STDs and STIs: everything you need to know about these sexually transmitted diseases and infections
THE STDs (Sexually transmitted diseases) are today called STI (Sexually transmitted infections). These infectious diseases occur through the transmission of pathogenic germs during a sexual intercourse. It is therefore important to know them well in order to avoid them.
What exactly are STDs?
THE Sexually transmitted diseases (MST) have for a long time carried the name of “venereal diseases”. These are infectious diseases that appear due to the transmission of different pathogenic germs during sexual intercourse, whatever its type. However, some of them can also be transmitted through blood or breast milk. Among the most common STDs, we can therefore quote:- There syphilis: This infectious disease is caused by the bacteria “Treponema pallidum”. It can evolve over the years and lead to numerous complications if it is not quickly taken care of.
- There gonorrhea: Also called gonorrhea or more familiarly “hot-piss”. It is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria “Neisseria gonorrhoeae”
- There chlamydia: Which is more commonly called “chlamydia”, is an infection caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most well-known STIs in Western countries.
- The trichomoniasis: This infectious disease is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and which occurs most often in women. It is characterized by a lot of vaginal discharge, often accompanied by burning and itching
- THE hepatitis B virus (HBV): Which can sometimes be a serious infection because it mainly affects the liver
- THE human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): Which is the disease responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is to date the most widespread infectious disease throughout the world and the most serious
- THE human papillomavirus: Which is an infection that generally attacks the genitals, causing external lesions and the appearance of condyloma. If not treated quickly, it can lead to the development of cervical cancer.
What are the causes of STDs or STIs?
STIs can have different causes because there are more than thirty pathogenic and sexually transmitted germs, such as:- THE bacteria: Treponema pallidum, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis
- THE virus: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) or human papillomavirus (PHV)
- THE parasites: Trichomonas vaginalis
What are the symptoms of STDs or STIs?
It is important to know that the symptoms are different depending on the STD or STI contracted and the sex of the infected person. However, certain signs are very common and indicative of an STI, such as:- Damage to the genitals: with itching, burning, redness, external lesions or pimples
- Unusual discharge: from the vagina, penis or even anus
- Intense burning when urinating
- Dyspareunia (which causes severe pain during sexual intercourse)
- Fever or headache
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen
How to prevent STDs or STIs?
It is essential to limit the risks of infection or transmission of an STD or STI. To do this, all your sexual relations must be protected, in particular by wearing the condom. In addition, vaccination against certain pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) or human papillomavirus (HPV) can be carried out. If you have the slightest doubt, you should not waste time in getting tested. Thanks to a screening early, your treatment will be faster in order to limit the risk of contagion. Also read: Business domiciliation price, advantages and disadvantages of these companiesHow to detect STDs or STIs?
After unsafe sexual intercourse, it is imperative to carry out a screening test. If you would like more information, you can contact:- To a health professional, such as your general practitioner or your gynecologist
- In a free information, screening and diagnosis center (CeGIDD)
- In a family planning and education center (CPEF)
