Being infected with one of the types of STDs is one of the most serious health crises that any person may face in their life, especially since most of these diseases greatly threaten the individual’s health and social life. Sexually transmitted diseases also require special precautions, care, and treatment to help the patient manage the disease and symptoms effectively.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact, possibly through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, or through the transfusion of blood contaminated with the microbe that causes STDs.
These diseases must be managed, controlled, and contained as much as possible, especially since, if left unchecked, they can cause serious health consequences not only for the infected individual but also for society as a whole.
Types of STDs
If you don’t know what the most common sexually transmitted diseases are, and whether there is a definitive cure or vaccination for them, here are the 10 most common types of STDs and the most important information about each one in detail.
1. HIV (AIDS)
AIDS is the most common and dangerous type of sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Unfortunately, it can spread through all bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.
If antiviral treatment is not promptly administered, the disease develops into AIDS, which is accompanied by a severe weakening of the immune system. It is worth noting that there is currently no definitive cure or vaccine for AIDS.
2. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by a bacterial infection called Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be transmitted from person to person through sexual contact and can also be transmitted to the infant during birth.
It can cause infertility and other complications if the patient does not receive prompt treatment.
The good news is that chlamydia can be treated with powerful antibiotics, but there is no approved vaccine yet.
3. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is one of the most common types of STDs caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the reproductive system, but it can also infect the throat, rectum, and eyes.
Gonorrhea can be treated with the right antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. However, mutated strains of this bacterium have become highly resistant to most antibiotics, which can delay recovery. There is currently no vaccine to prevent gonorrhea.
4. Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The disease is spread primarily through direct contact with syphilis sores, which may appear on the genitals or mouth. It may also be transmitted through contaminated blood transfusions or from infected mothers to their babies.
There is no vaccine for syphilis, and the treatment plan depends on the stage of the disease, which is primarily based on antibiotics.
5. Human Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 types of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. They cause various health problems, such as genital warts and some types of cancer, and are transmitted through sexual and skin contact. There is no specific treatment for HPV; however, a preventive vaccine is available.
6. Hepatitis B Virus
Hepatitis B is also a sexually transmitted disease (STI) and can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth or through contaminated blood transfusions and needles.
Liver damage is the most common complication of hepatitis B. Regarding the possibility of treatment, acute cases can be treated and cured, while chronic cases have no definitive cure.
The World Health Organization recommends receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, which helps prevent both acute and chronic hepatitis B infection.
7. Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common viral infection among the types of STDs, and is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of the virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, with HSV-2 being the most common.
There is no definitive cure for genital herpes, and there is no licensed vaccine yet.
8. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is one of the most common types of STDs that is transmitted through sexual contact or sharing personal items such as towels. It is caused by a single-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, and it affects the reproductive and urinary systems of both males and females. Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics, but there is no vaccine.
9. Chancroid
Chancroid is a bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus ducreyi. It is transmitted only through sexual contact, causes painful sores on the genitals, and increases the risk of contracting HIV.
Chronic chancroid can be treated with antibiotics, but it is considered a rare type of STD.
10. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
In fact, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not considered an STD by scientists, but it is a type of infection that increases the risk of chlamydia and other Types of STDs
What Do STDs Look Like?
Sexually transmitted diseases manifest in a large number of symptoms, some of which appear in the form of warts, itching, and lesions, while others cause severe pain in the urinary and reproductive systems and various parts of the body as well.
What Should You Do If You Test Positive?
After testing for various types of STDs and detecting any STIs, it is necessary to inform your partner. It is also necessary to consult a specialist doctor to determine the appropriate treatment plan according to the nature of the disease.
When Should You See an STD Doctor?
If you have symptoms of any sexually transmitted diseases, your partner has tested positive, you have tested positive, or you have recently had a blood transfusion and then develop unusual symptoms, you should see a doctor for medical advice and treatment if needed.
You can request the “Doctor at Home” service from Lana Life Care, which will provide you with the best medical advice while maintaining confidentiality and privacy.
STD Complications: What Happens If You Ignore Them?
If ignored, all types of STDs will lead to irreversible consequences, some of which may be fatal. The most common complications of STDs include infertility, chronic inflammation, some types of cancer, skin diseases, cirrhosis, especially in patients with HBV and HPV
Prevention: Protecting Yourself and Others
Some measures can greatly reduce the risk of transmitting the different types of STDs, including:
- Consult a doctor and use some contraceptive tools that may reduce the risk of transmission of these diseases, if your life partner is infected
- Get all available vaccinations to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
- Make sure to have an STD panel done if you have recently had a blood transfusion or been in contact with an infected person, especially since most of these diseases have more than one transmission route, sometimes through skin-to-skin contact.
Get Confidential STD Testing at Home in Dubai with Lana
These tests, in particular, require complete confidentiality and privacy, along with accuracy and security. That’s why Lana Life Care offers STD test at home in Dubai to all our valued customers, offering a complete analysis panel to accurately and efficiently detect any of these diseases.
Relying on a reliable team of Home nursing in Dubai to collect blood samples with the utmost accuracy and safety from patients in the comfort of their homes.
Suppose a patient is diagnosed with any sexually transmitted disease. In that case, we provide them with the necessary medical support in addition to providing palliative care nursing to help them cope with the disease and try to overcome it as much as possible.
Because we recognize the importance of home healthcare, we deliver all our services with the highest quality and at the best possible price. You will find that our Home nursing costs in Dubai are very competitive.
FAQ
How Often Should You Get Tested?
Every 3 to 6 months, or once a year at least.
What are 10 sexually transmitted diseases?
Chlamydia, HSV, Hepatitis B, Trichomoniasis, HIV, Human papillomavirus, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chancroid, and BV.
What are the 4 strong STDs?
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis.
What’s the worst STD?
HIV is the worst type of STD as it destroys the immune system.