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| Home > FAQs > STIs FAQs | ||
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STD
What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? The term "sexually transmitted diseases" or "STDs" represents a group of more than 25 different diseases that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact STDs can be transmitted through oral, anal, or vaginal sex. They can be transmitted from partner to partner with or without visible signs or symptoms. Many people can pass an STD to a sex partner without knowing it. Some STDs can be passed without having intercourse; they can be passed through skin-to-skin contact What are the typical symptoms of STDs? Many STDs have no noticeable symptoms. When they occur, typical STD symptoms for women may include unusual vaginal discharge (flow), sores, bumps, burning when urinating, and redness or itching around the vaginal area. Typical symptoms for men may include discharge from the penis, burning when urinating, and sores, bumps, or redness on or around the penis.
Can I get STDs from a towel or a toilet seat? Most STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and genital warts, are spread only through direct sexual contact with an infected person. Crabs (pubic lice) or scabies, which are often sexually transmitted, can be passed through contact with infested items like clothes, sheets, or towels. Does the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) facilitate HIV transmission? Yes. Every STD causes some damage to the genital skin and mucous layer, which facilitates the entry of HIV into the body. The most dangerous are:
Why is early treatment of STD important? High rates of STD caused by unprotected sexual activity enhance the transmission risk in the general population. Early treatment of STD reduces the risk of spread to other sexual partners and also reduces the risk of contracting HIV from infected partners. Besides, early treatment of STD also prevents infertility and ectopic pregnancies. Is There a Relationship Between HIV and Other STDs? The presence of certain STDs increases the risk of getting HIV infection during contact with an HIV-infected person. Certain STDs result in breaks in the skin on or in the anus, vagina, or penis that permit the virus to enter the blood system more easily. See a health care provider for testing and treatment if you think you might have any STD.
STDs are very common. In many developing countries it ranks among the top five conditions for which adults seek health care. WHO estimates that 340 million new cases of syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichonmoniasis have occurred among men and women in the age of 15 -49 years. What should I do if I think I have an STD? If you think you have an STD, see a health care provider immediately. Seeking treatment early will help to minimize the long-term effects of most STDs. Avoid sexual contact until you are cured. Make sure your partner(s) get tested and treated too. Can I get an STD more than once? You are not "immune" to an STD if you have had it before. STDs caused by bacteria (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) can be treated and cured, but you can get them again if exposed. Viral STDs cannot be cured and may remain in your body forever. Bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, can be easily treated and cured. Viral STDs like herpes, genital warts, and HIV are incurable, but there are treatments available to lessen the severity of the disease. Is it true that if I get tested for HIV, I get tested for all STDs? No. Each STD, including HIV, has its own test. Talk to your health care provider to make sure you're getting the test you need. Currently, there are no home tests for STDs. The only way to know if you have an STD is to see a healthcare provider and get tested.
How serious are the complications of STDs? If left untreated, STDs can lead to major health problems. HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Other STDs can cause infertility, tubal pregnancy, reproductive tract cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, and serious complications in newborns. Complications from STDs often occur years after infection. ( AORTIC ANEURYSM, PARAPLEGIA ) Are women at greater risk for STDs? Yes, women are at greater risk for many STDs, including HIV. Women are biologically more susceptible than men to becoming infected if exposed to an STD. STDs are also less likely to produce symptoms in women, and therefore are more difficult to diagnose until serious problems develop, such as PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). What is the best protection against STDs? All STDs are preventable. Abstinence (not having sex) is the only sure way to prevent an STD. If you are having sex, using condoms (latex or polyurethane) can significantly reduce the risk of getting an STD, when used correctly. Limiting your number of sex partners also reduces your risk of getting an STD.
What is the difference between "STD" and "STI"? STD is short for sexually transmitted disease. STI is short for sexually transmitted infection. They are synonymous; STI is the latest accepted terminology. What is the difference between bacterial and viral STDs? The main difference between these two categories of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is what causes them -- bacterial STDs are caused by bacteria and viral STDs are caused by viruses. As a result of being caused by different microorganisms, bacterial and viral STDs vary in their treatment. Bacterial STDs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, are often cured with antibiotics. However, viral STDs, (the four "H's) such as HIV, HPV (genital warts), herpes, and hepatitis (the only STD that can be prevented with a vaccine), have no cure, but their symptoms can be alleviated with treatment. In addition to bacteria and viruses, STDs can also be caused by protozoa (trichomoniasis) and other organisms (crabs/pubic lice and scabies). These STDs can be cured with antibiotics or topical creams/lotions. One of the most common symptoms of an STD is no symptoms. So it's important to go for check-ups. 80 percent of women and 40 percent of men diagnosed with chlamydia may not experience symptoms. STDs need to be diagnosed correctly and fully treated as soon as possible to avoid complications that could be serious and/or permanent.
How effective are latex condoms in preventing HIV? Studies have shown that latex condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV transmission when used consistently and correctly. These studies looked at uninfected people considered to be at very high risk of infection because they were involved in sexual relationships with HIV-infected people. The studies found that even with repeated sexual contact, 98-100 percent of those people who used latex condoms correctly and consistently did not become infected. Condoms can only work well if they do not come off or split. If they are stored and used carefully, this will only very rarely happen. Both men and women should know how to use one. It is a good idea for people to practice putting a condom on and off - in private, on a penis or suitable object, before using one during sex. They will then feel happy and confident that they know what to do. You should:
With anal sex there is a greater risk that a normal condom will split, so a special thicker condom should be used, together with lots of a water based lubricant. Never re-use a condom If a new condom is used each time a couple has sex, they will be protecting both themselves and their partners health and future life.
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