What
are STDs ?--
STD stands for sexually transmitted diseases.
This group was previously refereed to as VD
(Venereal Disease).
The symptoms & signs of these are seen
mainly on the genital organs.
They cause-- Ulcer on the genitals / discharge
through the genital organs.
They may also cause warty growth / painful
swelling in the groin.
In females lower abdominal pain is also common.
Which
are the most common STDs ?--
Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chancroid, Lymphogranuloma
venereum, Donovanosis are the most common STDs.
HIV has also been added to this group now.
What
are the symptoms of STDs ?--
Initially most STDs produce symptoms localised
to the genitalia. However as the disease progresses it produces more
generalised symptoms.
The early symptoms are ----
Ulcer on the genitals
Warty growth on the genitals
Persistent discharge from the genitals.
Painful swelling in the groin especially if
accompanying any of the above.
Pus discharge in urine
Burning pain at micturition
However
it is always advisable to contact your physician for the diagnosis.
Is
itching all over the body or the genitals a symptom of STD ?--
Itching all over the body & even the
genitals can be caused by many different skin diseases.
Most commonly this is due to allergic conditions
or fungal infections.
Hence this need not necessarily mean a STD.
If
an individual has a scar on the penis, what does it suggest ?--
Generally most ulcerative lesions heal without
leaving a scar. However in some cases there may remain some slight
difference in color. This may be suggestive of prior STD.
Sometimes there may be a scar like lesion on the
underside of the penis. This portion of the skin looks like a web. it
is not due to any STD but is a remnant of fetal development & is
normal.
Does
a white patch on the penis suggest a STD ?--
Generally a change in color is not due to
current STD.
It may be due to a previous STD or any other
condition. Hence in case of doubt, it is best to contact a physician.
What
are the symptoms & signs of Gonorrhea ?--
Gonorrhea is caused by an organism called as
Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
It causes a us like discharge through the
urethra within 1-14 days of risky intercourse; especially within 2-5
days in majority of cases.
The patient also complains of pain while passing
urine.
The clinical diagnosis can be confirmed by
microscopic examination of the pus.
The infection can be easily treated with
antibiotics.
Left untreated, it can lead to a variety of
complications. It can cause painful swelling of the testis (
epididymitis) , infection of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis). this
can lead to infertility , ectopic pregnancy (fetus implanted in organs
other than uterus). If the mother is suffering from gonorrhea at
the time of delivery, the newborn is at the risk of a potentially
blinding infection.
In rare cases, infection spreads in the body
& causes painful joints & skin lesions.
What
are symptoms & signs of syphilis ?--
Syphilis is caused by an organism called as
Treponema paliidum.
Patients having syphilis; in primary stage, have
a painless ulcer on the genitals within 3 months of having risky
intercourse. This ulcer disappears on its own if not treated. Within a
few weeks or months the person shows signs of secondary syphilis. The
most common of these are rash on the body & enlargement of of
glands. After this stage for a long period there may be no symptoms.
In the stage of tertiary syphilis, the patient
can have neurological disorders, heart lesions, certain skin lesions
called gummas.
What
are the complications of syphilis ?--
Inadequate treatment of syphilis in early stages
can lead to complications.
The nervous system can be involved leading to
paralysis, convulsions etc.
The heart may be involved. The heart valves can
get diseased. aorta may undergo ballooning & finally rupture.
A pregnant lady may transmit the infection to
the fetus leading to abortion or congenital syphilis.
What
are genital warts ?--
Genital warts is a STD caused by Human Papilloma Virus.
It consists of a small cauliflower like growth on the genitals. Unless
treated, the growth keeps on increasing.
It has been associated with cancer of the cervix.
There is no curative treatment. Certain chemicals are used that can
root out the growth. However recurrences are common.
What
is genital herpes ?--
Genital herpes is caused by a virus called
Herpes simplex virus.
Initially the patient develops small vesicles
(fluid filled lesions) in grape like clusters, later these break open
to form ulcers or sore. Generally these ulcers last for 5-15 days. The
ulcers tend to be recurrent. The ulcers are painful. They are
recurrent.
What
is "white discharge " ?--
When a women starts discharging whitish secretion from the vagina, it
is called as white discharge. This is known as leucorrhoea in medical
terms.
Normally a woman gets thin discharge just around the time of menses.
This is normal unless associated with foul smell. This can be caused
by poor hygiene, diabetes, STDs.
However every person having white discharge should not be considered
to be suffering from STD.
White discharge can be easily treated with appropriate drugs.
Can
there be an inguinal swelling without STD ?--
YES, inguinal swelling alone does not mean STD. It can occur due to
many other reasons.
Can
STD lead to HIV infection ?--
STDs per se do not get converted to HIV infection/ AIDS. However
presence of STDs increase the risk of acquiring HIV infection after a
risky intercourse 2 - 10 times. These STDs facilitate the entry of HIv
into the body.
Also the risk of transmission of HIV from a person having STDs is
higher.
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