Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)are generally acquired by sexual contact. Sometimes these infections can be transmitted non-sexually, such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.
Symptoms
- Sores or bumps on the genitals
- Painful or burning urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin
- widespread lower abdominal pain
- Fever
Causes
- Bacteria (gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia)
- Parasites (trichomoniasis)
- Viruses (human papillomavirus, genital herpes, HIV)
- Sexual activity
Risk factors
- Having unprotected sex.
- Vaginal or anal penetration by an infected partner
- Improper or inconsistent use of condoms can also increase your risk.
- Having sexual contact with multiple partners.
- Needle sharing spreads many serious infections, including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Prevention
- Stay with one uninfected partner.
- Avoid vaginal with new partners until you have both been tested for STIs.
- Get vaccinated
- Diagnosis
- Blood tests-Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis of HIV or later stages of syphilis.
- Urine samples. Some STIs can be confirmed with a urine sample.
- Fluid samples
- Laboratory tests of material from a genital discharge are used to diagnose some STIs.
Treatment
Treatment usually depending on type of the infection.