INTRODUCTION TO STD

WHAT IS STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an infection that is mostly acquired through sexual contact or sexual intercourse such as vaginal, oral, or anal sex. it can also be spread through nonsexual contact such as from transfusion of blood, a pregnant mother to her infants and shared personal items. Due to this, STDs are one of the common contagious diseases in the world. It is estimated that 25% of Americans have an STD that cannot be cured (Traci C. Johnson, 2021). A total of 20 million new cases are recorded each year, with the majority of those occurring in adults aged 15 to 24. These infections can be life-threatening.

WHAT CAUSES STDs?

• bacteria causes chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis
• viruses cause HIV, genital herpes, genital warts (HPV),
• parasites cause hepatitis B. Trichomoniasis 

COMMON TYPES OF STD's

• Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by a certain type of bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the most often reported STD in the United States. Chlamydia often goes undetected over long periods of time. When symptoms do manifest themselves, they are frequently associated with pain or discomfort during intercourse or urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and soreness in the lower abdominal region. It is possible for chlamydia to progress to infections of the urethra, prostate gland or testicles, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility if left untreated. During childbirth, untreated chlamydia can be transmitted from mother to child and may give the newborn complications such as pneumonia, eye infections, and blindness.

• Gonorrhea

Another prevalent STD is gonorrhea. "The clap" is another name for it. Symptoms of gonorrhea may not be apparent to some people. However, if symptoms are present, they include discharge from the penis or vagina, pain or discomfort during intercourse or urination, and itching around the genitals. Gonorrhea can lead to urethral, prostate, or testicular infection and infertility if it is not treated. During childbirth, gonorrhea can be transmitted from mother to kid. If gonorrhea is present, it might cause major health issues for the newborn.

• Trichomoniasis

When referring to trichomoniasis, "trich" is often used. A microscopic protozoan creature is to cause, and it can be spread from person to person via vaginal touch. The CDC estimates that just one-third of those infected with Trichomoniasis will have any symptoms. Discharge from the genital area, itching and burning around the genital area, pain during urination, and frequent urine are some of the symptoms that may develop. It is possible for Trichomoniasis to cause urethra and pelvic infections, as well as infertility.

• HIV

HIV reduces the body's ability to fight against infections, making it more vulnerable. A person can acquire HIV through having unprotected sex, sharing a syringe or being born to a mother who has the virus. A blood test is the best approach to find out if you have the disease. Although there is no cure for HIV at this time, there are ways to manage the disease. People with HIV can live as long as those without HIV if they receive timely and appropriate treatment.

• Herpes

HSV-1

HSV-2

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is commonly referred to as the "herpes virus". HSV-1 and HSV-2 are the two most common strains of the virus and both are sexually transmitted. It is a common STI. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in six people between the ages of 14 and 49 in the United States has herpes. HSV-1 is predominantly responsible for oral herpes, which results in cold sores. However, oral intercourse can also transmit HSV-1 to another person's genitals, allowing the virus to spread. Genital herpes can be caused by HSV-1 if this occurs. Genital herpes is the primary cause of HSV-2. Blistering sores are the most prevalent sign of herpes. In genital herpes, these sores appear on or around the genitals, while in oral herpes, they appear on or around the mouth.

• Pubic lice

Pubic lice are known as "crabs" by some. They're microscopic insects that can settle in your pubic hair. Human blood is the only food source for them, just like head lice and body lice. Pupil lice are commonly seen infesting genitals and anus, which can cause itching as well as a mild temperature, fatigue and irritation. The small white eggs of lice may also be visible near the roots of pubic hair. Untreated pubic lice can be spread to other persons via skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal items such as clothing or towels. Bite wounds that have been scratched might get infected. 

• Scabies

A mite that burrows into the skin to lay eggs causes an irritating infestation on the human host. Due to the fact that scabies can spread by any skin-to-skin contact, it is not always a sexually transmitted disease. However, mites are frequently acquired during sex in young people.

• Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection.  In the early phases, it is commonly overlooked. A chancre, a tiny circular sore, is the first sign to occur. Your genitals, anus, or mouth may be affected. It's not painful, but it's quite contagious. Rashes, fevers, joint pains and hair loss can all be signs of syphilis' later stages. Syphilis that has progressed into the late stages can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and even lead to death.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Intimate skin-to-skin or sexual contact with another person can transmit the human papillomavirus (HPV). Many different strains of the virus are in circulation. Some of these are riskier than others. Warts on the genitals, mouth, or throat are the most prevalent sign of HPV infection. Some HPV strains can cause cancer, including oral cancer, cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, penile cancer, and rectal cancer, which are all caused by HPV infection.