No infections. Latent infections in men. What male hidden infections you need to know. What is important to know

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT TO A UROLOGIST IN VOLGOGRAD

What are “hidden” infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

gonorrhea;
syphilis;
soft chancre;
venereal lymphogranulomatosis;
donovanose;
HIV - infections;
viral hepatitis B, C, D;
chlamydia;
mycoplasmosis;
ureaplasmosis;
trichomoniasis;
garnerellosis;
genital herpes;
genital warts;
cytomegalovirus infection;
sexually transmitted skin diseases (scabies, pubic lice, molluscum contagiosum).

The following reproductively significant genitourinary infections are distinguished:

Absolutely pathogenic.

Trichomonas vaginalis
Clamydia trachomatis
Mycoplasma genitalium
Nesseria gonorrhoeae
Treponema pallidum
Papillomavirus hominis(6;11;16;18;45)
Hepatitis B, C, virus
Mumps virus (>18 years old)
human immune deficiency virus

Conditionally pathogenic.

Bacterii (enterobacteriaceae, enterocci, anaerobes, staphylococci, streptococci)
Mycoplasma hominis
Ureaplasma urealyticum T960
Ureaplasma parvum
candida albicans
Herpes simplex virus I-II
Cytomegalovirus

How does the process of contracting sexually transmitted infections occur?

For different infections, the incubation period ranges from 2-3 days to several weeks and even months. Quite often, after contracting an STI, there are no symptoms at all, or they are mild, so it is very important to be screened for the presence of genital infections after each casual connection. Infection occurs through sexual contact, and not only with genital, but with the same probability with oral or anal. From the moment of infection to the development of the disease, it can take several months, this period is called the incubation period. As a rule, in the first three days after infection, it is impossible to detect chlamydia and other “hidden” STIs even with the most sensitive diagnostic methods.

What to do if you suspect you have a sexually transmitted infection?

If you have had a new sexual relationship and found out that your sexual partner had an STI, felt characteristic symptoms, or simply doubts that you do not have an STI, you need to undergo a special medical examination. Never try to self-medicate or take the advice of a non-specialist. This can lead to chronic inflammation and the development of complications. The saddest thing is that many infections can be hidden. A person does not know and does not guess that he is sick. He remains ignorant and can infect his partners. The following symptoms may indicate that you or your partner is sick:

inflammation in the genital area;
sores;
bubbles;
warts;
rash and plaque on the genitals;
discharge from the genitals; urethra;
rash on the surface of the body;
unreasonable temperature rises;
yellowness of the skin and whites of the eyes.

How reliable are methods for diagnosing sexually transmitted infections?

Laboratory diagnostics is the main thing for prescribing adequate treatment. Modern methods for diagnosing STIs: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescent method (PIF), enzyme immunoassay (ELISA), isolation of pathogens in cell cultures, etc. are extremely reliable (up to 90%). However, in conditions of shortage of funds, not all laboratories in our country have sufficiently high-quality reagents and equipment. Another problem is that it is not always possible to identify exactly the infectious agent.

Who is eligible to treat sexually transmitted infections?

According to the International Agreement adopted in Riga in 1990, doctors can treat sexually transmitted infections: dermatovenereologist, urologist, gynecologist. Competently conduct an examination, make a diagnosis and prescribe a systemic, targeted treatment can only be a qualified specialist.

What complications are caused by sexually transmitted infections?

The main danger lies in the consequences of STIs - their complications, which are dangerous for both women's health and men's: prostatitis, inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages, often requiring surgical intervention, neoplasms of the genital organs, adhesive processes, cervical cancer (human papillomavirus) and liver cancer (hepatitis C), various pathologies of the fetus, the birth of a non-viable or sick child. Chronic forms of venereal diseases lead to damage to the nervous system, bones, brain, intestines, cardiovascular system, and oncological diseases develop. STIs have a particularly significant impact on the reproductive function of men and women. According to some reports, up to 80% of the causes of male and female infertility are caused by STIs. There may be acute conditions requiring surgical intervention, intrauterine infection of the fetus, a violation of the course of pregnancy and childbirth, the birth of a non-viable or sick child, and even the death of the infected person himself. Possible complications of STIs in men can be: infertility, epididymitis, narrowing (stricture) of the urethra, prostatitis, urethritis and others. The share of urogenital chlamydia accounts for up to 60% of all non-gonococcal urethritis in men. The most common complication of chlamydia in men is epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis). In women, these are some diseases of the cervix, salpingitis (inflammation of the appendages) and tubal infertility. Chlamydia can cause serious pathology of the fetus and newborn, be the cause of pelvioperitonitis and perihepatitis in women. Chlamydia also leads to Reiter's disease, a severe disease of the joints and eyes. To identify the presence of an infection, it is necessary to undergo a thorough medical examination using modern laboratory methods that will help identify the presence of an infection at different stages of the disease. Examination with a sexual partner is an important factor in preventing re-infection and effectively treating STIs. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate or take "magic pills", this can lead to irreversible consequences and turn the disease into a chronic stage, the treatment of which is extremely difficult.

How difficult is it to treat sexually transmitted infections?

With a good qualification of the doctor, the correct selection of an antibacterial drug, its dosage and duration of treatment, as well as the patient's compliance with all the doctor's recommendations, success is guaranteed with a probability of 85-90%. In addition to antibiotic treatment, other drugs are also prescribed: immunostimulants, enzymes, vitamins, physiotherapy is carried out. The duration of treatment for acute and subacute infections is from 1 to 7 days, chronic infections can be up to 14 days, and complicated ones up to 1 month or more. It must be remembered that a number of infections are lifelong and are not completely cured. In the complex therapy of infections, phased treatment is necessary: "anti-film preparations", anti-infectious herbal and pharmacological preparations, immunomodulators, probiotics and prebiotics. Due to the increase in the number and prevalence of infections of the genitourinary system, the number of men with inflammatory diseases of the prostate gland (prostatitis), seminal vesicles (vesiculitis), and seminal tubercle (calliculitis) has also increased. Currently, 98% are latent chronic forms of these diseases. Prostatitis, vesiculitis, calliculitis contribute to the development of congestion in the pelvic organs, form potential foci of infection, weaken testosterone metabolism (which leads to androgen deficiency), contribute to vegetative-neurotic disorders in the pelvic organs, weaken general and local immunological reactions. And the anatomical proximity of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles and seminal tubercle often leads to mutual infection of these glands, the occurrence of premature ejaculation and a decrease in reproductive function. Quite often, the treatment of inflammatory diseases in men is based only on anti-infective therapy, which in turn can lead to a relapse of the disease and a chronic process. The use of prostate massage in some situations is an effective method, but it only has a mechanical effect on the prostate, which is often painful for the patient.

A well-chosen pathogenetic treatment should be based on five basic rules:

Antibacterial / antiviral therapy (depending on the causative agent of the disease);
Improving arterial inflow and venous outflow of blood (this ensures the full delivery of antibacterial / antiviral agents to the site of inflammation, restoration of previous functions). Lack of arterial blood supply and venous stasis in the prostate gland adversely affect the course of the inflammatory process, reproductive and erectile functions in men;
Improving the outflow of prostate secretion and seminal vesicles (can be achieved by contracting the muscles of the pelvis, perineum and muscle fibers of the prostate gland);
General and local immunocorrection;
Comfort and minimal time costs, multiplied by the high efficiency of the therapy.

The use of electromagnet laser therapy devices makes it possible to achieve in a complex all the necessary effects on the diseased organ: restore the physiological processes altered by the disease and activate the body's natural protective functions against pathology. Since the combination of laser, magnetic and electrotherapy simultaneously provides an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulation of various muscles, elimination of congestion, improvement of lymph and blood flow. The therapeutic effect is based on biostimulation and mobilization of the existing energy potential of the body.

What physical therapy techniques are used to treat sexually transmitted infections and complications?

Successfully applied magnetic infrared laser therapy. The most commonly used urethral irradiation. Possible impact on the perineum and the area above the bosom. Low-intensity laser radiation has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, stimulates local immunity, improves microcirculation in the focus of inflammation, affects the permeability of the vascular wall, and has an analgesic effect. Intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILBI) is the most effective and versatile method of laser therapy. Unlike local laser therapy procedures, the therapeutic effect is due to the activation of systemic therapeutic mechanisms of the whole organism, an increase in the efficiency of the functioning of blood supply systems, immune, other organs and systems, as well as the whole organism as a whole.

For chronic inflammation, use electrophoresis of antibiotics, uroseptics. The current strength is selected until a slight tingling appears. Intraorganic (urethral, rectal and urethrorectal) electrophoresis with medicinal substances is used. With a protracted course of inflammation and an increase in signs of sclerosis in the prostate, it is possible to conduct an endourethral electrophore with collalisin.

Widely used transurethral or transrectal thermotherapy or hyperthermia. In the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, superficial heating of the mucosa of the urethra and prostate to a depth of no more than 5 mm is required in order to sanitize the urogenital tract or provide better conditions for subsequent local drug therapy. Provides heating of the urethra and gland by transurethral or transrectal technique evenly along the length of the urethra with a smooth rise in temperature from 39 to 45°C and automatic control of it directly in the urethra or rectum. Indications for the use of hyperthermia are: chronic urethritis, prostatitis, colpitis, cervicitis, ganglioneuritis.

Using magnetotherapy there is a possibility of simultaneous use of urethral and rectal heating against the background of exposure to a traveling magnetic field. This possibility allows you to optimize the impact and reduce the duration of treatment with the maximum percentage of favorable outcomes even in advanced cases. Magnetotherapy has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, normalizes blood circulation, changes the course of redox and tissue enzymatic processes, creates conditions for a more effective action of antibiotics on the inflammatory process.

What are the most common causes of treatment failure for sexually transmitted infections?

The most common cause is re-infection, which occurs as a result of new sexual intercourse during treatment, untreated sexual partner, sexual contact without the use of a condom by a couple undergoing treatment. Other reasons for unsuccessful treatment of STIs are incorrect diagnosis, an incorrectly selected antibacterial drug, a violation of patient treatment, and antibiotic resistance of the infection.

What should I do after completing treatment for a sexually transmitted infection?

The control of the cure of infections is carried out no earlier than 2 weeks after the completion of the antibiotic. The patient should be aware that some symptoms of the disease may remain for several weeks or even months after successful treatment. It is possible to resume sexual life without a condom with a permanent sexual partner (partner) only after a control examination, which showed the absence of infections and inflammation.

What is the prevention of sexually transmitted infections?

It is necessary to conduct a scheduled inspection at least once every six months. You cannot take medications on your own. Uncontrolled intake of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs distorts the clinical picture, transforms the disease into an asymptomatic form, leads to a chronic process and severe complications. Sexually transmitted infection is a problem that affects everyone. The best tactic is not to get sick at all. The best way to prevent STIs is to use a condom. It should be put on and taken off correctly and used for all types of sex, including oral. If, nevertheless, unprotected contact has occurred, there are methods of personal prevention when the genital tract is washed with an antiseptic solution. This must be done in the first 2-4 hours after contact, not later. For some infections, special medications may be used for prevention. Their choice should be discussed with the doctor.

How do urinary tract infections affect a man's body?

The infectious process and its complications can affect in isolation or successively various organs of the genitourinary tract: the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, testicles and their appendages. With inflammation in the organs of the reproductive system, regardless of the infectious factor, there may be damage as a result of the action of active oxygen radicals and other products of inflammation. In the future, tissue sclerosis and the development of subtotal or total obstruction of the vas deferens may occur. Leukocytes in inflammatory processes lead to agglutination of spermatozoa. The emerging chronic inflammatory process in the gonads causes a toxic effect on the spermatogenic epithelium, violations of the testicular barrier, rheological properties and chemical components of the seminal fluid, the appearance of ASAT. Violations of the physicochemical properties of seminal plasma - the habitat of spermatozoa, naturally leads to pathozoospermia, most often in the form of asthenozoospermia or the induction of "false" antisperm antibodies associated with infections. Infectious agents can enter the genitals through the blood (eg, mumps virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or Mycobacterium leprae) or ascending from the urethra.

Among the possible consequences of an infectious lesion of the genital tract in men:

The spread of a disease that leads to the development of a disease or infertility in a woman, infection of the eggs and embryo, miscarriage, abnormalities of the embryo and fetus;
Change in germ cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, which leads to male infertility (sterility);
Leukocyte infiltration of the genital tract is a T-cell mediated response to spermatozoa and autoimmune infertility;
Decrease in the formation of testosterone and, as a result, cachexia, male infertility;
Integration of the viral genome into the genome of a germ cell with a possible risk of transmission to subsequent generations.

The role of infections in violating the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa is ambiguous. Despite a lot of work on the presence of pathogens in the genital tract, there are conflicting conclusions regarding their role, which they play in the occurrence of infertility. First of all, this is due to the fact that these infections are often detected in both fertile and infertile couples.

Mycoplasma genitalium - this type of mycoplasma is 100% pathogenic. It is the leading causative agent of non-gonococcal urethritis (10-30% of cases) in men. M.genitalium often causes acute urethritis in men, but there are also asymptomatic recurrent or asymptomatic forms. There is evidence of the relationship of M. genitalium infection with infertility and pregnancy. Indications for treatment of M.genitalium are: a confirmed infection caused by this pathogen of any localization, detection of M.genitalium in a sexual partner, clinical symptoms of inflammatory diseases of the lower urinary tract in the absence of a diagnostic examination for the presence of M.genitalium.
Ureaplasma urealiticum and Mycoplasma hominis are opportunistic pathogens that occur in 10-50% of practically healthy individuals of reproductive age. Under certain conditions, they can cause infectious and inflammatory processes of the genitourinary organs, often in association with other pathogens. Ureaplasmas can reduce sperm motility by attaching directly to them. This was proven by the detection of a large number of ureaplasmas. Indications for treatment (in the absence of other significant pathogens) U.urealiticum and M.hominis: clinical or laboratory signs of inflammation of any organ of the genitourinary system, detection of M. hominis or U. urealyticum in an amount > 10 4 CFU / ml, upcoming surgical or invasive treatment -diagnostic manipulations in the urogenital area, complicated course of this pregnancy with the risk of infection of the fetus, aggravated obstetric and gynecological history.
Trichomonas colonize in the genital tract of men, manifesting various symptoms up to hematospermia and epididymitis. It has been proven that the presence of Trichomonas may be associated with male infertility, and its presence in semen causes a violation of sperm motility and viability. The mechanism of influence of this infection on fertility is due to the creation of favorable conditions for the manifestation of other infectious agents in the genital tract, as well as a possible decrease in the content of fructose in semen.
A significant inhibitory effect of Candida albicans was found in semen samples with an initial concentration of microorganisms of 2x107/ml in vitro. There is an assumption that mycotic vaginitis negatively affects sperm motility and enhances their agglutination.
The role of viruses is largely unknown. Viral DNA is detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the ejaculate of infertile men in 56% of cases (herpes simplex virus - in 49% of cases, Epstein-Barr virus - in 17% of patients, cytomegalovirus - in 7% of cases).
Only the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) is associated with a decrease in the number of spermatozoa and a decrease in their motility. HSV types 1 and 2 are found in the testicles, prostate, sperm and this can lead to infertility, azoospermia, oligozoospermia. According to some reports, treatment with acyclovir of both partners with positive tests for HSV DNA leads to pregnancy.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is found in the prostate, seminal vesicles, semen and can cause hematospermia, a decrease in CD4 cells. The role of CMV as a possible etiological factor in hematospermia has been discussed. In studies, its definition was associated with a decrease in the concentration and motility of spermatozoa. In studies, its definition was associated with a decrease in the concentration and motility of spermatozoa.
If the human papillomavirus (HPV) was present in the semen, the incidence of asthenozoospermia was significantly higher.
The mumps virus is found in the testicles, mumps lead to orchitis, testicular atrophy, sterility, decreased androgen secretion, possibly testicular cancer.
Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, group B hemolytic streptococcus have high spermicidal activity, while in micrococci, enterococci, white staphylococcus, diphtheroids and non-hemolytic streptococcus, this activity was noted at a concentration of more than 10 5 CFU / ml. When the ejaculate contains a large number of not only bacteria, but also leukocytes, spermatozoa have low mobility and agglutination. Some microorganisms can reduce sperm motility by attaching directly to them. This has been proven by the detection of large numbers of Escherichia coli.

The material was prepared by a urologist-andrologist, physiotherapist, dermatovenereologist Akimov Oleg Viktorovich.

Video: Normal vaginal discharge. Inflammation of the vagina.

Treatment of various infections in gynecology is the "bread" of modern commercial gynecology. In my practice, I simply use American and European standards of treatment and diagnostics - and, oddly enough, there is an effect. In this publication, I would like to simply and briefly talk about what and how is diagnosed and how in most cases it is treated.

Before clarifying this issue, I would like to dispel a few myths:

there is no diagnosis of "gardnerellosis" - now this condition is called "bacterial vaginosis"
there are no "treatment programs - chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, etc." 17-30 thousand for a disease
human papillomavirus type 16.18 - does not mean that you will definitely have cervical cancer
the treatment regimen for infections cannot include 5-7-10 drugs

Let's figure it out!

So, according to WHO (World Health Organization), there are only 5 sexually transmitted infections:

Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Trichomoniasis

Other pathogens, such as herpes and human papillomavirus, are associated with diseases that are predominantly sexually transmitted.

For such pathogens as: ureaplasma and mycoplasma - so far there has not been a place, we will talk about them below.

The causative agents of infections are specific (all of the above) and non-specific (intestinal flora, skin)

Vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vagina and external genitalia)
Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) these include: endometritis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus), salpingitis (inflammation of the tubes), salpingo-oophoritis (inflammation of the tubes and ovaries), endomyometritis (inflammation of the mucous and muscular lining of the uterus), panmetritis (inflammation of the entire uterus), and as a complication of pelvic peritonitis (inflammation of the pelvic peritoneum)

Now let's figure out what vaginitis is - that is, if you have bad vaginal discharge, then this (with the exception of rare cases) can be:

Trichomoniasis
Bacterial vaginosis (in other words, violation of the flora)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush)

Atrophic vaginitis (in older women due to hormone deficiency)
Chemical or allergic (irritation)

And that's it!!! More world medicine does not classify anything. Only these reasons (I repeat, with the exception of rare cases) can lead to inflammation of the vagina.

However, discharge from the genital tract may be due to inflammation of the cervix and pelvic organs.

Inflammation of the cervix is most often caused by:

Gonococci (causative agents of gonorrhea)
Chlamydia (causative agents of chlamydia)

Human papillomaviruses and others can cause inflammation of the cervix, but with somewhat different manifestations.

With inflammation of the pelvic organs, there may also be discharge from the genital tract, but there will be other symptoms.

To summarize:
If you have unusual discharge from the genital tract, then it can only be: bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush), gonorrhea, chlamydia, or manifestations of pelvic inflammatory disease. Rare conditions are not considered.

Now about diagnostic methods ... (most of all deceptions are here)

In normal gynecological practice, only 4 methods for diagnosing infections are needed.

Bacterioscopy of a smear (this is a regular smear for flora)
Bacteriological seeding (at the same time, the resulting material is sown on special media and sensitivity to antibiotics is determined)
PCR - (polymerase chain reaction method) - allows you to determine the DNA of the pathogen
Serological methods - allow, by the specific reaction of the body to an infection, to confirm its presence, determine the stage (acute, chronic)

Everything, this arsenal is quite enough to diagnose all the necessary infections.

Now more about each method.

Bacterioscopy smear

This method only shows:

The presence or absence of inflammation (by the number of leukocytes) - ATTENTION! a lot of leukocytes in the absence of inflammation may be the result of getting into a blood smear.
Diagnose the following diseases (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, thrush, bacterial vaginosis)
Detect non-specific flora (in case of inflammation caused by non-specific microorganisms)
Describe the state of the normal flora of the vagina

Thus, with a regular smear, you should make or exclude the following diagnoses:

Gonorrhea
Bacterial vaginosis (although there are 4 criteria for making this diagnosis in clinical practice, the characteristic color of the discharge, the fishy smell and the presence of key cells in the smear are sufficient)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush)
Suspect the presence of an inflammatory process in the pelvic organs (leukocytosis, nonspecific flora)
Trichomoniasis (difficult diagnosis: flagella fall off in a dried smear of Trichomonas and they become indistinguishable from macrophages (ordinary blood cells), so the diagnosis can not be made, see below about trichomoniasis)

Bacteriological culture

This method allows you to determine the composition of the flora and the amount of the pathogen (that is, a lot of it or a little), and in addition, to establish which antibiotics it is most sensitive to.

Tank culture is most often taken from the vagina, cervical canal and uterine cavity.

When it is advisable to take a tank. sowing:

If a smear contains many leukocytes and nonspecific flora
In an infertility treatment program or before a planned pregnancy (culture is taken from the cervical canal and uterine cavity)
If ureaplasma is detected in PCR (inoculation is carried out on a special medium)
In the treatment of all types of PID

In general, this is all, there are no more common indications. It is not advisable to prescribe tank seeding in other cases, or just like that.

PCR

This is the most common diagnostic method at the moment and it is with it that most of the confusion is associated.

This diagnostic method allows you to determine the DNA of the pathogen, that is, when using this method, we answer only one question - if the material contains at least a few specific fragments of the microorganism.

What this means is that a positive result can be even if there are very few microorganisms and if the microorganism has already died (but the DNA remains).

When it matters - if the control after treatment is carried out too early (dead microorganisms remain) - it can be decided that the treatment was not effective. In another case, make a diagnosis, despite the fact that the causative agent of the disease is extremely small (this matters when it comes to the need for treatment of ureaplasmosis).

What infections does it make sense to diagnose using PCR:

Chlamydia (they are not detected in a smear)
human papillomavirus
herpes simplex virus
Cytomegalovirus (important mainly before or during a planned pregnancy)
Ureaplasma (Parva only, T960 - no)
Mycoplasma?

Everything, other pathogens are diagnosed in a regular smear or do not matter at all. And there is no point in determining by PCR (gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis or thrush) It is extremely rare, in controversial cases it is possible, but it is extremely unreasonable for everyone. Therefore, when you are offered to take a PCR test for 10-15, then 20 pathogens - remember - this is not advisable !!!

Serological methods

When using this method, it is determined whether there has ever been or whether there is currently an organism in contact with a specific pathogen. This evaluates the number of special blood proteins (immunoglobulins), which are of several classes. As a rule, three classes are defined M, G and A. What does the presence of each of these classes of immunoglobulins indicate?

Immunoglobulins of class M (IgM) - appear in the blood first, immediately after contact of the body with the pathogen, they gradually increase, and then disappear. That is, the presence of IgM indicates that the disease is in an acute stage and is taking place in your body at the moment.
Class G immunoglobulins (IgG) - in fact, reflect the memory of the immune system about contact with the pathogen - this means that their presence indicates that you once had this disease, the disease has passed the acute phase (IgM has already disappeared), that you you have been vaccinated or you have immunity to this pathogen. The concentration (titer) of this immunoglobulin in contact with the pathogen increases together with IgM, then IgM disappears, and the IgG titer remains at a high level and gradually decreases.
Immunoglobulin class A (IgA) - this immunoglobulin is mainly responsible for providing local mucosal immunity, but its soluble form is important in increasing its titer in the blood in the diagnosis of chlamydia.

The titers (concentrations) of the immunoglobulins described above are different and these indicators can be interpreted in different ways. It happens that the titer of immunoglobulin is doubtful and it is difficult to draw a conclusion from such an analysis.

So, using the serological method, you can determine:

the presence of an acute stage of the disease (presence of IgM)
the presence of immunity to a specific pathogen (presence of Ig G; for example, rubella, hepatitis, etc.)
establish the fact of a recent illness (high IgG levels)
the fact of carriage (for example, for herpes - the presence of IgG)

Now let's see how it works in practice - the most common cases.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush)

Simitomy: itching, white curdled discharge
Analyzes: sufficient examination and general smear
Treatment: usually 1-2 doses of fluconazole are enough (150 mg each - diflucan, diflanzon, etc.) or suppositories - the range is large. Nothing extra is required.

Bacterial vaginosis
Symptoms: white creamy discharge, fishy smell
Analyzes: an examination and a general smear are sufficient (in smears - gardnerella and key cells), PCR and other studies are redundant.
Treatment: 2 options: trichopol (metronidazole) or ornidazole (ornidazole) 500 mg 2 times a day after meals or suppositories dalacin (clindamycin) - 3-5 days. All.

Trichomoniasis

Symptoms: watery frothy discharge from the genital tract
Analyzes: examination, smear (often not found in a smear), PCR (may not show), there is a reliable method - to look at a smear immediately after taking it in drops, but almost no one does it.
Treatment: only two drugs: metronidazole (Trichopol) and ornidazole (Tiberal) - are taken equally at 500 mg twice a day after meals - 5 days. In 90% of cases this is enough.

Trichomoniasis - video version:

Gonorrhea

Symptoms: greenish-yellowish discharge, may just be cloudy
Analyzes: examination, smear, PCR can be supplemented
Treatment: usually 1-2 injections are sufficient (for example, Rocefin 1 g intramuscularly 1 time per day for 2 days)
Usually, gonorrhea is combined with chlamydia and / or trichomoniasis, so Trichopolum or Tiberal is added to the treatment for 5 days and PCR is taken for chlamydia - if chlamydia is detected, the treatment is supplemented.

Chlamydia

Symptoms: as a rule, there are no symptoms, or there is simply a more abundant discharge of a changed color
Analyzes: PCR, can be supplemented with a blood test for IgG and Ig A to chlamydia
Treatment: several options: azithromycin (Sumamed) 1 gr. on the 1st-3rd-7th and 14th day of treatment once; Wilprofen (jozomycin) 1 t 2 times a day for 10-14 days (or 1 tab. 3 times a day for 10 days) - many different schemes. There are other regimens with other antibiotics, but they are used less frequently. Important - no immunomodulators, enzymes, etc.

Herpes

Symptoms: painful vesicles that burst and erosions form in their place.
Analyzes: examination, PCR, blood for IgG and Ig M to herpes.
Treatment: acyclovir, valtrex - regimens and doses are different
Important: a few days before the appearance of bubbles and after complete healing, you can infect your partner with herpes.

A few words about ureaplasmas and mycoplasmas. First, a little overview.

Ureaplasmas and mycoplasmas

Video: Ureaplasma

The role of these pathogens in gynecological and urological practice is rather ambiguous. It so happened that in our country, with the advent of PCR diagnostics, these pathogens became on a par with sexually transmitted infections, and the most diverse schemes for their treatment began to be developed.

At the same time, the attitude of the West to these pathogens remained calm.

Until now, in America and European countries, routine screening of patients for the presence of these pathogens is not carried out. The detection of ureaplasmas and mycoplasmas is recognized as laborious, and is mainly carried out in scientifically oriented laboratories. Nevertheless, there is attention to these pathogens in the West.

Ureplasmas and mycoplasmas are considered commensals (live normally) in the genital tracts of both men and women. According to various sources, ureaplasma is detected in more than 60% of sexually active women.

Much attention is paid to ureaplasma infection in relation to its role in obstetric pathology. Separate studies show the importance of this pathogen in the formation of such conditions as: chorionamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes, premature birth, fetal malnutrition. It is important to note that ureplama in all these cases was detected in the amniotic fluid and not in the cervical canal.

The role of ureplasma infection was revealed in the formation of pneumonia in newborns and chronic lung diseases, regardless of the type of delivery. This pathogen is detected in the trachea of newborns, to a greater extent in those born before 34 weeks. So in newborns weighing less than 2500 gr. ureplasma will be excreted in 34% of cases.

At the same time, in full-term children, ureaplasma lung infection is a rarity. In particular, this is due to the fact that the frequency of ureplasmic chorionamnianitis (inflammation of the amniotic membranes) is higher up to 32 weeks. The presence of chorionamnionitis affects the transplacental passage of immunoglobulins, which leads to a higher infection rate in premature newborns.

You have noticed that I do not use immunomodulators and other drugs in any of the treatment regimens.

It is no secret that Western medicine does not use immunomodulators in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. All immunomodulating and immunostimulating drugs presented on our market are exclusively of domestic production. None of these drugs have passed clinical trials according to the GCP format, and it is this research format, accepted around the world, that provides evidence of the effectiveness of drugs and determines the full range of possible side effects. The design of such studies is very complex and the requirements for drugs are high. Such studies are usually international, multicentre and placebo-controlled.

The very idea of an immunomodulator is not bad, however, it is implemented too primitively. "Spurring" the immune system in order to activate the natural mechanisms of fighting infection - this is how the main task of these drugs is regulated. However, the immune system is much more complex than it first appears.

When an irritating factor is introduced into the body, no one knows what state the immune system is in. Activation of a nonspecific response to an irritant should theoretically improve the therapeutic effect of antibacterial drugs by transferring the entire immune system to an activated position.

But the problem is that it is not possible to study to what extent the immune system is activated in each individual patient, how long this response lasts, what mechanisms are activated in parallel, how quickly this system is depleted, and what the opposite effect of this “emergency boost” will be.

It can be easily assumed that the rapid clinical effect of such doping may be reversed by a higher frequency of relapses of the disease due to the depletion of the immune system. In addition, activation of autoimmune processes is possible, and the most unpleasant thing is delayed effects - the risk of developing malignant diseases of the immune system.

Although all of the listed possible consequences of treatment will never happen, but the peculiarity of introducing a drug to the market requires its long-term study and proof of its safety. This has not been done for immunomodulators. Drugs jumped out to the market too quickly, and the system for recording side effects of drugs practically does not work in our country. That is why we still do not know what percentage of complications that have already occurred.

Thus, I would like to once again turn to common sense and ordinary logic. In our country, we have all the drugs that the Western public uses to treat their patients, without the use of immunomodulators and other aids, and their patients are cured. So why take the risk and try out preparations that do not have reliable safety certificates recognized all over the world.

Required and not required tests(video)

Recently, the UN General Assembly adopted the Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases. The document was supported by 150 states. They recognized that these diseases are the main threat to humanity in the 21st century.

Recognizing non-communicable diseases as one of the main threats to humanity in the 21st century, representatives of the participating countries adopted a Political Declaration in which they promised to encourage public policies aimed at creating equal and healthy conditions that allow people to make the right choices and lead a healthy lifestyle. It was noted that prevention, early diagnosis and adequate treatment should be the cornerstone of the global response to noncommunicable diseases, including access to effective medicines and technologies.

Who has a positive experience?

In preparing the document, positive international experience was taken into account. Israel has achieved the highest reduction in breast cancer deaths in the world thanks to the Center for Cancer Control program on mammography and the availability of modern treatment. The project became possible largely due to the active participation of public organizations. In Belgium, the state reimburses people for the cost of quitting smoking, and 380 million euros have been allocated for a three-year cancer prevention program aimed at ensuring higher levels of access to diagnostics and modern anticancer treatment. From the "World Medical Association" an initiative was made to secure at the level of law the right of every person to professional medical care and a decent level of treatment.

Russia, which is one of the leaders and initiators of the Declaration, presented its strategic plan to combat non-communicable diseases. It includes the development of preventive medicine and the implementation of effective public events in areas that are directly related to health - nutrition, sports, ecology, security, etc. More than 700 educational health centers for adults and children have been created in the country, on the basis of which it is planned to divide the population into five health categories and individually determine the amount of assistance required.

At the same time, along with the creation of a preventive environment, the UN Declaration also refers to the need to strengthen the entire health system, including the health care infrastructure, health workforce and health and social protection systems. “The opportunity to receive professional medical care is not a privilege, but the right of every citizen of a civilized state. This fact is recognized by almost all participants in the General Assembly,” says Executive Director of the non-profit partnership "Equal Right to Life", Chairman of the Public Council for the Protection of Patients' Rights under the Office of Roszdravnadzor for Moscow and the Moscow Region. - This is possible only if the effectiveness and availability of treatment for non-communicable diseases, especially cancer and cancer, are improved. Solving this problem will not only motivate the population to participate in prevention and early diagnosis of such diseases, but will also increase the investment attractiveness of Russian healthcare and the Russian economy as a whole."

First of all, the modernization of legislation

The fulfillment by our country of obligations under the Political Declaration requires, first of all, the modernization of legislation, in particular, the clarification of the provisions on state guarantees for ensuring the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the draft law "On the Fundamentals of Protecting the Health of Citizens." Given the scale and complexity of this problem, in addition to public resources, it is necessary to involve public institutions and the private sector. The most promising tools are the introduction of voluntary insurance and co-financing systems, attracting investment in the industry from business and the development of public-private partnerships, as well as the introduction of effective mechanisms for public control over the quality of medical services.

"In modern conditions, it is impossible to solve socially significant issues at the international level without involving the institutions of civil society in cooperation," he said. Director of the UN Information Center in Moscow Alexander Gorelik. — The result can be achieved only where there is mutual interest, which allows hearing new ideas, developing initiatives that contribute to the effective solution of issues of concern to society. The participation of public organizations in events of this level helps to convey the practical meaning of the agreements reached to each person and exercise control over their practical implementation."

Statistics

Non-communicable diseases are responsible for more than 60% of all deaths in the world and claim the lives of more than 36 million people a year. Four groups of diseases—cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes—account for about 80% of all deaths from noncommunicable diseases and share four common risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and poor nutrition. About 30% of people who die from noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries are under 60 and in the most productive phase of their lives. According to WHO forecasts, in case of inaction by 2030, non-communicable diseases will annually claim 52 million human lives, and economic losses could reach 47 trillion dollars.

There is hardly a person who at least once in his life has not encountered such a problem as infectious diseases. The list of these pathologies is large and includes the well-known flu and colds, outbreaks of which are recorded in a particular region every year.

Infections can be dangerous, especially if the person has not been given adequate treatment or has not sought help at all. That is why it is worth learning more about the types of infectious diseases, their features, main symptoms, methods of diagnosis and therapy.

Infectious diseases: list and classification

Infectious diseases have accompanied humanity throughout history. One has only to recall the plague epidemics that destroyed more than 50% of the population of Europe. Today, medicine, of course, has learned to cope with a huge number of infections, many of which were considered fatal even a few centuries ago.

There are several systems for classifying infectious diseases. For example, they distinguish intestinal ailments and blood diseases, lesions of the respiratory tract and skin. But most often pathologies are classified depending on the nature of the pathogen:

prion (fatal familial insomnia, kuru);
bacterial (salmonellosis, cholera, anthrax);
viral (influenza, measles, parotitis, HIV infection, hepatitis);
fungal, or mycotic (thrush);
protozoan (malaria, amoebiasis).

Transmission routes and risk factors

Infectious agents can enter the body in different ways. There are such ways of infection:

The alimentary route, in which pathogens enter the body through the digestive tract (for example, along with unwashed food, contaminated water, dirty hands).
Airborne transmission, in which pathogens are introduced through the respiratory system. For example, pathogens can be found in dust. In addition, microorganisms are released into the external environment along with mucus during coughing and sneezing.
Contact infection occurs when sharing household items or toys, direct contact with the skin of a sick person. When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, the transmission of infection occurs during sexual intercourse.
Pathogenic microorganisms are often transmitted from person to person along with the blood. Infection can occur during a blood transfusion, as a result of the use of non-sterile instruments, and not only medical ones. For example, you can catch an infection while doing a manicure. Often, pathogenic microorganisms are transmitted from a sick mother to a child during pregnancy or childbirth. Insects can also be carriers.

It is impossible to completely exclude the possibility of infection in the body. But some people are more prone to this type of disease, and such diseases are much more difficult for them. Why? When infectious agents spread throughout the body, the state of the immune system is of great importance. Dysbacteriosis, anemia, beriberi, weakened immunity - all this creates ideal conditions for the rapid reproduction of pathogens.

Risk factors include severe hypothermia, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, bad habits, hormonal disruptions, constant stress, and poor personal hygiene.

Varieties of viral diseases

There are a huge number of viral infections. Here are just a few of them:

All types of flu, colds (in particular, rhinovirus infection), which are accompanied by general weakness, fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat.
It is worth mentioning the so-called childhood infections. This group includes rubella, accompanied by damage to the skin, respiratory tract, cervical lymph nodes. Mumps (known as mumps) is also a viral disease that affects the salivary glands and lymph nodes. The list of such infections includes measles, chicken pox.
Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver. In most cases, the virus is transmitted through the blood (types C and D). But there are also strains that spread through household and alimentary routes (hepatitis A and B). In some cases, the disease leads to the development of liver failure.
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that can have very serious consequences. The role of the causative agent can be adenoviruses, cytomegaloviruses, influenza and parainfluenza viruses. By the way, the inflammatory process can also be caused by bacteria, but the symptoms in this case are different. Signs of viral pneumonia - fever, runny nose, general weakness, unproductive cough, shortness of breath. Viral forms of inflammation are characterized by a more rapid course.
Infectious mononucleosis is considered quite common. Symptoms, treatment and consequences of this disease are of interest to many readers. The causative agent is the Epstein-Barr virus, which is transmitted from an infected person by airborne droplets, most often with saliva (by the way, this is why the disease is often called "kissing disease"). The infection affects the tissues of the pharynx, lymph nodes, liver and spleen. Against the background of the disease, a change in the composition of the blood is observed - atypical mononuclear cells appear in it. Currently, there is no specially developed treatment regimen. Doctors provide symptomatic treatment.

Prion diseases and their features

Prions are rather specific infectious agents. In fact, they are a protein with an abnormal tertiary structure. Unlike viruses, prions do not contain nucleic acids. However, they can increase their numbers (reproduce) using living cells of the body.

Most often, prion infectious diseases are diagnosed in animals. Their list is not that big. In cows, against the background of infection, the so-called mad cow disease, or spongiform encephalopathy, can develop. Prions affect the nervous system of cats, antelopes, ostriches and some other animals.

A person is also susceptible to this type of infection. Against the background of prion activity, people develop Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Gerstmann syndrome, fatal familial insomnia.

Bacterial infections

The number of bacterial organisms that can lead to the development of a disease when it enters the human body is huge. Let's take a look at some of the infections.

Salmonellosis. This term unites a whole group of acute infectious diseases that affect the human digestive tract. Bacterial microorganisms of the genus Salmonella act as pathogens. The incubation period lasts from 6 hours to 8 days. The first symptoms are abdominal pain. As the disease progresses, pathogenic agents can affect the organs of the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system.

Botulism. Another disease from the group of intestinal infections. The causative agent is the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This microorganism, penetrating the wall of the digestive tract, begins to release botulinum toxin, which is dangerous for humans. Signs of botulism are severe abdominal pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. By the way, most often the pathogen enters the body with food.

Dysentery is an acute intestinal infection caused by a bacterium of the genus Shigella. The disease begins with a simple malaise and a slight increase in temperature, but then other disorders appear, in particular severe diarrhea. The disease is dangerous, as it can lead to damage to the intestinal mucosa and dehydration.

anthrax is a very dangerous disease. It starts acutely and develops very quickly. What are the symptoms of the disease? Anthrax is characterized by serous-hemorrhagic inflammation of the skin, serious lesions of internal organs and lymph nodes. The disease often ends in the death of the patient, even with properly administered therapy.

Lyme disease. Symptoms of the disease are fever, fatigue, skin rash, headaches. The causative agents are bacteria of the genus Borrelia. The infection is carried by ixodid ticks. Sometimes, against the background of infection, an inflammatory lesion of the heart, joints and nervous system is observed.

Venereal diseases. Not to mention sexually transmitted infections. Bacterial diseases include gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis. Sexual syphilis is also dangerous. In the initial stages, this disease is easily treatable, but if left untreated, the pathogen affects almost all organs, including the brain.

Quite common are diseases caused by meningococci. These pathogens are spread by airborne droplets. Forms meningococcal infection may be different. Against the background of infection of the body, pneumonia, meningitis, meningoencephalitis develops. Much less frequently, patients are diagnosed with endocarditis and arthritis.

Mycoses: fungal infections of the body

Mycoses are infectious diseases caused by the penetration of pathogenic fungi into the human body.

Perhaps the most common and well-known disease of this group is candidiasis(thrush). The infection affects the mucous membranes of the genital organs, the oral cavity, less often the skin in the natural folds of the body. A characteristic feature is the formation of a white cheesy plaque with a sour smell.

Onychomycosis- a group of common ailments, the causative agents of which are dermatophyte fungi. Microorganisms infect the nails on the hands and feet, gradually destroying the nail plate.

Other fungal diseases include seborrhea, pityriasis versicolor, ringworm, sporotrichosis and many others.

Protozoal diseases

Malaria a disease caused by plasmodium. The disease is accompanied by the development of anemia, repeated bouts of fever, an increase in the size of the spleen. The causative agent of malaria enters the body through the bite of a malarial mosquito. These protozoa are common in some countries of Africa, Asia and South America.

The group of protozoan diseases also includes amoebiasis(pathogen - amoeba), leishmaniasis(the causative agent is leishmania, which enters the human body through the bite of a mosquito), sarcocystosis, toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis, sleeping sickness, giardiasis(accompanied by damage to the digestive tract and skin).

Common signs of infectious diseases

There are a huge number of symptoms that can accompany infectious diseases. The list of them can be discussed endlessly, because each ailment has its own, unique characteristics. Nevertheless, there are a number of common signs that are present in any infectious disease:

An increase in body temperature is observed in almost any infectious lesion of the body.
It is worth mentioning the symptoms of intoxication - these are headaches, body aches, muscle pain, weakness, drowsiness, fatigue.
Cough, runny nose, sore throat appear when the respiratory tract is infected (for example, a rhinovirus infection can lead to the appearance of such symptoms).
The appearance of a rash and redness on the skin that does not disappear with the use of antihistamines.
Gastrointestinal disorders, including abdominal pain, stool disorders, nausea and vomiting. With liver damage, the color of the skin and sclera of the eyes changes (this is how hepatitis A develops).

Of course, each disease has its own characteristics. An example is Lyme disease, the symptoms of which are the appearance of migratory ring redness on the skin, fever, damage to the nervous system with the further development of depressive states.

Diagnosis of infectious diseases

As you can see, infectious diseases are very diverse. Of course, for proper treatment it is extremely important to determine the nature of the pathogen in time. This can be done through laboratory research. They can be divided into three groups:

Direct diagnostic methods

The purpose of research is to accurately identify the pathogen. Until recently, the only way to conduct such an analysis was to inoculate samples taken from a patient on a special medium. Further cultivation of the culture of microorganisms made it possible to identify the pathogen and even assess the degree of its sensitivity to certain drugs. This technique is used to this day, but it takes a long time (sometimes 10 days).

A faster method is PCR diagnostics, aimed at identifying certain fragments of the pathogen (usually DNA or RNA) in the patient's blood. This technique is especially effective in viral diseases.

Indirect diagnostic methods

This group includes laboratory studies in which they study not pathogens, but the reaction of the human body to them. When an infection enters, the immune system begins to produce antigens, in particular immunoglobulins. These are specific proteins. Depending on the structure of the antibodies present in the blood, the doctor can judge the development of a particular infectious disease.

Paraclinical methods

This includes studies that can help determine the symptoms of the disease and the degree of damage to the body. For example, a blood test confirms the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Infectious damage to the kidneys affects the functioning of the excretory system - any failures can be detected by examining urine samples. The same methods include ultrasound, X-ray, MRI and other instrumental studies.

What does the treatment depend on?

How are infectious diseases treated? The list of them is huge, and the treatment regimens are varied. In this case, it all depends on the nature of the pathogen, the general condition of the patient, the severity of the disease and other factors.

For example, for bacterial infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used. These drugs will be useless in viral diseases, because in such cases the patient needs to take antiviral drugs, interferon and immunomodulators. The presence of mycoses is an indication for taking antifungal agents.

Of course, symptomatic therapy is also carried out. Depending on the symptoms, it includes taking anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, painkillers and antihistamines. A rhinovirus infection, for example, will clear up more easily with special nasal drops. With lesions of the respiratory system, accompanied by a cough, specialists prescribe expectorant syrups and antitussive drugs.

It should be understood that self-medication is impossible in any case. For example, if you find signs of botulism in yourself, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this is a serious disease - in the absence of therapy, serious consequences are possible, especially when it comes to the body of a child.

Preventive actions

It is much easier to prevent an infection than to treat it later. Prevention of infectious diseases should be comprehensive. A person is constantly in contact with pathogenic microorganisms - they are present in the air and in water, get into food, settle on door handles and household items. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the body.

A strong immune system is able to suppress the reproduction of pathogenic microbes that have already entered the human body. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, outdoor walks, hardening, proper sleep and rest, lack of stress - all this helps to increase the body's defenses.

Do not give up vaccinations. Timely vaccination can protect against pathogens such as mumps, polio and hepatitis, etc. The preparations used for vaccinations contain samples of a dead or weakened pathogen of a particular disease - they cannot cause serious harm to the body, but help to develop strong immunity.

Many people turn to doctors after traveling. The fact is that in some regions of the planet various infectious diseases are rampant. For example, the causative agent of malaria (Plasmodium) enters the human blood only when bitten by a malarial mosquito, which lives only in some regions of Africa, Asia and South America. If you are going to spend some time in a particular country (especially if we are talking about countries with a tropical climate), be sure to ask about the level of spread of a particular infection - it is quite possible that it is better to get vaccinated or stock up on medicines before the trip.

Of course, it is very important to observe hygiene standards, buy high-quality food, wash them before use, and cook them properly. During epidemic outbreaks of influenza or other colds, it is worth avoiding crowded places, taking special drugs to strengthen immunity (for example, Aflubin). To protect against sexual infections during intercourse, it is imperative to use a condom.

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

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

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

The World Health Organization classifies STDs as follows:

Common sexually transmitted infections

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

Other STDs

that affect mainly the organs of the reproductive system:

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

that affect mainly other organs and systems:

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

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

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

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

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

An alert has been declared!

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

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.
Cloudy urine.

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

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

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women

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

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

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

Sexually transmitted diseases in men: symptoms

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

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

Let's get to know each other better

Chlamydia

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

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

Trichomoniasis

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

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

Mycoplasmosis (in men - ureaplasmosis)

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

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

Gonorrhea

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

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

Syphilis

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

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

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

Forget about the Internet!

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

How 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.

What is important to know

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

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

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

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

Symptoms of sexual disease appear immediately?

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

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

Condom - reliable protection against STDs?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What can be done in an emergency?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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