What Are the 7 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Their Causes?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that spread from one person to another through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and affect millions of people worldwide. While many STDs do not cause immediate symptoms, they can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention of STDs is crucial for reducing their spread and maintaining overall health.
 

Early diagnosis and treatment play a key role in preventing complications and limiting disease transmission. If untreated, STDs can result in severe health issues, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pain, and an increased risk of HIV infection. Regular testing and timely medical care at the best urology hospital nearby are essential for effective management and treatment.
 

Early detection is key to preventing complications. Contact us to book your screening and consultation by calling +91 9667064100 with our trusted team of specialists.

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are transmitted from one individual to another during sexual contact. They are typically transmitted during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But sometimes they are transmitted by other sexual contact involving the vagina, penis, mouth, or anus. This is because some STIs, such as herpes and HPV, are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.

A few STIs may be transmitted to the baby when a person has the STI during pregnancy or childbirth. Others are transmitted when a person transmits the disease through breast-feeding, via blood transfusion, or needle sharing.

Over 20 Sexually Transmitted Diseases are known, which include:

• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Gonorrhea
• HIV
• HPV
• Pubic lice
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

Symptoms

Sexually transmitted diseases are characterized by the presence of numerous symptoms or perhaps no symptoms. That's the reason that, in some instances, sexually transmitted infections remain unsuspected until complications occur or someone is diagnosed as having the STI.

Symptoms of STI may be:

• Bumps or sores on the oral, rectal or genital areas.
• Burning or painful urination.
• Penile discharge.
• Odorous or abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Painful sex.
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes, usually in the genital area but occasionally widespread.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Fever.
• Trunk, hand or foot rash.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted infection can occur several days after having the exposure. However, you might not recognize that something is wrong for several years, depending on what the cause of the STI is.

Causes

Sexually transmitted diseases may be caused by:

• Bacteria: Examples include gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia, all of which are bacterial infections.
• Parasites: An STD known as trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite.
• Viruses: STDs caused by viruses are human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.

Risk factors

Anyone who is sexually active can get or spread an STD. Risk factors that can possibly increase the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease are:

• Having sex with condoms that are not used: Anal or vaginal sex with an infected person who is not using a latex or polyurethane condom significantly increases one's risk of developing an STD. Condoms made of natural membranes should not be used because they are ineffective in preventing certain STIs. Also, wrong use of a condom or not using a condom each time can increase risk.
• Oral sex can be safer: But you can still contract sexually transmitted diseases if you do not use a latex or polyurethane condom or a dental dam. That is a thin, square piece of rubber that is made of latex or silicone.
• Having sex with many different partners: The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk.
• Having a history of STIs: Having one sexually transmitted disease makes it much simpler for another STI to establish itself.
• Being forced into sex: See a health care provider as quickly as you can to receive screening, treatment and emotional support.
• Abuse of alcohol or use of illegal drugs: Substance abuse can make you less cautious, so you're more likely to do something dangerous.
• Drug injecting: Injecting drugs using a shared needle transmits numerous severe infections. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are some of them.
• Young age: Young adults aged 15 to 24 years old report that they have high STI rates compared to their older counterparts.
• Spread from mother to infant: Some sexually transmitted diseases spread from mother to child during pregnancy or delivery. They are gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis. STIs in infants may cause serious complications or even death. All pregnant women should be screened for STI infections and treated accordingly.

If you are at risk or experiencing symptoms, consulting specialists at the best urology hospital in Noida can ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and proper guidance for maintaining sexual health.

Complications

The majority of individuals in the initial stages of an STD have no symptoms. That is why screening is necessary to avoid complications.

• Potential complications of sexually transmitted diseases are:
• Pelvic pain.
• Complications of pregnancy.
• Inflammation of the eyes.
• Arthritis.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Infertility.
• Heart disease.
• Certain cancers, including HPV-related cancer of the cervix and rectum.

Prevention

There are several methods of avoiding or reducing your risk of contracting an STD.

• Avoid sexual activity or sex: The most effective prevention of STDs is abstaining from sex.
• Be monogamous with one uninfected partner: Being in a stable relationship where the two individuals have sex with one another and both of the partners are not infected is one means of preventing an STD.
• Wait and get tested: Do not have vaginal or anal sex or any sex with a new partner until you and your partner have both been tested for sexually transmitted disease. Oral sex is safer. But you can still get STIs if someone does not use a condom (latex or polyurethane) or a dental dam. These barriers keep the skin of one body away from the mucous membranes of another's genitals or mouth.
• Vaccinate: Vaccination before sex can protect against some sexually transmitted diseases. STDs caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A, and hepatitis B can be avoided through vaccines.
• Use dental dams and condoms regularly and properly: Use a new latex or polyurethane condom or dental dam for every instance of sex, oral, vaginal or anal. Never use a lubricant that is oil-based with a latex dental dam or condom. Furthermore, such barriers provide less protection for STDs that involve open genital sores, like HPV or herpes.
• No barrier: birth control methods like the pill or IUDs do not prevent STIs.
• Don't get high or use illegal drugs: When you're high on these substances, you're more likely to have sex that can harm you.
• Communicate with your partner: Before you have sex, communicate with your partner about safe sex. Make sure that you and your partner know and agree about what will and won't be acceptable.
• Consider male circumcision: Among men, studies have discovered that circumcision can potentially cut the chances of becoming infected with HIV from an HIV-infected woman by up to 60%. Male circumcision can prevent transmission of genital HPV and herpes genitalis.
• Consider taking preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two combination medications to reduce the risk of HIV infection in individuals with a very high risk of becoming infected. The medications are emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) and emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (Descovy). The medications need to be taken daily, as directed.

The best doctor in the hospital will only prescribe these HIV prevention medicines to you if you do not have HIV. You will be required to take an HIV test before you begin using PrEP and then every three months as long as you continue taking PrEP.

Your doctor will also check your kidney function before prescribing a Truvada prescription. Your doctor then will check your kidney function every six months. If you have HIV and also are hepatitis B positive, talk to an infectious diseases specialist or a liver doctor before therapy.

Meet Our Expert Gynecologists and Urologists for STD Prevention and Treatment

At Felix Hospital, we are aware of the significance of treating and preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in a manner that protects the safety of your health. Our gynecologists are committed to providing you with comprehensive care for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of STDs so that you can benefit from the optimum quality of treatment at each and every step.

Our doctors are:

• Dr. Sangeeta Sharma
• Dr. Charu Yadav
• Dr. Suniya Kuruvilla
• Dr. Archana Rathi
• Dr. Pragati Jain
• Dr. Swati Thakur

Additionally, our experienced urologists, like Dr. Bhanwar Lal Barkesiya, are also available to treat urological complications that may be brought about by STDs. From dysuria to erectile dysfunction, our urologists are committed to providing the right diagnosis and tailored treatment programs to suit your personal needs.

If you suspect you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with our expert gynecologists and urologists.

Conclusion

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are an ongoing public health issue, but they can be prevented with just caution. Safe sex, routine screening, honest communication with partners, and prompt medical treatment can decrease the risk of infection and its impact. Vaccination and preventive drugs like PrEP also help protect against certain STIs. Early treatment and diagnosis are necessary to manage infections and avoid long-term health consequences. Being aware and making the right decision can preserve people's health as well as assist in managing sexually transmitted diseases in the general population.

FAQs on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Q- How do you prevent sexually transmitted infections?

Ans- STIs can be avoided through the use of condoms, having safe sex, being vaccinated against certain infections such as HPV and hepatitis, and routine check-ups. Limiting the number of sexual partners and disclosing health and safety to your partner can also minimize risk.

Q- What are STD symptoms, and should I worry if I have them?

Ans- STDs can be caused by such symptoms as painful urination, sores, abnormal discharge, or lower abdominal pain. The majority of STDs, however, are asymptomatic. Should you experience any of these symptoms or believe you have been exposed to an STD, it's necessary to get medical help right away to prevent complications.

Q- Can STDs be transmitted when there are no visible symptoms?

Ans- Yes, most STDs can be spread even when you don't have any symptoms. That's why it's so crucial to get tested on a regular basis, especially if you're having sex, so that you don't unknowingly spread or catch one.

Q- Can STDs be prevented during oral sex?

Ans- Although oral sex is safer than vaginal and anal sex, STDs do get transmitted. If a dental dam or condom is used, the risk of disease transmission can be reduced while performing oral sex.

Q- How often should I get an STD test?

Ans- The amount of testing that you should have depends on your sex life. You should get tested once a year if you are sexually active, and more frequently if you have more than one partner, if you change partners, or have unprotected sex.

Q- Are sexually transmitted diseases curable?

Ans- Certain STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are treatable with antibiotics. Viral STDs including HIV, herpes, and HPV cannot be treated but can be controlled through medication. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential in controlling and preventing disease transmission.

Q- Will STDs impact my fertility?

Ans- Yes, if untreated, STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which causes infertility. In men, epididymitis is caused by untreated STDs, which affects fertility as well. Regular testing and treatment are required in order to ensure reproductive health.