Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

DEFINITION

• Sexual transmitted disease spread by sex between couples who have been infected, such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
• It can be transmitted during sexual intercourse through vaginal, or oral (mouth).
• In Malaysia, sexual transmitted disease cases increased from year to year, especially among adolescents aged 16 to 24 years.
• Among the reasons for the increase in cases is early exposure to sex and free sex at a young age.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

You should see a doctor if you experience symptoms such as itching, swelling, mucus production, pain and redness in the vagina or penis.

CHLAMYDIA

• Chlamydia infection usually does not give any does not give any indication of the female patients, but patients may experience symptoms such as non-specific inflammation of the bladder, mucus from the vagina or abdomen pain divided.
• Men also often complain of pain , swelling, mucus from the urethra and epididymis swollen veins.
• This disease can remain infective symptoms disappear after a few days.

GENITAL WARTS

- There are warts that are white or white spots in the vagina and genital area or anus.

- The majority of patients did not complain of any symptoms.

- It's difficult for doctors to make a proper diagnosis of the disease.

GENITAL HERPES

- Such as warts, herpes usually does not cause symptoms.

- Those who show signs of the disease may complain of fever, itching, 'hot' and swelling in the genital area.

- Sometimes the skin may blister and form ulcers cause pain during urination.

GONORRHEA

• Is an infection that involves both men and women.
• It can infect the genital area, anus, colon or throat .
• Approximately 90% of patients will complain release mucus and pus from genital pain during

SYPHILIS

• The initial symptoms are patient will complain of sores on the penis and vagina.
• These sores may be painless and will go away without treatment.
• Then, the patient may experiences fever, chills, and muscles aches.

HIV

- Patients may complain of fever and muscle pain a few months after being infected with the HIV virus, but the majority do not have any symptoms.
- Only a blood test can determine if you are infected with HIV or not.
- The blood test may have to be repeated if found to be negative.
- Eventually, the patient's immune system will be reduce and he will be difficult to fight the disease.

DIAGNOSIS

- Most sexually transmitted diseases through complaints and patient history.

- This is followed by a blood test, urine, and other tests.

- The test results are are confidential between patient and doctor.

- The doctor will take the test sweep at the vaginal or penile shaft (using a cotton bud)  and will be sent to lab.

TREATMENT

• Sexually transmitted diseases can be treated with antibiotics while antiviral drugs can be used for herpes in the genital area. 
• Genital warts are usually heal on their own without treatment .
• Most patients will require the doctor to remove warts is cosmetic reasons .
• Among the agents for treatment include liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart .
• In all cases of sexually transmitted diseases , sexual partners must also be treated even if the patient did not show any symptoms.
• This reduces the risk of infection to others . 

Below is a brief but treatments specific for venereal diseases 

Chlamydia - treated with antibiotics for a few days to few weeks

Gonorrhea - antibiotics are usually given for once

HIV - So far no treatment for AIDS, but there are medications that can reduce the HIV in the body and helps maintain the immune system as long as possible.

Syphilis - Can be treated early with antibiotics for 2 weeks. It can also be treated during the final stages of the diseases. But complications to the heart and nervous system can not be treated.

PREVENTION

• Please refrain from sex and be faithful to your partner is the most effective treatment and practical.
• The use of condoms is also effective to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
• You are encourage to regularly undergo a medical examination and to know your partner before marriage.

Reference : STD