and if you have the following symptoms:
· Pain in the abdomen.
The appearance of various kinds of secretions.
Pain, itching and other painful manifestations on the genitals.

Taking a smear and checking yourself for any fungal and viral infections is recommended for all women, especially pregnant women, patients treated with antibiotics or drugs that deal a devastating blow to the entire immune system of the body.

What is the treatment for sexually transmitted infections?

How to get rid of such terrible diseases than to treat sexual infections? In the world there are several ways to treat both diseases and infections of the genital organs. For example, diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis and chlamydia are treated with special antibiotics (one tablet each).

Diagnoses such as HIV and herpes are treated under the influence of antiretroviral drugs, these types of drugs can extinguish the focus of the disease for a while, but are not able to completely cure it. How to treat sexual infections is a difficult question, because the process of such treatment is difficult, but science in our world does not stand still, and every day comes up with more and more new methods of dealing with this disease.

Hepatitis B is treated with immunomodulators and antiretroviral drugs. They are designed to fight viruses and slow down the destruction of the liver.
Due to the fact that sexual diseases and infections progress every year, it becomes more and more difficult to treat them. They develop a kind of resistance to many types of antibiotics, thereby reducing treatment options to a minimum. For example, gonorrhea has become unresponsive to standard antimicrobial therapy, resulting in drug-resistant gonococcus.

To protect yourself, it is worth remembering that against diseases such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, in modern medicine there are protective vaccines. They are a great way to prevent the occurrence of such diseases. Hepatitis B vaccine has been shown to save more than 1.4 million people from cancer and liver disease (chronic) through childhood immunization. And the human papillomavirus vaccine, when properly vaccinated, has saved more than four million women worldwide from dying from cervical cancer. Good and 100% vaccines for diseases such as herpes and HIV are not yet available, although there have been advances in development. And vaccines against gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia are still being developed.

Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

To prevent any sexual viruses and fungi, there are the following measures:

Circumcision is suitable for men. It reduces the possibility of HIV infection by 65%. It also protects against any existing sexually transmitted infections (herpes and human papillomavirus, etc.).
The use of a special gel - tenofovir. Helps prevent female genital infections. This is a bactericidal agent that has gone through many stages of testing and testing. It has been proven to prevent and protect against the onset of diseases such as HIV.

What sexual infections are transmitted?

All sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections are transmitted to your partner in most cases. It is important to remember that it is necessary for both partners to treat such diseases, because if you are treated and your partner is not, then there are high chances that you will catch the same disease again after recovery. You should also remember that men have fewer symptoms than women, so you should immediately tell your partner about possible problems.

Let's look at some sexual diseases in more detail.

3. Bacterial sexual disease mycoplasmosis is caused by microbes that live on the mucous membrane of the genital organs of urination. This type of disease is asymptomatic, and it is quite difficult to identify it. They can also be found in the body of a healthy person, but with complications they cause inflammation of the uterus, appendages, bacterial vaginosis.

4. Another bacterial disease is ureaplasmosis. The causative agent is microbacteria located on the genitals, and more precisely on the mucous membrane. Like microplasmosis, this disease is asymptomatic, and is detected only with complex laboratory tests. For women, this disease threatens with miscarriages, premature births, infections of the fetus, and infertility.

5. Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of another sexual infection - trichomoniasis. This disease can be picked up during oral, anal sex, and there is a possibility of infection by household means (through wet towels). It manifests itself in women in the form of pain during sex and urination, as well as yellow or greenish discharge (foamy), redness of the genitals. This disease is very dangerous for pregnant women, causes premature birth, miscarriages, affects the cervix, causes erosion.

6. One of the most popular sexual diseases is genital herpes. Affects during any sexual intercourse. Symptoms are irritation, swelling of the organs, subsequently, bubbles with liquid appear, they open, and ulcers form in their place, which heal for a rather long time. It is very dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause fetal death or problems with the nervous system.

7. A viral and rather dangerous disease - cytomegalovirus, is transmitted not only during sexual intercourse, but also during kissing, in everyday life through salivary secretions. This disease does not show any symptoms, it is quite difficult to notice its presence. People with low immunity are more susceptible to this disease. Dangerous during pregnancy, causes nervous disorders of the psyche of the fetus and often fatal.

8. One of the most dangerous viral diseases is the human papillomavirus. In all people, it proceeds differently and has different types and subtypes, as well as the appearance of various symptoms: warts, papillomas, condylomas, genital cancer. It does not show up in diagnostics, it is quite difficult to detect. Very high risk of disease. With timely detection of the disease, it can be healed and get rid of the symptoms. But remember that this disease provokes stress and hormonal changes, so pregnant women, women who have given birth, women during menopause need to be constantly examined for the presence of such an infection.

9. An increased amount of bacteria in a woman's vagina causes a disease called bacterial vaginosis. A large number of harmful bacteria begins to destroy all useful ones, such a violation leads to an imbalance of microflora. This is more a dysbacteriosis than a serious sexual infection. This disease manifests itself as a white vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant odor.

10. And don't forget about candidiasis. It's an overabundance of Candida. Symptoms of this disease are abundant vaginal discharge (white), pain when urinating, itching of the genitals.