What are sexually transmitted diseases?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Nhu Thu Truc - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Unhealthy sex can be the cause of a number of dangerous diseases. Having enough information about sexually transmitted diseases will help in effective prevention and treatment. So what are sexually transmitted diseases?

1. Definition of sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases – STDs is the English name for sexually transmitted diseases. It is caused by the spread of pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites from one person to another through sexual contact.
Sexual acts are understood to include vaginal intercourse, anal or oral sex. Statistics show that there are about 20 sexually transmitted diseases in the world. Each disease will have different manifestations and degrees of health effects. In particular, HIV/AIDS is an extremely serious sexually transmitted disease, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of millions of people. Up to now, HIV/AIDS is one of the sexually transmitted diseases like "disease of the century" and there is no definitive cure.

2. Common sexually transmitted diseases

There are about 20 sexually transmitted diseases if people engage in unhealthy sexual behaviors. In Vietnam, the number of people suffering from venereal diseases is not small. However, the fear of examination and treatment as well as the lack of knowledge about the disease makes the condition worse. Let's take a look at some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in both men and women today.

2.1. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. The disease is encountered in people who have unprotected sex with the vagina, anus, or mouth. In addition, sex toys can also cause gonorrhea.
Gonorrhea is common in both sexes, but the rate is higher in men. Symptoms of the disease are also different in both sexes.
Gonorrhea is common in both men and women
For men, gonorrhea will have symptoms such as pus in the penis, swelling and pain at the tip of the penis, testicles. In women, the disease causes an unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sex or urination, and is accompanied by fever.
Gonorrhea can cause testicular inflammation, more serious is infertility if not treated promptly.

2.2. Syphilis

One of the common sexually transmitted diseases is syphilis. Syphilis, scientifically known as Syphilis, is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Symptoms of the disease are easily confused with common skin diseases.
Syphilis usually appears on the trunk, palms and soles
At each stage, syphilis presents different signs.
Stage 1: There are sores on the genitals. In some cases, people with the disease also have swollen inguinal lymph nodes. Symptoms at this stage are not painful, so the patient is quite subjective. Stage 2: The trunk, palms, and soles of the feet are erythematous. Floaters in the anus. Inguinal lymph nodes begin to swell all over the body but still do not cause pain. Stage 3: Syphilis spreads and damages internal organs such as bones, heart, skin, nerves,...

2.3. Soft orange disease

Canker sores are caused by a rod-shaped bacterium, which is considered a risk factor for HIV infection.
Signs to recognize soft Chancroid as follows: Ulcers of various sizes appear in many places, around the ulcer are covered with yellow or gray pus, easy to bleed; Inguinal lymphadenopathy, swelling, pus, and pain; There is swelling or pain in the groin area during intercourse or urination.
Patients can be definitively treated with antibiotics combined with a reasonable lifestyle. However, it is necessary to visit the hospital for exact instructions from the doctor.

2.4. Genital warts

Genital warts are also known as warts or genital warts. Genital warts are caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). There is currently no cure for this sexually transmitted disease. Patients can therefore live with this disease for the rest of their lives. More seriously, the disease can lead to cancer of the cervix, vagina, anus or penis.
Genital warts are also known as warts, genital warts
Usually, genital warts have early symptoms in men such as wet warts appearing on the surface. When touching the wart, there will be pus and blood coming out, causing discomfort and itching. Genital warts spread quickly around the genitals, the size of warts can be as big as a fist.
Meanwhile, in women, there are no obvious symptoms and are often detected at a late stage. The disease will manifest as fatigue, weight loss, small papillomas appear on the genitals but do not cause pain and itching.

3. How to prevent sexually transmitted diseases

Knowing how to prevent common STIs will help you reduce your risk of contracting them effectively.
Do not have sex while drunk or using drugs. Monogamous monogamous sex. Regular sexual health check every 6 months. Use condoms during sex. Clean genitals before and after sex. Above is knowledge about common sexually transmitted diseases. Regardless of the disease, they always have potential dangers to human mental health and life. Therefore, when the body shows strange signs, we should visit reputable facilities and quickly have an appropriate treatment regimen.
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