Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Type, Symptom, Cause, Treatment

According to one survey, one out of every five males suffered from Sexually Transmitted Diseases. CDC estimates about 4 crore people are affected by an STD every year in the world. And the most vulnerable age group is from 19 to 29. The only way to protect yourself is through complete abstinence obviously, you cannot do so. The three steps in preventing the spread of STDs are Talking to a specialist, testing them, and treating them.

Sex is a phenomenal activity of every living thing. You cannot avoid it for a long period of time. People are becoming aware of it and are being experimental to make their sexual life exciting and healthy. Being aware and sex educated for youth is the best way to avoid sex diseases. Talking with sex experts about the symptoms and taking timely treatment from doctors is one of the effective ways to enjoy sexual life without any diseases.

If a couple is having first-time sex then the chances of getting STDs is not any less as compared to a couple who had been active. Nonetheless, by taking some measures or precautions, you can save yourself from getting one of these diseases. A little step towards your sexual health can actually save you from big trouble.

What Does STD Mean?

STDs stands for Sexually transmitted diseases and it is a condition that a person comes into after getting into sexual contact with another person. STDs can be spread easily, especially when you do not have a protected vagina or oral or anal sex with the partner having STD.

Sexually transmitted diseases are categorized by the organism that is responsible for the particular disease in a body. Mainly there are three types of causes- Viral, protozoa, and bacteria.

• Bacterial
  The diseases spread by bacterial infections can easily be treated with the respective antibiotic that is made for them or we can say that it is curable. But one must know that if improper or inadequate treatment is given to a person can turn the table and might bring back the infection in the future. There is a possibility of reinfection if an inadequate treatment is given to the patient and the partner gets the possibility of getting one as well.
• Viral
  Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections if given proper antiviral medication can easily be managed or minimized. Viral infections can be healed or removed completely from the body as they stay forever.
• Protozoan
  Protozoan infarction is somehow the same as a viral infection but it can be treated if the proper medication is given. Though the re-infection is still possible in the body.

Types of Sexually Transmitted diseases

There is a variety of STDs that you see from person to person but just like some other issues, here also you will see some most common infectious diseases that prevent a person from having sex with their partner. There are more than 20 types of STDs, including- Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, HPV(Human Papillomavirus), Syphilis, Trichomonas, Mycoplasma, STDs & Infertility.

• Chlamydia

  One of the most prevalent types of STD reported among Indians that is caused by a particular type of bacteria is Chlamydia. And if not treated on time, it can also lead to infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.
  There are no basic symptoms of this type of infection but here are some changes that you might observe-

  • Pain while having sex and urination
  • A discharge of green or yellow fluid from the penis and vagina
  • Lower abdomen pain

    An untreated chlamydia woman can pass this infarction to her baby during the birth process which can make the child suffer from eye blindness and pneumonia.

• Syphilis

  Another most common bacterial infection is known as Syphilis and it is very hard to inspect it at an early age.
  The first symptom of syphilis is to see a small round sore, called cancer. And it can develop in any part mainly the anus, mouth, and genitals. Though it is a painless sore but is very infectious.

• HIV

  HIV is the most commonly spread sexually transmitted infection that you see around and one of the most harmful ones as well. HIV can cause huge damage to your immune system and surges the risk of cancer and other viral infections as well. But with the help of treatments, there are several people who are living with HIV without encountering AIDS.

• Genital Herpes

  Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause sores on your genital or rectal area, buttocks, and thighs. You can get it from having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has it. The virus can spread even when sores are not present. Mothers can also infect their babies during childbirth.

• Gonorrhea

  Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease and is most common in young adults. The bacteria that cause gonorrhea can infect the genital tract, mouth, or anus. You can get gonorrhea during vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. A pregnant woman can pass it to her baby during childbirth.

• Trichomoniasis

  Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite. It spreads from person to person during sex. Many people do not have any symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they usually happen within 5 to 28 days after being infected.

• HPV

  Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of related viruses. They can cause warts on different parts of your body. There are more than 200 types. About 40 of them are spread through direct sexual contact with someone who has the virus. They can also spread through other intimate, skin-to-skin contact. Some of these types can cause cancer.

Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are chances that you might get an STD without any noticeable symptoms. Though there are some STDs that are seen with the following symptoms that can help you determine infection in your body.

Here are some basic symptoms of STD seen in men

• Sudden pain during urination and sex
• Bumps and rashes on the genitals, buttocks, mouth, and anus.
• Discharge of white or yellow fluid from the body.

Here are some basic symptoms of STD seen in women

• Any type of discomfort and pain during sex as well as during urination.
• Abnormal bleeding from the vagina.
• Getting infection around the vagina

Causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases by either bacteria or viruses. Your chances of getting them are highest if:

• you have unprotected sex
• a condom tears during intercourse
• your sexual partner has an STI
• your partner is engaging in sex with other people

In some cases, such as with HIV or hepatitis B, viruses can also be spread through infected blood or shared needles and syringes, including those used for drugs, body piercing, or tattoos. Pregnant women can pass certain infections (e.g., HIV) on to their babies prior to or during birth, or while breastfeeding.
Growth of genital warts caused by HPV may appear during pregnancy because of changes in hormone levels.

How to Avoid Sex Diseases?

• Protection is Important

  Whether it is your first time or you’ve been doing it for a long time to avoid sex disease, it is important for each and every individual to protect themselves from unnecessary infections and unexpected pregnancy as well.

  There are some ways that can help you to avoid sex diseases while having sex for the first time:

  • It is important to use latex condoms, especially for people having first-time sex.
  • Make sure that your lubricant is water-based. And use the Condom during the entire physical intercourse.
  • Keep your personal tower or underclothing for cleaning.
  • Be assured that you and your partner are not having any STDs.
  • Having a proper conversation before having sex about your health condition is vital for every couple.

• Cultivate Sexual Wellness In People

  Sexual health is not only the absence of a sexually transmitted disease but it is the presence of the awareness and knowledge of sexual health, the motivation of being sexually healthy, proper communication between the partner about what to do, and what not to do, and many more. Sexuality is a very intricate part of development, community, families, and adults all contribute to supporting the young generation’s well-being.

Adolescence is the age that is majorly affected by sexually transmitted diseases. Even though they have all the resources for knowing about sensitive topics, they are far away from the actual side. They grow up in an environment that does not offer much information about the need for sexual health and those who do not give priority to sexually transmitted diseases. It does not just leave young people to handle the burden of sexually transmitted diseases but also results in young-age pregnancies as well.

Can you get Sexually Transmitted Diseases from the first-time sex?

The most common question that arises in every young adult is whether they can get a sexually transmitted disease from having the first time sex with their partner or not. ‘Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted diseases is very vital and crucial for every person while having sex, especially for the first time. Even if you are confident that you and your partner are doing it for the first time, it is better to be safe than regret it later.

Sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted through oral, anal, or vaginal sex and that’s what makes it much more important to use condoms or other modes of protection like a dental dam. Even if it is your first time, there are chances that you might get infections like herpes, HIV, hepatitis, and genital warts if one of the partners is having one.

So even if you are a virgin or having the first time sex, there are chances that your body might encounter a sexually transmitted infection. And this makes it more important for you and your partner to talk about each other’s sexual health before taking any further steps.

Is first-time sex painful?

When women have sex for the very first time then the intimation can be painful for them. Some women even have bleeding after having sex. But it is not applicable to every woman as some of them don’t feel anything after sex.

The hymen is a thin piece of skin that covers the vagina of a female. Bleeding generally occurs because of the breaking of the hymen during sexual intercourse.

Can you get pregnant from first-time sex?

One of the most common questions that arise in every women’s mind is – If she can get pregnant for the first time sex or not. And the answer to this question is- Yes, a woman can get first-time sex can cause pregnancy. Every time a woman has sex with a man, she has a chance of getting pregnant. If the male partner ejaculates outside the vagina or near that area then there might be a chance that the vagina pulls it in then also she can attain pregnancy.

STIs vs. STDs

Often confused, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) aren’t actually the same thing. An infection —which is when bacteria, viruses, or parasites attack the body —comes before a disease. And while an infection may result in zero symptoms, a disease usually always comes with clear signs. Think of it this way: An STD will always start out as an STI. But not all STIs turn into STDs.

Now you know the difference between the two, here’s the lowdown on the types of STDs that currently exist, how to treat them, and, most importantly, how to prevent them.

The Takeaway of Blog

Going to a sexual health clinic or hospital- Institute of Andrology and Sexual Health can help you manage sexual problems in men related to it. We at IASH offer ideal consultation and guidance related to sexual health to help you overcome your personal issues like unplanned pregnancy, Sexually transmitted diseases, male and female infertility, and whatnot. With a team of highly professional sexual health experts or a sexologist in Delhi and doctors, we treat each and every aspect of male and female sexual health under one single roof.

Frequently Asked Question

Q1. Who is most at risk for STDs?

About half of STDs are in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Young people are at greater risk of getting an STD for several reasons: Young women’s bodies are biologically more prone to STDs.

Q2. How long can you have an STD without knowing?

Symptoms can develop within a few days or weeks, but sometimes they do not appear until months or even years later. Often there are few or no symptoms and you may not know you have an STI. If there’s any chance you have an STI, go to a sexual health clinic or GP for a free and confidential check-up.

Q3. Can u tell if someone has STDs?

There’s no way to tell by looking if a person has an STD even people who have STDs sometimes don’t know it. If you have had sex before, you and your boyfriend can get tested together at a local health clinic like Planned Parenthood.