What are sexually transmitted diseases/infections?
Sexually transmitted infections are spread from one person to another through unprotected sexual contact. The diseases can be transmitted in the following ways:
- Having unprotected sex with someone who already has STD/STI
- Through sexual contact between partners
- Via genital touching, even if no sex was involved
- Through needle sharing or other blood contact
Types of STDs
STDs spread from bacteria, viruses, and even parasites.
Common bacterial STDs are:
- Gonorrhea
- Chancroid
- Syphilis
- Chlamydial infection
Viral STDs include:
- Genital herpes
- HIV infection
- Genital and anorectal warts
Parasitic infections that can be sexually transmitted are:
- Scabies and lice (can also be spread through non-sexual contact)
- Trichomoniasis
Prevention
Some steps can be taken to reduce the spread of STDs/STIs
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A & B, and HPV
- Have sex with one partner only. Having sexual contact with multiple partners increases the risk of STD transmission.
- Do not douche. Douching removes friendly bacteria from the vagina, which increases the risk of STDs/STIs.
- Practice safer sex by using a condom.
- Obtain and promote knowledge, especially among young people, about high-risk behaviors
- Follow-up immediately on any signs and symptoms of STDs/STIs
Treatment
If someone is diagnosed with an STD/STI, that person should refrain from sexual activity until they have been treated.
Usually, a single-dose antibiotic regimen is effective against trichomoniasis, chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
In the case of herpes and HIV, antivirals are given but the regimen only manages the disease and cannot cure the infection entirely.
Treatment for hepatitis B depends on the severity and duration of the disease.
Treatment for scabies and lice consists of topical antiparasitic agents.
Effective treatment is currently available for several STIs. • Three bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis) and one parasitic STI (trichomoniasis) are generally curable with existing, effective singledose regimens of antibiotics. • For herpes and HIV, the most effective medications available are antivirals that can modulate the course of the disease, though they cannot cure the disease. • For hepatitis B, immune system modulators (interferon) and antiviral medications can help to fight the virus and slow damage to the liveFacial abrasions and considered more serious as these have a higher risk of cicatrization and should be cleaned,debrided, and dressed daily. Dressings may require skin adhesives like the combination of gum mastic, styrax,alcohol, and methyl salicylate or tincture of benzoin.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.
When to visit a doctor:
If your partner is diagnosed with STD, you should see a medical provider in order to avoid possible serious complications.
Treatment for STDs is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.