Sexually transmitted diseases Information (STDs) - Picture, Symptoms and Types of Sexually transmitted diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain one of the biggest public health issues. The incidence of STDs continues to rise, with chlamydia set to become the next global epidemic, following hot on the heels of herpes and HIV. For many STDs, the initial symptoms may be so negligible that they are not noticed. Infection is spread during intercourse before the carrier of the STD even realises that he or she is infected.
Most common Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases, transmitted through sexual intercourse, are a major health issue and are on the increase owing to a switch away from monogamy to multiple sexual partners. The most common diseases include HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, thrush and genital herpes. Different strains of hepatitis are also transmitted sexually. The symptoms may be so negligible that a carrier may not even realise he or she is infected.
19% - Gonococcal infections
27% - Chlamydial infections
50% - Syphilis
4% - Trichomoniasis
SAFE SEX
The move away from monogamy to multiple sexual partners looks likely to make STDs even more widespread. The use of condoms is still the only way to try to protect yourself from catching a STD, and it is essential to practise safe sex with any new partner. If you suspect you may be suffering from a STD, then confidential advice, investigation and treatment can be obtained from your local STD clinics. For some STDs, the clinics will need to contact previous partners if test results are positive.
There is a number of infections that, although transmitted sexually, are not regarded as STDs in the true sense. These are summarised in the table below.
| Disease |
Symptoms |
Mangement |
| Candida |
In women, vaginal irritation and itching, a thick white vaginal discharge, pain on passing urine and, rarely, vaginal bleeding. In men, there may be irritation or a rash on the end of the penis, but often there are no symptoms. |
Simultaneous treatment of both partners with anti-fungal drugs. These can be taken by mouth, or applied to the genitalia as creams and pessaries. Natural yoghurt' s often used instead of anti-fungal medication. |
| Bacterial Vaginosis |
In 5 a per cent of women, there are no symptoms. There may be a fishy smelling vaginal discharge. Slight irritation may be the only symptom in men. |
Oral antibiotics such as metronidazole for both partners. Intra-vaginal antibiotic creams are also effective. |
| Trichomonas vaginalis |
In women, a heavy greenish-yellow discharge, pain on intercourse, genital irritation and, sometimes, abdominal pain. Men are almost always free of symptoms. Rarely, there can be pain on passing urine or a whitish discharge from the penis. |
Oral antibiotics for both partners, usually metronidazole. |
| Chlamydia |
Often no symptoms in either sex. Women may have discharge, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and pain on intercourse or when passing urine. Men may have discharge, pain on passing urine or testicular swelling. |
Oral antibiotics. Previous sexual partners need to be traced. This is a major cause of female infertility, and it is routinely checked for during infertility investigations. |
| Gonorrhoea |
In females, symptoms are similar to chlamydia. There are often no partners symptoms. In men, a yellow discharge from the penis, pain on passing urine, blood in the urine or swollen glands in the groin. |
Oral antibiotics. Previous sexual need to be traced. |
| Syphilis |
Painless red genital sores (chancres) initially, followed by rash and flu-like illness. Long-term consequences include damage to the heart and nervous system. |
Antibiotic medication at a specialist treatment centre. It is essential to trace previous sexual partners. |
| Genital Herpes |
Painful genital blisters that may form ulcers. Can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms. |
Oral anti-viral medication. |
| Hepatitis B and C |
Often no symptoms, but may be initial flu-like illness. |
Specialist treatment essential, as is tracing previous sexual partners. |
| HIV |
Often symptom-free, but may be initial flu-like illness. Antibody blood test also 2-3 months after suspected infection. |
Specialist treatment essential, as is tracing previous sexual partners. |
If you think you may have a sexually transmitted disease, seek medical advice to avoid spreading the illness.
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