What do sexually transmitted diseases look like? Skin and venereal diseases, symptoms

Venereal diseases are called diseases, the transmission of which occurs predominantly. At the moment, a large number of diseases are known that actively affect the body of both women and men. To prevent the negative consequences of sexually transmitted diseases, it is necessary to know their main symptoms, as this will allow for timely treatment.

Common venereal diseases

The number of diseases of a venereal nature includes a fairly wide range of diseases that differ from each other in the mechanism of occurrence, the effect on the patient's body, and methods of treatment. Regardless of the type of pathology, it must be remembered that the lack of medical care can lead to serious complications, and affect not only the reproductive system, but also health in general.

Major venereal diseases:

In general, there are a large number of sexually transmitted diseases that can affect both women and men.

Transfer Methods

One of the features that distinguish sexually transmitted diseases from other groups of diseases is that pathogenic microorganisms are not able to stay in the external environment for a long time. For normal life they need the appropriate conditions. In view of this, in most cases, the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases occurs through direct contact.

Methods of infection:

• Act. It is the main route of infection by microorganisms that provoke the development of sexually transmitted diseases. Most often, infection occurs during classical sexual intercourse, however, some diseases are easily transmitted during anal or oral sex, which affects not only the genitals. The most striking examples are syphilis and gonorrhea, in which almost any mucous membrane can be affected. The likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases increases with group sexual intercourse or a constant change of partners.
• Household means. Some types of sexual infections can be in the water for quite a long time. In view of this, infection can occur when using common hygiene products. A contributing factor to infection is reduced immunity, which is especially important for children. Some types of infection are able to enter the body with water.
• intrauterine infection. Like most other infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases can cross the placenta and enter the baby's body. In addition, pathogenic microorganisms are able to infect during infection. Especially often in this way it transmits chlamydia, which provokes the development of conjunctivitis in children.
• Parenteral way. This route of infection consists in the entry of pathogenic bacteria into the blood of a sick person during a blood transfusion. This can happen when using non-sterile medical devices, and in particular syringes. In this way, you can become infected not only with sexually transmitted diseases, but also with many other pathologies, including HIV infection.

Sexually transmitted diseases are primarily transmitted sexually, but they can also infect the body in other ways.

Signs of illness

Due to the rather long incubation period, some symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in men and women may appear in the later stages of development or not appear at all. In such cases, treatment is often accompanied by difficulties, possible complications.

First of all, it should be noted that the incubation period is an individual indicator for each patient. It depends on the way the infection enters the body, the condition, the nature of the disease. In some cases, the incubation period can be more than 2 months, and pass without any pronounced symptoms. At the same time, an infected person acts as a peddler, especially if he regularly engages in unprotected sexual intercourse with new partners.

Venereal diseases can occur in both acute and chronic forms. In the first case, the development of the disease occurs due to contact of the organism with pathogenic microorganisms. The transition to the chronic form occurs if the acute one has not been cured in a timely manner. In this case, a sick person may feel well, not experience unpleasant symptoms of the disease, but be an active spreader of the infection.

The main signs of venereal disease in men:

• Problems with urination. The occurrence of a venereal disease, as a rule, significantly affects this process. The patient has a burning sensation in the urethra. Also may note soreness, discoloration of urine. The frequency of going to the toilet tends to increase.
• . Basically, this symptom is characteristic of sexually transmitted diseases in women. However, in men with some diseases, discharge in the form of pus or foam can also be observed. As a symptom of the disease, increased secretion of the mucous substance is also released.
• General state. The acute form of the disease often leads to a significant deterioration in the patient's well-being. His body temperature rises, there are severe pain in the lumbar region, headaches, nausea. Perhaps a prolonged lack of appetite, and the weight loss caused by this.
• Skin manifestations. In most cases, with diseases of the venereal type, there is a change in skin color in the genital area. In men, as a rule, the head of the penis is much redder, swelling appears. When infected with herpes, rashes may appear. With syphilis, patients develop an inflammatory process, which, most often, turns into a purulent form.
• Blood impurities. With some sexually transmitted diseases in men, blood clots are observed in. In this case, the seminal fluid may be of an unusual consistency, be too thick, or, on the contrary, liquefied. In most cases, semen has a strong odor and is dark in color.

In general, the symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease in men can be different, and depend primarily on the nature of the disease. At the first sign of infection, seek medical attention.

Diagnosis and treatment

A visit to the doctor is necessary not only in case of severe symptoms. Diagnostic procedures are often recommended for preventive purposes, especially when planning a pregnancy. In addition, a venereologist should be checked in case of unprotected intercourse with a new partner.

When symptoms of diseases appear, self-medication is unacceptable. In the vast majority of cases, medicines that are not available without a prescription are used for therapeutic purposes. It should also be remembered that if a sexually transmitted disease is suspected, it is necessary to interrupt sexual activity and warn a permanent partner.

Primary diagnosis consists in the implementation of a survey and examination of the patient. The specialist studies the symptoms that have arisen, interrogates the patient about the period of their occurrence. The degree of sexual activity of the patient, the methods of contraception used by him are also being studied.

According to the results obtained at the input of the primary diagnostics, a secondary one is assigned. It consists in the use of various laboratory methods for examining the patient.

The main diagnostic methods:

• Smears from the affected
• Serological tests
• polymerase chain reaction
• General analysis of urine and semen
• Cultural examination

Treatment of the disease is prescribed in accordance with the results of the diagnosis. The main method is drug therapy, which involves taking drugs that inhibit the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Antibiotics of various groups are used for these purposes.

In addition, active symptomatic therapy is carried out, which is aimed at eliminating the external manifestations of the disease. For these purposes, painkillers, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic drugs, as well as immunostimulants are used.

After the prescribed course of treatment, the patient must be re-examined to determine the degree of effectiveness of therapy, and to make sure of complete recovery.

Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is mandatory, since their absence can provoke a number of serious complications.

Preventive measures

It is possible to prevent the ingress of infections that provoke sexually transmitted diseases through active prevention. It must be carried out continuously and produced by both partners.

Basic preventive measures:

• Prevention. Using a condom during intercourse is the best protection against various infections. It is important to remember that the contraceptive should only be used once. In the absence of condoms, it is best to refuse the act, and thus completely protect your body.
• Medical prevention. It is carried out with the use of various emergency antibacterial drugs. Used in case of unprotected intercourse with a potentially infected partner. The drugs Betadine, Patentex, Pharmatex are mainly used. Before using medicines, you must read the instructions.
• Hygiene. Getting an infection into the body does not give a 100% guarantee of the development of a sexually transmitted disease. As a rule, the disease occurs due to the active reproduction of its pathogens, which is facilitated by a number of factors. The main one is non-observance of intimate hygiene, due to which an optimal environment for life activity is created for bacteria. In view of this, a prerequisite for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is the observance of hygiene standards.
• Strengthening. Reduced immune properties of the body is also a factor contributing to the development of sexually transmitted diseases. In view of this, prevention includes active measures to strengthen immunity. For these purposes, it is recommended to follow the right diet, consume a large amount of vitamins, temper the body.

• Passing inspections. The frequency of diagnostic procedures should be at least 1 time per year. Experts recommend visiting a doctor once every six months, which significantly reduces the risk of both acute and chronic course of the disease.

It is possible to prevent the development of a sexually transmitted disease by observing a number of preventive rules.

While watching the video, you will learn about sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases in men are accompanied by a number of symptoms, if they appear, you should consult a doctor. Timely treatment eliminates the likelihood of serious complications, including infertility, the transition to a chronic form or the appearance of oncological diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. Microbes that provoke the disease are found in the blood, saliva of an infected person.

In addition to direct sexual contact, venereal disease can be transmitted during pregnancy or during childbirth. The carrier of the disease is the mother, the child becomes infected. When breastfeeding, there is also the possibility of infection. The risk of infection is also high with blood transfusions.

Currently, sexually transmitted diseases are very common. In order to identify the disease in time and begin treatment, it is necessary to know what symptoms occur with these infections. It is also important to observe, it is necessary to exclude unprotected sexual intercourse in order to avoid infection with a sexually transmitted disease.

Classification of venereal diseases

All diseases that can be transmitted through sexual contact are divided into the following types:

• viral
• fungal
• bacterial
• protozoan
• skin

Pathogenic microflora can also cause urethritis, colpitis, vaginosis. These diseases are not sexually transmitted diseases, but often accompany them.

Ways of contracting venereal diseases

Venereal disease in several ways. Let's consider them in more detail.

The first and main way of infection is sexual contact. Moreover, you can get infected not only with the traditional act, but also with anal and oral. Therefore, it is reckless to believe that only in the traditional way you can get a venereal disease, and with other options this risk is excluded.

The second way of infection is household. Infection occurs through bed linen, towels, on which the discharge of the carrier of the disease remains.

There is also a high probability of infection through the transmission method, namely due to blood transfusion, the use of infected medical instruments and reusable needles.

Main symptoms

After sexual contact or any other method of infection, a certain time must pass before the onset of the disease, which is called the incubation period. The most common early signs of a sexually transmitted infection include:

• urination occurs frequently and with pain
• profuse discharge from the genital tract with an unpleasant odor
• itching occurs
• mucous membrane becomes inflamed

In some cases, these signs are not symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease, they may accompany another disease of the genitourinary system. In addition, some sexually transmitted diseases may not cause symptoms. This may be fraught with the occurrence.

Oct 27, 2016 Violetta Doctor

To venereal diseases, or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infectious diseases that are caused by bacterial, viral, fungal and other pathogens, united mainly by the method of transmission of infection.

Infection transmission requires close physical contact with the interaction of body fluids. Sexually transmitted diseases are not spread by airborne droplets, but certain STDs can be transmitted in other ways: household and parenteral.

What are venereal diseases

Usually, venereology considered only a few diseases, the causative agents of which are precisely known to be spread during sexual intercourse. Today, these diseases are called classic traditional venereal diseases.

In our time, the list of sexually transmitted diseases has expanded significantly, since other pathogens have been found that are transmitted primarily through sexual contact.

The causative agents of most of these diseases have been well studied and effective methods for their treatment and prevention have been found, and yet venereal diseases are still widespread.

In the treatment of STDs, early diagnosis of the disease and the time elapsed from the moment of infection to the start of treatment are essential, since when neglected, most of them lead to infertility. This is an extremely serious problem, since people of the most reproductive age are most susceptible to infection with sexually transmitted infections.

Therefore, one of the most important areas of venereology is prevention and sanitary and educational activities, since timely measures taken to prevent venereal diseases can avoid serious health problems. Usually, venereal diseases respond well to adequate therapy, but their treatment must be consistent and persistent, and necessarily brought to a complete cure.

And yet the main mode of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases remains sexual contact, and not only genital.

Descriptions of venereal diseases

Prevalence and causes of sexually transmitted diseases

The top lines of the world ranking, including the most common sexually transmitted diseases, are firmly occupied by trichomoniasis and chlamydia: up to 250 million cases are detected annually, and the proportion of those infected is about 15% of the total population of the Earth. They are followed by gonorrhea (100 million "fresh" cases per year) and syphilis (up to 50 million).

The graphic representation of the incidence resembles a wave, the peaks of which fall on the time of social changes for the worse and the post-war years.

Causes causing an increase in the incidence of STDs

At-risk groups

Traditional risk groups include:

• prostitutes;
• the homeless;
• illegal migrants;
• alcoholics;
• drug addicts.

However, they are confidently catching up with the growing incidence among quite successful people:

• personnel of companies operating abroad;
• employed in the field of tourism business and tourists;
• sailors, pilots and stewardesses are also included in the list of unreliable for STDs.

Classification of venereal diseases

Venereal diseasesModern venereology knows more than 20 sexually transmitted infections, the causative agents of which are: protozoa, viruses, bacteria, arthropods and yeast fungi. All sexually transmitted diseases are classified into:

Classic venereal diseases

• gonorrhea;
• syphilis;
• venereal lymphogranuloma.

These STIs are examples of the most dangerous classical venereal diseases. They are very difficult to treat and can have severe consequences for the body. Despite the fact that the cultural development of society has stepped far forward, it is sexually transmitted diseases that are most often epidemic.

Venereal diseases affecting the genitourinary system

• trichomoniasis;
• ureaplasmosis;
• chlamydia;
• gardnerellosis;
• genital herpes;
• candidiasis;
• and a number of other diseases affecting the genitourinary system.

All this group is united by the latent nature of the course of the disease. In addition, diseases from this group tend to co-exist in the body of one patient of several types of pathogens. This specificity is fraught with the development of a neglected intractable stage, despite the apparent ease of each individual disease. That is why venereal diseases of the second group are no less dangerous to health than classic sexually transmitted infections.

Sexually transmitted diseases that affect other human organs

• hepatitis of various groups;
• AIDS;
• cytomegalovirus infection.

Despite the fact that these infections are predominantly sexually transmitted, they mainly affect other systems of the body and its individual organs. So AIDS destroys the immune system, and hepatitis affects the liver.

When patients are diagnosed with these most dangerous diseases, they in most cases fall into despair. But under no circumstances should this be done. Modern venereology has achieved great success and continues to develop, and today there are very, very many examples of a long full-fledged life of people even with such serious ailments.

Signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women are usually minor, mild. In most women, the disease is asymptomatic or accompanied by symptoms characteristic of a whole group of STDs.

It must be emphasized that it is impossible to diagnose STDs solely on the basis of their signs and symptoms - the symptoms of many sexually transmitted diseases are very similar.

Another difficulty in diagnosing is that the symptoms and signs of infection with sexually transmitted diseases are almost indistinguishable from the symptoms of other infections that cause inflammation. However, there are a number of signs that indicate the presence of the disease.

If you value your health and the health of your loved ones, then even with minor dysfunction of urination or discomfort in the lower abdomen, you should consult a gynecologist. An acute, "fresh" disease is cured much easier, faster and with minimal consequences for the body than a chronic one.

Signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in men

The symptoms of some sexually transmitted diseases may be more specific. In other words, there are sexual infections that have their own characteristics that are special from other infections. For an adequate diagnosis of STDs, it is necessary to contact a venereologist and be tested for infections.

Testing for sexually transmitted diseases

It is important to note that the diagnosis of STDs is always a complex of tests for sexually transmitted diseases. None of the methods is sufficient to establish an unambiguous diagnosis. A negative result of one analysis is not sufficient reason to exclude the disease.

An integrated approach necessarily includes:

In case you have the slightest doubt or have had unsafe sex, do not put off a visit to the doctor.

Treatment of venereal diseases

Unfortunately, many people think that the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is a simple matter: you can find out from your friends what medications he used. However, such an opinion is erroneous.

In fact, the treatment of genital infections is the prerogative of the doctor, and self-medication is not allowed.

Any sexual infection reacts only to a specific group of antibiotics. There are bacteria whose susceptibility to certain drugs changes over time. Some infections are immune to specific antibiotics because they have already been treated with them. As a result, a patient suffering from a venereal disease should be treated exclusively by a venereologist.

In order for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases to be successful, a thorough, integrated approach is needed. The patient must fully trust his doctor and give him the opportunity to use adequate methods of treatment. An extremely unacceptable thing is self-treatment of venereal diseases.

Even not every doctor can correctly diagnose the disease and select the necessary methods for treating genital infections; for this, it is necessary to have not only special knowledge, but also extensive experience in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.

The results of self-treatment can be very sad - this is not only undertreatment, but also intestinal and vaginal dysbacteriosis, which are difficult to treat, liver diseases, and the danger of transferring the infection into a "latent" form - which after many years can "wake up".

Complications caused by sexually transmitted diseases

According to health organizations, about half of people with chlamydia, gonococcus, ureaplasma and trichomonas cannot have children.

Prolonged presence in the human body of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases can lead to serious consequences and cause:

• infertility;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• pathology during gestation;
• complications during childbirth;
• infant infection;
• fetal death;
• pathology of the placenta;
• pelvic pain;
• increased risk of HIV infection;
• ectopia of the cervix;
• menstrual disorders;
• endometriosis;
• adhesive process;
• prostatitis and urethritis;
• sexual impotence;
• neoplasms in the genital area.

Prevention of venereal diseases

Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases plays an important role in the fight against them. The prevalence of genital infections prompted specialists to start intensive work to find methods not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of pathological processes of this etiology.

The prevention of sexually transmitted diseases includes various activities, among which one of the main values ​​today is the observance of hygiene standards for sexual life.

Frequent change of partners, passion for casual relationships and ignoring contraceptives significantly increase the risk of contracting STDs. In addition, it should be borne in mind that many of them are prone to a latent course, when the clinical picture is absent or not pronounced, which is why it is advisable to regularly visit a doctor for preventive examinations and tests.

It is known that some contraceptives can partially protect partners from contracting a sexual infection. So, barrier contraceptives, for example, condoms, create a mechanical obstacle in the way of spermatozoa and some pathogenic pathogens.

The active substances that make up chemicals, including Pharmatex, can also have not only spermicidal, but also virocidal properties. However, these funds are not characterized by a sufficiently high contraceptive efficacy.

If the need for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases arose after unprotected intercourse, it would be wiser to consult a doctor. Professional actions include both emergency postcoital contraception and the use of local bactericidal agents (Miramistin). Consultation of a specialist, in addition, will help to choose an effective permanent contraceptive method in this case.

Myths and misconceptions about sexually transmitted diseases

Myth 1: Oral sex is safe.

This is not true. Most sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted through oral sex without a condom. However, it is worth noting that the risk of infection is lower than with sexual intercourse in the vagina.

Myth 2. Sex with a married man (or married woman) is not associated with the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases

Sexual contact with a married man (or a married woman) does not eliminate the risk of infection. After all, often venereal diseases are asymptomatic (especially in women). At the same time, a person does not even suspect about a disease that he could have contracted many years ago.

Myth 3. Sexual contact with people who are periodically tested for STDs is not associated with a risk of contracting STDs.

It is difficult to agree with this. First of all, such mass examinations include only a general smear and serological reactions for syphilis. In this case, you can easily miss a number of diseases (chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, viral infections), which can occur without changes in the overall smear. Further, such examinations are often carried out formally or even "virtually".

Myth 4. Many STDs can be contracted in swimming pools or when using a shared bathroom.

This is not true. The causative agents of venereal diseases are very unstable in the external environment. Outside the human body, they quickly die. In addition, single microorganisms are usually not able to cause disease. For infection, a much larger number of microorganisms is needed, which can enter the body only through sexual contact.

Myth 5. Douching immediately after intercourse can significantly reduce the risk of infection in women.

According to modern ideas, douching slightly reduces this risk. Moreover, douching is a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis.

Myth 6. Urinating and washing the genitals immediately after sexual intercourse can significantly reduce the risk of infection in men.

The risk of infection may decrease somewhat, but by how much is not known exactly. There will be no harm from such preventive measures. However, you should not rely on their effectiveness.

Myth 7. Chlorhexidine prophylaxis is a reliable method of preventing STDs

No, this is a very unreliable method. It makes no guarantees. In addition, in women, douching with chlorhexidine contributes to the development of gardnerellosis.

Myth 8: Condoms have holes that allow HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases to pass through

This is not true. Modern scientific research convincingly shows that latex condoms, when used correctly, reliably protect against HIV and pathogens of other sexually transmitted diseases.

Questions and answers on the topic "Venereal diseases (STDs)"

All sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are considered infectious diseases. Most of these infections in modern medicine are classified as sexually transmitted diseases.

Prevalence and risk groups

In our time, venereal diseases are very common among the younger generation. Basically, according to statistics, the peak of diseases occurs at the age of 25 years. All this is due to the fact that very early modern youth enters into intimate relationships. As practice shows - from the age of 14. That is why the main percentage of diseases is already detected by the age of 25.

The risk groups include:

• all people who have sexual unprotected relationships with different partners;
• people who abuse alcohol, drugs;
• women who have inflammatory processes of the genital organs;
• women after 50 years, since with age physiological changes occur in the walls of the vaginal mucosa, which leads to a decrease in the amount of mucus and then the percentage of infection increases.

Currently, these types of diseases are very extensive in terms of age. It has become very fashionable for both men and women over the age of 50 to often change sexual partners. At the same time, they prefer to lead an intimate life without means of protection. That is why venereal diseases have become relevant for the older generation. According to WHO, in our country, sexually transmitted diseases are in 3rd place of infectious diseases - after acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, and influenza.

Incubation period for STDs

The incubation period is usually understood as the time from the moment of infection to the first symptoms of the disease. As far as venereal diseases are concerned, basically, the incubation period goes unnoticed. Its duration depends directly on the disease.

• Genital herpes - an average of 10 days.
• Gonorrhea - in men up to 10 days, in women up to 20 days.
• Donovanosis - an average of up to 30 days.
• Lymphogranulomatosis venereal - from 5 to 30 days.
• Mycoplasmosis - from 3 to 5 weeks.
• Soft chancre - in men up to 3 days, in women up to a week.
• Genital warts - from a week to 9 months.
• Syphilis - on average from 2 to 4 weeks, but can increase up to 190 days.
• Trichomoniasis - from 1 to 4 weeks, but on average 10 days.
• Ureaplasmosis - 3-5 weeks.
• Chlamydia - an average of 12 days.

The main symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases

Syphilis

Syphilis is a chronic sexually transmitted infection. Affected: skin, mucous membranes, internal organs, nervous system, bones. Manifested by the stages of the disease. But basically the first sign is a hard chancre.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an infectious disease. Affects: mucous membranes of the genitourinary organs, mucous membranes of the genital tract and can sometimes affect the rectal mucosa. There is an acute and chronic form of gonorrhea. Acute gonorrhea is characterized by discharge of mucus with pus, pain and burning in the area of ​​the external opening of the urethra, pain during urination, swelling of the external genitalia.

Symptoms in men:

• scanty (or profuse) discharge mixed with pus from the urethra,
• burning,
• pain when urinating,
• frequent urge to urinate.

Symptoms in women:

• redness of the genitals,
• swelling of the mucous membranes of the genital organs,
• discharge with an admixture of mucus, pus,
• small lips can stick together,
• burning,
• copious discharge brings irritation on the inner parts of the thighs and perineum.

Chancroid

A chancre is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. This type of disease in Russia is very rare to see, mainly suffer from this disease in Africa, Central and South America. The disease is a red spot with a bubble in the center. Which during development turns into an ulcer. Then, after 2 weeks, the scar disappears and remains in place. Mostly men get sick.

Atypical forms are distinguished: towering, serepginating, follicular, funnel-shaped, impetigious, herpetic, etc.

Venereal lymphogranuloma

Venereal lymphogranuloma is a chronic disease. Usually localized in the lymph nodes, namely: inguinal, femoral, iliac. It also directly affects the skin itself and mucous membranes. In men, it occurs on the head of the penis. In women, on the external genitalia (labia) or in the vagina. If you have had oral and anal sex, then the infection can appear on the tongue, in the rectum, on the fingers.

There are several stages of the disease. The first stage is asymptomatic. And in the second stage, an infected person notices an increase in the affected lymph nodes.

Inguinal granuloma

Inguinal granuloma is a disease that mainly affects the genitals. There are several types:

• ulcerative,
• verrucose,
• flowering,
• necrotic,
• sclerosing,
• mixed.

The first signs are considered to be the manifestation on the body - in the genital area - of dense bumps. There may be one bump, which eventually develops into an ulcer. They do not spontaneously disappear.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is considered one of the most common diseases. In Russia, according to statistics, this disease is much more common than gonorrhea. The disease is dangerous because often the symptoms do not manifest themselves. According to WHO statistics, 50% of men and 70% of women are asymptomatic or with few current symptoms.

Symptoms in women:

• discharge mixed with pus, which have an unpleasant pungent odor and are yellow in color;
• discomfort in the genital area - itching, burning;
• increased pain before the onset of menstruation.

Symptoms in men:

• inflammatory process of the urethra, which can be observed within 1-3 months;
• pain, burning when emptying the bladder;
• there may be a small amount of discharge from the urethra;
• in the urine there may be an admixture of pus.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an infectious disease of the genitourinary system. The causative agent is Trichomonas, which has the property of resistance to low temperatures.

Symptoms in women:

• discharge becomes yellow, may have a sharp unpleasant odor,
• redness of the external genitalia,
• burning,
• pain when emptying the bladder
• pain during intercourse
• there are purulent discharges on the vaginal mucosa,
• the outer labia become swollen.

In chronic disease, the symptoms are less pronounced.

Symptoms in men: Often men have no visible symptoms. But rarely seen:

• small excretions from the urethra (may be mixed with pus),
• pain when urinating
• frequent urge to urinate.

This affects the urethra, urethral glands, seminal vesicles, prostate, Cooper's glands.

Mycoplasmosis

Mycoplasmosis is a chronic infection that affects the genitourinary system.

Symptoms in women:

• pain during intercourse
• bacterial vaginosis.

Symptoms in men:

• itching, burning of the genitals,
• pain during bladder emptying
• pain during intercourse.

Ureaplasmosis

Ureaplasmosis - this infection can be not only transmitted sexually, but also at birth from mother to child.

Symptoms in women:

• appearance of permanent
• burning sensation when urinating,
• inflammation of the appendages
• violation of the menstrual cycle,
• bleeding,
• pain in the lower abdomen.

Symptoms in men: the clinic in men is very little expressed. It is considered to be the main symptom of the inflammatory process of the urinary tract. These include:

• small discharge from the urethra,
• pain when urinating
• itching, burning,
• earlier ejaculation.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes - refers to a viral disease with damage to the mucous membranes of the genital organs. There are two herpes viruses.

Primary herpes. In which it is characteristic: swelling of the external genital organs, their redness, burning, itching, soreness. There may also be a rise in body temperature, headache, general weakness. After a couple of days, a rash begins in the form of small blisters, in which there is a clear liquid. Then these bubbles burst, which leads to pain.

In women, mainly affected: perineum, anus, urethra, thighs (their inner surface).

In men, the glans penis and foreskin are affected.

Recurrent herpes. Occurs in 60% after suffering primary herpes. There are several forms: light, medium-heavy, heavy.

Symptoms are similar to primary herpes, only less pronounced

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

Simply put, a benign formation in the form of a droplet, a wart. There are several types of HPV:

• Warts: flat, common.
• HPV, which affects the internal and external genital organs.
• HPV lesions which cause a precancerous condition.

The first sign is the appearance of genital warts on the body. They can appear on the neck, eyelids, under the breasts, on the oral mucosa, armpits, and in the nose.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection with a fungus called Candida. These fungi themselves are normally present in the vagina of every woman. Pathology is considered when they begin to multiply. The manifestation of this disease depends on the place where the fungi began to multiply. If we talk about a disease that is sexually transmitted, then the symptoms are characterized by the following:

among women:

• burning, itching of the external genital organs;
• increased secretions in the form of white cottage cheese;
• pain during intercourse;
• pain when emptying the bladder;
• bad smell;

in men:

• burning and itching in the head of the penis;
• hyperemia of the glans penis;
• hyperemia of the foreskin;
• pain during intercourse;
• pain when urinating;
• discharge from the urethra.

How to Diagnose an STD

Which doctor to contact

To confirm or refute the diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease, you should contact a venereologist. A gynecologist, andrologist, urologist can diagnose STDs. You may also need to consult an immunologist and an infectious disease specialist if the infections have become chronic. In case of damage to other organs, you need to consult an ophthalmologist, neurologist, cardiologist, etc.

Screening: who should be screened and why?

Screening is a set of tests and studies for a person who does not have symptoms of the disease. It is carried out not only to detect STDs, but also other diseases.

• All people, regardless of gender and age, should regularly donate blood for HIV.
• Pregnant women, in order to avoid the transmission of diseases to the child: the gynecologist writes out a referral for tests: HIV, hepatitis, chlamydia, herpes, syphilis.
• Girls and women who take care of their health should visit a gynecologist every half a year to timely identify any problems (cervical cancer, papillomavirus, etc.).
• Patients with HIV, to control the disease.

Laboratory diagnostics

For laboratory tests use:

• Smear - direct and fluorescent microscopy. Painless procedure. Women are taken with a sterile stick from three places (urethra, vaginal entrance, cervix), men from the urethra.
• cultural method. Use of growth media for development, growth and testing for antibiotic susceptibility. Very accurate diagnosis. The only downside is that the study lasts an average of 5-7 days.
• ELISA and PIF method. Plus - in the fast speed of obtaining the result, minus - the accuracy does not exceed 75%.
• PCR. The accuracy of this study is 100%. Since it is based on the identification of the DNA of the immediate disease. The duration of the study is 1-2 days.
• Blood analysis.

Treatment

Genital warts are treated with radio waves, cold and other schemes. Local therapy is also used.

Complications and consequences: table of complications by disease

The most important complications of all sexually transmitted diseases are:

• infertility,
• prostatitis,
• neoplasms,
• inflammatory processes of the uterus,
• adnexitis.

Table of complications by disease

Prevention

• condoms;
• permanent sexual partner;
• periodic preventive examination with laboratory diagnostics (at least once a year);
• during unprotected intercourse with an unverified partner, to reduce the likelihood of infection, it is necessary to treat the external genital organs with an antiseptic solution or take pills. (miramistin, betadine, chlorhexidine solution);
• sanitary and educational work with the population;
• compliance with the rules of asepsis and antisepsis;
• personal hygiene.

They are characterized by diversity, however, at the same time, and a certain typicality.

The severity of the clinical picture of the disease depends on many factors.

Chief among which are:

• the level of immune reactivity of the body,
• the degree of virulence of the pathogen,
• stage of infection
• its form,
• type of infectious agent
• mono- or polyinfectious nature of the disease, etc.

to the most typical symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in men include:

• Discharge from the genitourinary tract: in the form of a drop at the opening of the urethral canal, it is noted more often in the morning in the form of a dried yellowish exudate.
• Urination disorders (increased urge) along with soreness, burning in the urethra, itching.

• Redness, swelling of the penis, its head, scrotum, skin in the anogenital region.

• Eruptions in the genital area, anus, groin.

• Aching dull pain in the lumbar region, lower abdomen, in the perineum.
• Enlarged lymph nodes, most often in the groin.

The first symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in men

Appear after the end of the incubation period of infection. Its duration varies with each individual disease. In addition, the duration of this period is affected by the age of the patient, the level of his immunity and other factors.

As a rule, the manifestation of the disease is manifested by acute symptoms, pronounced clinical signs. After some time, in the absence of adequate treatment, the disease becomes chronic. The clinical manifestation of the disease becomes less pronounced, erased, and sometimes completely hidden, asymptomatic.

In the vast majority of cases, STDs occur without any noticeable symptoms. Or with an erased, mild clinical picture. This should be borne in mind when talking about the presence of characteristic clinical signs of STDs. Often, patients do not even realize that they are sick, and continue to infect healthy sexual partners.

The course of urogenital infections is often characterized by alternating periods of relapse with acute symptoms with periods of remission of the disease. When its clinical manifestation is absent.

Asymptomatic sexually transmitted diseases in men

They are classified as latent sexually transmitted infections.

Mostly latent course is observed in men with trichomoniasis. In men, it proceeds in the form of Trichomonas carriers and causes almost no discomfort and anxiety to patients. Unlike women, in whom Trichomonas infection is very acute and painful.

Most often, a man does not even know that he is infected with something. Ureaplasma and mycoplasma infections also in men very often occur without any clear symptoms. The disease can manifest itself only periodically, against the background of a decrease in immunity. These are minor urination disorders, mild discomfort in the urethra, decreased libido and sexual dysfunction. In many cases, chlamydia occurs with a mild clinical picture. It is manifested by minor dysuric phenomena and pain in the prostate region.

This is due to the fact that in the vast majority of cases, the infection is chronic. At the beginning of the disease immediately after infection, remaining unnoticed.

Viral infections - genital herpes, HPV, cytomegalovirus, HIV - often have an asymptomatic, latent course.

Accompanied by vivid clinical symptoms only during the period of activation of the pathogen and relapse of the disease against the background of a decrease in immune resistance.

If you suspect a venereal disease contact the author of this article - a venereologist in Moscow with 15 years of experience.