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What are STD's? Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Prevention

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS 

Introduction

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are infections transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Some diseases, like Herpes and HPV, can be transmitted through skin contact. Pregnant women can transmit it to babies during pregnancy or childbirth.1 Sexually transmitted diseases transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse, are prevalent and can cause major health issues if untreated. Testing is simple and most are manageable. Sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STIs) are acquired through sexual contact, often through blood, semen, or bodily fluids. Nonsexual transmission can occur during pregnancy or childbirth, and STIs can be contracted from seemingly healthy individuals.

Table of Contents

    1. Symptoms of STDs
    2. Risk elements
    3. Causes of STDs
    4. Diagnosis of STD
    5. Prevention of STDs
    6. Summary

Symptoms of STDs

An STD can manifest in various ways, including none at all, and may not be detected until issues arise or a partner is diagnosed.

  • Acne or sores on the genitalia, the rectal area, or the mouth.Scorching or agonizing urinating.
  • Discharge from the penis.
  • Strange or unpleasant vaginal discharge.
  • Extraordinary vaginal bleeding.
  • Sexual discomfort.
  • Often in the groin but occasionally more widely dispersed, painful and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Pain in lower back.
  • Fever
  • Rash on the hands, feet, or trunk.
  • After a few days, signs and symptoms may start to manifest. However, depending on the organism that is causing the STD, it can be years before you start experiencing any obvious issues.

Risk Elements

Anyone who has sex faces the possibility of developing an STI. Such risk could arise from several factors, including:

  • Having intercourse without protection. The risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is considerably increased by vaginal or anal penetration by an infected partner who isn't wearing a latex condom. The risk can also be increased by using condoms improperly or inconsistently.
  • Even though oral sex is less risky, you can still get infections without using a dental dam. A dental dam is a small, round piece of rubber made of latex or silicone.
  • Having sex with a variety of partners. Your risk increases the more people you have sexual contact with.
  • Having a sexually transmitted disease history. When you already have one, getting another one is significantly simpler.
  • Drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs. Substance abuse can cloud your judgment and make you more likely to engage in risky behavior.
  • Needle sharing. Needle sharing carries many serious infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and others.
  • Young people. Half of new diseases start in people between 15 and 24 years of age.
  • Transmission of disease from mothers to infants. Certain diseases, including gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well as HIV and syphilis, can be passed from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth. Transmission of these diseases to infants can lead to serious complications or even death. Pregnant women should all be screened for and treated for these infections.3

Causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

  • The transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and non-sexual contact.
  • While some of these infections may not be classified as STDs, they can still spread through sexual contact, including oral and vaginal intercourse, sharing of contaminated needles, and the use of body piercing and tattooing equipment.
  • Transmission of sexually transmitted disease can occur even when the individual does not have any symptoms.
  • Bacteria are responsible for the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia.
  • Parasites are also involved in the transmission of these diseases, such as trichomoniasis.
  • Viruses are responsible for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including human papillomavirus (HPV), genital herpes, and HIV. Other types of infections, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B and C, shigella, and giardia, can also be transmitted through sexual activity, although it is possible to become infected without sexual contact.

Diagnosis of STDs

Diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs):

  • A detailed history of sexual activity with a person in the last few years.
  • A history of symptoms
  • Microbial detection by blood tests.
  • Urine sample for microbial detection
  • Microbial discharge from genital sore, ulcer, or vagina and penis under a microscope.
  • Pap test: A Pap test is done to test all women for an abnormal structure of the cervical cells. This abnormal structure can be caused by infection with some types of HPV. All women should get a Pap smear at least every three years starting from age 21.5

Prevention of STDs

There are several steps you can take to prevent or reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

  • Stay with an uninfected partner.
  • If you are in a committed relationship, you can avoid it by abstaining from vaginal and anal intercourse until both partners have tested positive for STIs.
  • Avoid oral sex. Oral sex can be less risky, but it is important to use latex condoms or dental dams to prevent contact between the oral mucosa and the genital mucosa.
  • Get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated early, before sexual exposure, is an effective way to prevent certain types of sexually transmitted diseases. Vaccines can help protect against the HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
  • The CDC recommends HPV vaccine for girls and boys aged 11-12, or 9 years old, if not fully vaccinated by age 11 and 12.
  • The vaccine for hepatitis B can be given to newborn babies, and the vaccine for hepatitis A can be given to babies as young as 1 year old.
  • The vaccines for hepatitis B and hepatitis A are recommended for individuals who are not already immune to the diseases, and for individuals who are at high risk of infection (e.g., men who sleep with men and intravenous drug users).
  • Always use a new, fresh latex condom or a dental dam for every sex act (e.g. oral, vaginal, anal). Never use an oil-based lubricant (i.e., petroleum jelly, lube, etc.) on a latex condom.
  • Natural Membrane Condoms are not recommended as they are not effective in preventing STIs since they do not provide adequate protection against it.
  • Don't use non-contraceptive methods like birth control pills or IUDs, which don't protect you from STDs. Also, don't drink too much alcohol or drugs while under the influence.
  • Talk to your partner about safe sex practices before you have sex, and make sure you agree on what's okay and what's not. And don't forget to get male circumcision - it can reduce the risk of getting HIV from a woman who has HIV by up to 60%. Plus, it can help prevent the transmission of HPV and genital herpes.
  • PrEP, a combination of Truvada and Descovy, is FDA-approved to reduce HIV risk in high-risk individuals, offering a potential option for those at risk.
  • Before prescribing PrEP, a doctor will test for HIV, check kidneys, and conduct a six-month check every six months. If hepatitis is present, consult a specialist doctor.
  • Daily use of Truvada and Descovy can reduce HIV risk from 99% and 74%, respectively, according to the CDC. However, Descovy's effectiveness in receptive vaginal sex is unknown. Additional prevention, like condom use, can further reduce STDs..3

Summary

The prognosis for sexually transmitted disease gets better with treatment. Treatment slows down the progression of the disease and improves the long-term health of the patient. The appropriate treatment is dependent on the diagnosis. For those diagnosed with a STI, it is important to use condoms while having sex and to inform any sexual partners of their risk of status.

Prevention is very important for reducing the number and impact of this disease. Taking PrEP prevents a person from getting HIV. If you suspect you may have a STD, you may not want to go to a doctor. But knowing your health status is always a good idea. Getting the right diagnosis can alleviate an anxious mind, help you find the right treatment, and avoid long-term complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, males can acquire fungal infections, particularly in the genital area. Although it is less frequent in men than in women, men must recognize the signs and seek proper treatment. 

No, fungal infections are not classified as sexually transmitted infections. However, sexual activity can sometimes upset the natural balance, increasing the risk of infection.

While vaginal yeast infections are more frequent in women, they can occur in men as well, mainly through sexual transfer.

For minor yeast infections, over-the-counter antifungal treatments can be beneficial. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to seek medical attention.

Stress can impair the immune system, making it more difficult to battle illnesses such as yeast infections.