sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) caused by certain microorganisms are, without exaggeration, among the most dangerous types of diseases that threaten not only the patient but also the community around them as a whole, especially since medicine and scientists have not yet succeeded in finding cures or preventative vaccines for some of these diseases. Therefore, these diseases require careful understanding and special care.

What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) are infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as certain types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and are transmitted in large proportions through sexual contact. If these infections are not quickly overcome, they will develop into a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Unfortunately, some sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Other ways some of these diseases can spread include direct skin-to-skin contact, transfusion of contaminated blood, and sharing needles.

Common Symptoms

The seriousness of these diseases lies in the fact that they do not cause obvious symptoms; infection may remain in the patient’s body for a long time without any symptoms or only have mild fatigue similar to that of many other diseases. In general, sexually transmitted infections may be accompanied by some symptoms such as:

  • Excessive and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina.
  • Women may experience an abnormal vaginal odor.
  • Sores or warts with itching and redness on the genitals
  • The patient experiences frequent or painful urination and may also experience itching, pain, or bleeding in the anus.
  • Sores or blisters in or around the mouth
  • Abdominal pain and fever

STD Symptoms in Men

Besides the common symptoms, there are certain STD symptoms in men, including:

  • Itching around the urethral opening.
  • Pain and swelling in one or both testicles.
  • Abnormal and frequent discharges from the penis.
  • Uncomfortable and painful urination

Causes and Risk Factors

It is generally accepted that sexually transmitted diseases have underlying causes and potential risk factors, as follows:

  • Causes of STDs

The main causes of STDs include:

Viral Infection

Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the most serious ones, are caused by viruses. Among the most common are HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), herpes simplex, and others.

Bacterial Infection

Sexually transmitted diseases are also caused by an individual contracting a disease-causing bacterial infection, the most famous of which are chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and others, which are also among the most serious, life-threatening diseases.

Parasites

Infection with certain types of parasites can also be a cause of sexually transmitted diseases, the most common of which is trichomoniasis.

  • Risk Factors of STD

Some people are more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, such as:

  • If the partner, whether husband or wife, is infected with any of these diseases.
  • Those with weakened immune systems, due to the body’s inability to overcome infection.
  • Transfusion of infected blood from or sharing needles can transmit the infection rapidly
  • Poor infection control in clinics and hospitals makes their staff vulnerable to infection.

Types of STDs

The most common types of STDs include:

  • AIDS [HIV]

Acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) is a retrovirus with two single-stranded RNA molecules. Its initial symptoms resemble those of the flu, and the duration of symptom onset ranges between 4 to 10 weeks from infection.

  • HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid virus (DNA), and one of its most common symptoms is the appearance of genital and anal warts.

  • Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by a bacterial infection, and it is accompanied by systemic symptoms, including skin lesions, a non-itchy rash, and warts. The patient can take certain antibiotics in the treatment plan.

  • Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by a bacterial infection, and the most common symptoms include painful urination, abnormal genital discharge, and abdominal pain; however, many people with chlamydia are asymptomatic, and this bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics.

  • Gonorrhea

Although there is antibiotic treatment for the bacterial infection that causes gonorrhea, neglecting or failing to treat it leads to very serious complications. After the incubation period, this disease is accompanied by a burning sensation during urination, along with excessive, foul-smelling discharge from the penis or vagina.

  • Genital herpes

The genital herpes virus causes painful sores or blisters on the genitals or in the mouth. This viral infection cannot be cured, but antiviral medications can be used to relieve symptoms.

  • Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is also one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases that can be treated with antifungal drugs. It is accompanied by pain, redness, and itching of the genitals, along with excessive discharge.

How STD Tests Are Done

Many types of medical tests can be performed to diagnose sexually transmitted infections, including:

  • Blood tests

Blood tests help detect genetic material or antibodies to bacteria and viruses, and aid in the diagnosis of syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B.

During the test, a blood sample is taken from a vein in the patient’s arm using a small needle. A small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial for testing.

  • Urine analysis

Urine samples can be analyzed to detect certain sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis and possibly chlamydia.

  • Swab tests [Fluid Samples]

Swab tests can be used to diagnose human papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhea, and possibly herpes. The doctor takes a sample using a sterile swab from the genitals or the infection area, and then specific laboratory tests are performed on it to confirm the presence of microorganisms.

If you need Home STD Testing Services to ensure complete confidentiality and privacy with accuracy and expertise, you can request Lana Life Care services.

Complications of Untreated STDs

Untreated sexually transmitted diseases lead to serious complications, the most common include:

  • Persistent pelvic pain and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  • Infertility in men and women, and potentially serious pregnancy complications.
  • Inflammation of the eyes, joints, and other body organs.
  • Some chronic diseases, such as heart disease
  • ٍome types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, rectal cancer, and others.

Treatment Options

STD treatment available options include:

Antibiotics

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by bacteria, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be treated with antibiotics.

Antiparasitic 

trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted parasitic infection, can be treated and cured with antiparasitic agents based on single-dose regimens.

Antiviral medication

Antiviral drugs help relieve the symptoms associated with sexually transmitted diseases caused by viral infections such as HIV and others. The use of these drugs in the case of the hepatitis B virus slows the rate of liver cell damage caused by the virus.

The patient may also be given some health-promoting medications to help him overcome the disease and its symptoms as much as possible.

Home Remedies and Supportive Care

Certainly, caring for a patient with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) requires taking strict preventive measures, along with providing psychological (Hold off placing blame) support and treatment (Antibiotics or Antivirals)

support to help the patient overcome the infection as much as possible and prevent its spread to others.

Therefore, seeking assistance from a healthcare provider specializing in home health care in Dubai for patients with STIs is crucial.

Prevention Strategies

STD prevention can be successful when following these strategies:

  • Regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is recommended for high-risk individuals.
  • Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B is also advised.
  • Inform your partner if you are infected and consult a doctor for necessary guidance.
  • Mandate hospitals, medical centers, and blood banks to implement all infection control standards, with strict monitoring of compliance.
  • Awareness must be raised regarding the seriousness of these diseases and how patients’ families can care for them without transmitting the infection.

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect you have contracted an infection for any reason, even if you don’t notice any symptoms, or if you experience persistent and worsening pain and blisters on your genitals, painful urination, abnormal vaginal or penile discharge, and a persistent fever that doesn’t respond to treatment, you should see a doctor. 

The doctor will help confirm or rule out the infection, develop an appropriate treatment plan, and provide necessary instructions if you are infected.

Why Choose Lana Life Care for STD Testing and Treatment?

Lana Life Care is the largest health center in the UAE, specializing in diverse home healthcare services, and relies on a skilled and specialized nursing team licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.

We offer many home care services needed by STD patients, such as STD test at home in Dubai, with complete accuracy and confidentiality. A dedicated doctor guides the patient with the infection to the necessary treatment guidelines, and all types of support are provided to help the patient overcome the disease as much as possible and protect their family. You can request our services at any time, 24/7, at competitive prices.

FAQs

Is STD testing confidential in the UAE?

Yes, provided that you choose a trusted medical center like Lana Life Care

Can you get tested for STDs at home?

Yes, the home healthcare provider will withdraw the blood sample at home and deliver it to the medical lab.

How can you prevent getting an STD?

By following infection control and STD prevention strategies

Can STDs be cured completely?

Some bacterial STIs can be cured completely, while viral STIs are incurable 

How are STDs diagnosed and tested?

Sexually transmitted diseases can be diagnosed and tested by physical examination, blood test, urine tests, and testing fluid samples 

Symptoms of STD in females

Symptoms of STD in females include: redness, itching, and warts on the genitals, unusual vaginal discharge 

Sexually transmitted diseases examples

The most common STDs include:

  • HIV
  • HPV
  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Genital herpes
  • Chlamydia

 

Sources:

Sexually Transmitted

STIs

Featured Products

Write a Reply or Comment