Bed sickness. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) that are not talked about

Can you get an STD from a swimming pool or toilet seat? Is oral sex without ejaculation safe? In both cases the answer is NO. There are a lot of falsehoods circulating among people about sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and prevention is often neglected. Although it is a worldwide health problem, these problems are rarely discussed openly.

Can’t make it? Read the main points of the article:

• Inflammation of the genital organs is often transmitted by men, in whom the infection very often occurs without symptoms.
• Unresolved problems can result in fevers, fatigue or chronic problems like pelvic pain syndrome.
• Diseases can be prevented by proper hygiene and a safe sex life.
• An examination by a specialist is particularly appropriate due to the frequent asymptomatic nature of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) .

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Inflammation of the genital organs can affect all parts of the genital system. They concern all sexually active people, regardless of gender. In addition, in men, the disease often occurs without symptoms , so it spreads easily.

How to recognize venereal disease?

Our body defends itself against infection with inflammation. However, genital infections are often asymptomatic, making them difficult to detect (and, conversely, easy to transmit). The body’s reaction depends on the infectivity of the pathogen, on our defenses and overall health. 

However, they can manifest locally. Typical symptoms are:

– burning and itching,

– redness,

– pain during intercourse,

– discharge (the causative agent has a characteristic smell, color or consistency)

If the infection is not detected in time, it can penetrate into deeper layers and cause a reaction of the whole organism. Fevers, tiredness and malaise , abdominal pains appear . Sometimes the disease can even turn into a chronic form with the development of pelvic pain syndrome (non-specific pain in the pelvis, lower back, menstrual pain, pain during sexual intercourse, frequent urge to urinate, flatulence, fertility disorder). Treatment in such a case is very difficult.

For an interview with a doctor

Shame aside – this is not only about our health, so we should contact a doctor in case of difficulties or suspicions. He will ask about the beginning of the difficulties and their nature, about sex life in general, including possible risks such as changing multiple partners. Then a urine collection for culture, a urethral swab or a vaginal swab will take place. If a sexually transmitted disease is suspected, a blood sample will also be taken . Alternatively, imaging methods such as ultrasound can help.

Regular testing for venereal diseases can definitely be recommended , especially in the case of risky sexual behavior.

What can it be?

According to the causative agent, we distinguish between bacterial, yeast, viral or protozoan inflammation. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of bacterial vaginosis in women . It essentially suppresses the “good” lactic acid bacteria, which under normal circumstances ensure an acidic pH in the vagina and thus protect it from pathogens. Typical representatives of bacterial infections include Gardnerella vaginalis, mycoplasma or ureaplasma.

A yeast or fungal infection is also caused by a disruption of the natural pH of the vagina with the subsequent accumulation of yeast. It develops, for example, after antibiotic treatment, in the summer when wearing wet swimwear for a long time, with insufficient hygiene, for example during menstruation . It is also common in pregnant women and diabetics.

Representatives of the protozoa include the vaginal flagella, which causes a disease called trichomoniasis. The most common viruses are HPV (condylomata) or herpes infections (genital herpes). Most of these pathogens are sexually transmitted. Other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) include gonorrhea, syphilis and infections caused by chlamydia trachomatis.

How to treat and not catch again

Antibiotic therapy or antifungal therapy is mostly used. Treatment can sometimes be very lengthy, unfortunately venereal infections can tend to return and become chronic.

A large number of people reach for over-the-counter antifungals at the first symptoms. Their use is often appropriate, however, if they are used incorrectly, we are asking for problems. Any examinations indicated by the doctor after previous self-treatment may be falsely negative as the real cause of the problem cannot be detected subsequently.

Equally important is a sufficiently long period of treatment and the regularity of application of the local preparation. Therefore, as soon as you suspect genital inflammation, let’s seek help from a specialist. In such a case, a gynecologist, venereologist or urologist will give the best advice.

During the treatment , sexual abstinence and simultaneous treatment of the partner are also needed (without it, we can still go around in circles). Prevention then plays a major role. We must not forget to observe basic hygiene habits, their introduction into the daily routine should start already in childhood. I.e

• for women, wipe the genital area from the vagina towards the anus in the toilet,
• sufficient change of hygiene aids during menstruation,
• protect yourself with a condom
• draw attention to the dangers of sexual promiscuity (applies to everyone).