Signs of a sexually transmitted infection. Sexual infections - pathogens, ways of infection, classification, symptoms, principles of diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Treatment of STIs in men

Our expert - gynecologist Marina Vedeleeva.

Dangerous Thirty

The topic is very prosaic - sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Almost all of us have met them personally at least once in our lives. By the way, there are more than 30 of them: from the deadly HIV infection to the commonplace 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.

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 the age of 25 have a chance to get rid of (HPV) forever. Later, it will not be possible to destroy the virus, the point of treatment is to eliminate tissue changes affected by the virus. 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.

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

Itching and burning in the intimate area.

Redness in the genital area and anus, sometimes - sores, vesicles, pimples.

Discharge from the genitals, smell.

Frequent, painful urination.

Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the groin.

In women - pain in the lower abdomen, in the vagina.

Discomfort during intercourse.

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.

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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, 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 of trichomoniasis 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, 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.

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How is an STD 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.

How to protect yourself?

The classic self-defense against STDs is the condom. Good quality and true to size.

Emergency medical 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 as for douching after intercourse with special gels or chlorine-containing antiseptics, most experts believe that this does not reduce the risk of infection.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common diseases worldwide today. In addition to sexually transmitted diseases, the group of STDs includes many other diseases that can be “acquired” through sexual contact. The growth in the number of people infected with venereal diseases is promoted by the low sexual culture of the population, which implies the diagnosis of venereal diseases after casual sexual relationships.

Sexually transmitted diseases have a number of serious consequences that affect the health of an infected person. In addition, venereal diseases affect the health of their future children.

Sexually transmitted diseases can be divided into several groups:

• "classic" venereal diseases;
• "new" venereal diseases;
• skin diseases transmitted through sexual contact.

The "classic" venereal diseases include:

• donovanosis (granuloma venereal or inguinal granuloma);
• gonorrhea;
• soft chancre (chancroid);
• syphilis;
• venereal lymphogranulomatosis (lymphogranuloma).

• candidiasis;
• chlamydia;
• genital herpes;
• mycoplasmosis;
• bacterial vaginosis (or gardnerellosis);
• trichomoniasis, trichomoniasis;
• papillomavirus infection, papilloma, HPV or genital warts;
• ureaplasmosis;
• urogenital shegillosis of homosexuals;
• cytomegalovirus;
• nonspecific urethritis.

• scabies;
• pediculosis, pubic lice (phthyriasis);
• molluscum contagiosum.

• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, AIDS);
• giardiasis;
• amoebiasis;
• viral hepatitis B and C (viral hepatitis C is more often transmitted through the blood).

You can still determine on your own whether or not you have contracted a sexually transmitted infection by some signs:

• discharge from the genitals, which was not there before;
• skin rash;
• various outgrowths of the mucous membrane of the external genitalia;
• wounds and sores;
• pain and burning when urinating.

It is not worth not treating STDs and leaving everything to chance, as this threatens with a number of complications for the body. Complications also appear in cases where treatment is not completed. For men, this is fraught with the development of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system (prostatitis, chronic urethritis, vesiculitis, epididymo-orchitis, and the result of all this is infertility). In addition, the consequences of genital infections are various sexual disorders, which include a decrease in sexual libido, erection problems, erased orgasm, premature ejaculation.

For women, long-term non-treatment of a sexual infection also does not go unnoticed. As a rule, the result of this is vaginal dysbacteriosis, endometritis, colpitis, obstruction of the fallopian tubes, which threatens the development of infertility, miscarriage or premature birth. In addition, infectious diseases of the genitourinary system affect the sexual life of women. Frigidity, lack of orgasm, inflammation of the uterus and appendages, which is the cause of cases of cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva - this is a small list of complications that occur with sexually transmitted infections.

Sexual contact is a mode of transmission for more than 25 sexually transmitted pathogens. The risk of infection increases with unprotected sexual contact. The period from the moment of infection with sexually transmitted infections until the first symptoms appear is called incubation. For each infection, it is different and can range from three days to several weeks.

As a rule, symptoms of STD infection are more common in women. But basically, diseases of this kind can be detected only by passing the necessary tests and examining them in the laboratory. In addition, even if only one partner is infected and the test result of the other is negative, treatment must be carried out without fail for both partners in order to prevent a recurrence of the infection.

When diagnosing sexually transmitted diseases, several infections are detected at once, that is, mixed infection occurs. Therefore, only a doctor can prescribe the treatment of such diseases. Self-medication can only harm the correct diagnosis. In addition, individual treatment is prescribed for each patient, since there are many treatment regimens. In addition, the treatment of men is significantly different from the treatment of women.

What to do if the diagnosis is confirmed?
If the results of tests for infection with STDs and sexually transmitted diseases are positive, you must urgently consult a doctor together with your sexual partner and pass the necessary tests. Treatment is given to both partners, and it is recommended to refrain from sexual intercourse, which can still occur with the use of a condom. After completing the course of treatment, it is necessary to take tests again in order to make sure that you have fully recovered.

Prevention of STDs.
As a preventive measure for STDs, safe sex is used, namely the use of a condom, latex napkin or non-penetrative sex during sexual intercourse. I will say right away that washing with water or antiseptics, as well as interrupted sexual intercourse, are not protection against STDs.

A common misconception among people is that it is not possible to contract STDs from people who do not have signs of infection in the genital area. However, the absence of symptoms does not mean that you can unconditionally trust a person, because he may simply not know about the infection. In addition, it is known that sex is not the only way to get infected. For example, AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis B can be "acquired" through blood transfusion, use of non-sterile needles. And syphilis can be transmitted through a kiss, but this is at a certain stage.

Here are a few rules and tips that all people should remember before sexual contact:

• Refuse "casual" sexual contacts.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.
• Use a condom every time you have sex. However, a condom does not give a 100% guarantee of protection, as there are cases of slipping of the condom. The most dangerous types of sex without using a condom are vaginal or anal sex. In addition to condoms, there are special condoms and films for the tongue with cunnilingus, and genital infections are known to be transmitted through orogenital sexual intercourse. However, the use of a condom as protection against genital infections is only effective in short-term relationships. For sex with a regular sexual partner, the use of a condom, in cases of infection of one of them, is of little use, since even in a condom the infection becomes “general”.
• Observe the rules of personal hygiene in the field of sexual life, demand the same from a partner.
• Do not use other people's personal hygiene items (towel, washcloth, slippers, underwear, comb, etc.).
• Feel free to ask your partner a question about their sexual health.

• people who have constant contact with blood (nurses, laboratory assistants, laboratory workers, doctors, dentists);
• people who have undergone blood transfusions;
• people who take drugs intravenously;
• people who just don't inspire confidence in you.

Genital infections are a number of infectious diseases that affect the genitourinary system. Most of the list of such diseases is occupied by sexually transmitted diseases (hereinafter referred to as STDs). However, the list of diseases called sexual infections is more extensive, and contains various diseases that are transmitted in different ways. Sexual infections in men have some differences from female diseases. This is due to the fact that the reproductive system, depending on gender, has significant differences. At the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to seek medical advice and be tested for sexual infections. Only a medical specialist can determine which method of treatment to choose and prescribe medications. It is possible to cure most sexually transmitted infections, you just need to see a doctor in a timely manner and start treatment.

General signs

The symptoms of all sexually transmitted infections in men are quite similar, although there are differences. Sexually transmitted diseases are often asymptomatic in the early stages, but by certain signs they can be noticed. Common symptoms of genital infections include:

• atypical discharge from the penis, a change in their consistency, appearance and smell;
• itching,;
• sharp pain when emptying the bladder;
• impurities in the urine: blood, pus and others;
• inguinal lymphadenitis;
• pain that occurs during sexual intercourse and during ejaculation;
• drawing pains in the lower abdomen;
• atypical pigmentation on the genitals, skin ulceration, rash, redness, pimples.

Such symptoms are characteristic of all sexual infections. The degree of their severity depends on the stage, type and severity of the disease.

Symptoms of some sexually transmitted infections in men may not appear for a long time from the moment of infection. Therefore, it is important to undergo preventive examinations regularly, at least once a year. If you took tests and they did not reveal the presence of infections, but there are first signs, then you should take the samples again, since some infections are not detected in the early stages, even by laboratory tests.

Types of genital infections and transmission routes

A disease that affects the mucous membrane of the penis and the organs of the urinary system, transmitted in most cases through sexual contact. The danger of ureaplasmosis lies in the fact that this disease does not have a clear clinical picture and often occurs in the absence of severe symptoms. Without experiencing any signs of the disease, the man does not go to the doctor and does not treat the disease, and in the meantime, the number of pathogenic microflora increases, which leads to the development of urethritis (inflammatory process of the urinary canal). Urethritis is manifested by more pronounced symptoms, such as a sensation of itching in the genitals, severe sharp pains when emptying the bladder and discharge with an ammonia smell.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia, getting into the body of a man, are mastered within three to five days. After that, pathogenic microorganisms infect the tissues of the epithelium of the genital organs, destroying cellular structures. Symptoms of chlamydia in men include clear, thin discharge from the penis and sharp pain during emptying of the bladder. In the absence of proper treatment, chlamydia causes urethritis, as well as inflammation of other reproductive organs and organs of the urinary system.

Trichomoniasis

It is the most common disease of the reproductive system. In the early stages, it proceeds without visible manifestations. When neglected, it leads to the development of infectious prostatitis, urethritis, cystitis. Very often, trichomoniasis occurs in conjunction with other sexually transmitted infections. The first sign of this disease in men is painful urination. In some cases, itching, irritation, redness on the skin of the penis may occur.

Mycoplasmosis

A very dangerous infectious disease of bacterial origin. Men, as a rule, are carriers of pathogenic mycoplasmas. The disease is characterized by the absence of pronounced symptoms, but can manifest itself against the background of a weakened immune system or after prolonged stress. Often leads to inflammation of the prostate or testicles. Some types of pathogenic mycoplasmas cause complications in the form of damage to the respiratory tract and lungs.

HIV infection

To date, one of the most severe infections, transmitted most often through sexual contact with an infected partner. The main danger of the human immunodeficiency virus is that modern medicine does not have a cure for this disease. There are drugs to suppress the activity of the virus, but it is impossible to destroy it. HIV destroys the cells of the human immune system and makes it defenseless against bacteria. If a man does not treat the infection, does not take pills to increase immunity, this leads to the development of a dangerous AIDS disease and death. With HIV infection, you can live a full life and even produce offspring in which symptoms do not appear, if you strictly follow the recommendations given by the doctor.

human papillomavirus

According to the WHO, a third of the world's population is affected by this virus today. Like HIV, it is incurable. Depending on the type of virus and the protective capabilities of a person, papillomavirus can manifest itself with such signs as the appearance of condylomas, papillomas and other neoplasms on the genitals. Later they spread throughout the body. The danger of this disease is that neoplasms can be malignant and lead to the development of oncology.

Gonorrhea

Gonococcus affects the mucous membranes and provokes inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system. Spreading deep into the body, the disease leads to prostatitis and inflammation of the testicles. The first signs of gonorrhea are itching and burning in the penis. In the future, pus flows out of the male genital organ, in the first stages it can be seen by pressing on the head, then the pus flows continuously. Gonorrhea is often complicated by a combined course with other diseases. The infection affects the organs of the male genitourinary system, in the absence of proper treatment causes erectile dysfunction, impotence and infertility.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a particularly dangerous infectious disease. It is easy to determine it, because, unlike other common sexual infections, the symptoms of syphilis have pronounced signs from the very beginning. Progressive syphilis leads to dangerous pathologies of the male genital organs, multiple inflammatory processes, and in the absence of timely treatment causes damage to the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Tertiary syphilis leads to necrosis of the soft tissues of various organs. Syphilis also “loves” cartilaginous tissues, everyone has probably heard about a falling nose at the last stage of the progression of the disease. In rare cases, advanced syphilis causes necrosis of the tissues of the penis, which leads to amputation of the affected organ.

Genital herpes

The first sign of genital herpes is the appearance of small pimples and blisters on the genitals. Then ulcerations and erosion of the skin may appear. The disease is manifested by burning and itching of the penis, swelling, redness of the skin, inguinal lymphadenitis. In the absence of adequate treatment, it leads to bacterial damage to the external genitalia, a decrease in the immune properties of the affected area and the body as a whole. With advanced genital herpes, diseases that affect the nervous system develop, as well as chronic prostatitis.

In most cases, the above diseases are transmitted sexually. Infectious agents are not able to survive in an open environment, therefore they are transmitted only through close contact with fluid exchanges between partners. However, some microorganisms, such as the papilloma virus and Trichomonas, can be transmitted through the household, through shared towels, washcloths, bedding or underwear. There are known cases of infection with sexually transmitted infections through poorly sterilized medical instruments or by transfusion of untested blood.

Diagnostics

Genital infections in men are treated by a urologist or venereologist. First, an analysis of complaints and examination of the patient is carried out. Due to the fact that the symptoms of various genital infections in men are quite similar, it is possible to accurately diagnose the disease only on the basis of laboratory tests. The doctor will offer to take a general blood and urine test, as well as a specific analysis for genital infections. Bacteriological studies of a smear from the penis are also carried out. The most reliable and sensitive diagnostic methods at the moment are PCR tests and bacteriological urine culture. If any sexually transmitted infections (hereinafter referred to as STIs) are detected, the doctor also prescribes an analysis for latent infections.

It is necessary to seek medical help immediately after the first symptoms appear. The sooner an accurate diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the more likely it is that the cure will be quick and effective. Launched sexually transmitted infections lead to the development of severe complications and entail dangerous consequences that manifest themselves for a long time.

Treatment of all sexually transmitted infections in men involves a complete rejection of sexual contact during the course of therapy. Most infectious diseases are successfully treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. In each case, the doctor selects the appropriate drugs for the man to combat the causative agent of the disease. In addition to antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral therapy, drugs may be prescribed to relieve symptoms. Together with the main treatment, a course of immunomodulatory drugs is carried out that strengthens the general and local defenses of the body.

Various drugs are used to treat genital infections, their choice is made by the attending physician, self-medication in such cases is unacceptable. Also, you should not listen to the advice of friends who have had venereal diseases, and drink the pills that they were treated with. This can lead to dangerous health consequences, since each case is individual, and treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a physician.

Complications

In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, sexual infections cause various complications. Basically, they affect the sexual sphere of a man, potency and ability to conceive. Often sexual infections lead to prostatitis and the development of prostate adenoma. In the case of infection of the genitourinary system, the causative agent of the disease can penetrate the ascending path into the kidneys and cause kidney failure, pyelonephritis, cirrhosis and other serious diseases.

Some infections affect not only the human reproductive system and urinary tract, but can also penetrate other organs. So, syphilis in the absence of treatment can cause severe organic damage to the brain, leading to the development of mental illness. A disease such as herpes is not cured completely and remains forever in a person, periodically reminding of himself.

Prevention

The surest method of preventing sexual infections for men is to refuse unprotected sexual intercourse and maintain an orderly sexual life with a regular partner. The most reliable method of protection against infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, remains the use of a condom. It is recommended to use various local postcoital agents that depress infections. A good means of prevention is to follow the rules of personal hygiene, the use of individual washcloths and sponges for washing, shaving accessories, separate towels. Care should be taken when visiting public baths, swimming pools, saunas. You can catch an infection just by sitting on a shelf or sofa without first laying out a sheet or towel.

Some sexually transmitted infections can be protected by vaccination. It is also necessary to regularly undergo medical examinations, take tests for the most common infectious agents. Prevention of sexually transmitted infections includes educational talks in educational institutions, since the main risk group is sexually active youth.

Criminal liability

The legislation of the Russian Federation provides for liability for intentional infection with STIs. Lawyers distinguish two types of intentional infection of a sexual partner: criminal action and criminal inaction. Under the criminal act is understood the refusal to use protective equipment during sexual contact, and attempts to infect someone by sharing dishes, washcloths, linen, towels and other things. Criminal inaction is understood as a deliberate silence before sexual contact about the presence of a disease that is sexually transmitted.

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List of STI infections in women, how they take tests, the first signs

• Smearon microflora. With a special probe, a woman takes a sample of secretions from 3 points of the genital canal. Next, the material is placed on glass, stained with a special acid medium for a detailed study of the composition of the secretion, and carefully examined under a microscope. This method reveals the causative agent of fungal and bacterial origin. Viruses with a swab from the genitals are not detected.
• Seeding secretions. The seeding procedure is carried out in a bacteriological laboratory, it takes a long time (about a week). The result of this examination unmistakably indicates the presence of any disease.
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction). One of the most informative analyzes that allows you to accurately confirm the preliminary diagnosis. To perform it or pass a test for a DNA pathogen, a sample of secretions from the genital canals or urine is taken. The duration of the study by this method does not exceed two days, the accuracy of the analysis is up to 95%.
• ELISA - decoding (linked immunosorbent assay). If a woman has purulent inflammation, experts prescribe an ELISA. A sample of discharge taken from the vagina is subjected to study. The study is carried out quite quickly, its result is ready after 5-6 hours after taking the sample.
• Blood analysis. To determine specific antibodies, a venous blood test is prescribed. The purpose of such a study is to establish whether an immune response will occur to the presence of a particular pathogen. This method is effective when it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of viral origin (genital herpes, HIV) and syphilis. The method is not used to diagnose bacterial infections, including chlamydia.

In addition to the above tests, the venereologist prescribes a clinical and biochemical blood test, which allows you to detect an increase in ESR and leukocytosis. Not all sexually transmitted infections in women can be treated, for example, human papillomavirus infection and genital herpes can only be stopped.

The need for long-term treatment of these diseases and a wide range of complications should be the motivation for a timely visit to the doctor.

Treatment

A number of causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases are quite well treatable with modern drugs, however, it is recommended to start treatment as early as possible, until serious inflammatory processes begin.

Appropriate STI therapy is prescribed according to a special scheme only by the attending physician based on the results of the examination. Depending on the pathogen, complex treatment is used, since the complex course of such diseases requires the use of not only drug therapy.

Most venereal diseases are successfully treated, but today there are those that are incurable:

• herpes of the 1st and 2nd type;
• hepatitis C;

Important! In order to avoid relapse after the end of the course of treatment for STIs, a woman should retake all tests. This will ensure that the disease is cured.

Complications and consequences

Late treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in women or its complete absence, as well as self-medication, causes such serious complications:

• the transition of the disease to the chronic stage;
• the spread of infection throughout the body;
• infertility;
• development of cancer of the cervix, rectum, etc.

Prevention

Any disease is much easier to prevent than to cure, and diseases included in the list of STIs are no exception. You can protect yourself from these ailments in the following ways:

• using a condom protects against many infections;
• by avoiding contact with people at risk (alcoholics, drug addicts, etc.), many risks can be avoided;
• You can engage in non-traditional forms of sex (anal, oral) only with a partner with whom there is a trusting relationship and whose health there is no reason to doubt.

The additional use of special medications can help in some cases to cope with certain types of infection. However, these drugs have contraindications and side effects. They should be used occasionally, for example, at the first contact with a partner as an additional protection along with a condom.

Venereal diseases are transmitted in most cases sexually. It is important to remember: unprotected sex, promiscuity and a sick partner are a big risk of contracting such ailments. Diagnosis of such diseases is somewhat difficult due to the late onset of the disease and the scarcity of symptoms. Their treatment is problematic, since the resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is increasing every year.

STIs have severe complications, so the appearance of specific symptoms: rashes, discomfort, irritation, uncharacteristic discharge from the genitals is a signal to see a doctor.

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 damage other organs and spread throughout the body if left untreated.

Depending on the specific infection, lesions on the genitals come in the form of warts, painful sores, and blisters on a man's genitals. 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.