Despite modern contraceptive methods and medical measures, venereal diseases are still widespread today. However, with modern treatment methods, they can be largely cured and the symptoms that occur can be alleviated.
What are venereal diseases?
Under the term venereal diseases are all infectious and by pathogenic germs transmissible symptoms, which are spread through sexual intercourse. Behind the definition of venereal diseases hide health impairments that existed in ancient times and modern disease patterns. The former group mainly includes gonorrhea, syphillis, ulcus molle, granuloma inguinale (donovanosis) and lymphogranuloma venereum. The sexually transmitted diseases that are predominantly current today include AIDS, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and vaginal mycosis (vaginal fungus). In medical terminology, such STDs, whose transmissibility is based on sexual contact, are summarized under the abbreviation STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). Although some forms of the disease are closely related to the group of STDs, they are not purely STDs in their overall appearance. These are also associated with diseases of the skin. See the article: skin diseases
Causes
Venereology deals with venereal diseases whose pathogens are transmitted from one person to another through sexual intercourse. In this context, different sexual practices such as anal sex or conventional sexual intercourse may allow transmissibility. The cause of STDs is a spread of pathogens through the so-called exchange of body fluids. Causative factors for STDs also include contaminated syringes associated with drug ingestion. Pregnant women suffering from an STD can transmit the pathogens to the unborn child via the placenta. During birth, it is also possible for a child to become infected with various STD pathogens.
Typical and common diseases
- Chlamydia (chlamydial infection).
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea (gonorrhea)
- Genital warts (HPV) (genital warts)
- AIDS
- Ulcus molle (soft chancre)
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Depending on which specific STD it is, different symptoms may appear. However, there are general signs that indicate infection with a sexually transmitted disease. A typical symptom of an STD is a sudden itching in the genital area. This is often accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating. The intensity of the itching can vary, but tends to increase as the infection progresses. Some STDs can also lead to skin changes. In some cases, ulcers also form. The penis, labia, mouth area and anus are particularly affected. The skin changes can also disappear on their own. A characteristic feature of most STDs is a conspicuous discharge from the vagina or penis and anus. In women, this often has an unusual, usually greenish, yellowish or brownish color and an unusual consistency. In men, this is usually mucous. In most cases, the discharge has an unpleasant odor. In women, it can also cause menstrual irregularities, intermittent bleeding or the absence of periods. Other non-specific symptoms may also indicate infection with a sexually transmitted disease. Thus, there may be swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, fatigue and tiredness.
Diagnosis and course
Characteristic of the diagnostic surveys and course of STDs are their disease-specific signs and physical changes. Different pathogens come into consideration for infection with a venereal disease, making the courses quite diverse and equally specific. In order to differentiate between the individual venereal diseases, venereologists, specialists in venereal diseases, have general and specific diagnostic methods at their disposal.As with all infectious diseases, the symptoms of venereal diseases increase dramatically if left untreated and can lead to death. The diagnosis of venereal diseases by physicians is based on the information provided by the affected person, the examination of changes in the genital organs and skin, and laboratory tests. In particular, these are closely related to microbiological examinations, which are performed from swabs and body fluids.
Complications
If a venereal disease is not treated professionally, complications threaten in the further course, which can even reach a serious extent. Female patients in particular are often affected by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The bacteria responsible for this widespread infection penetrate the upper genital tract via the vagina and cervix. PID is manifested by pain during sexual intercourse or urination, pain in the lower abdomen, intermenstrual bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, nausea, vomiting, discharge and fever. These sequelae are mainly caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia infections. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of all untreated female patients suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease. A feared complication of STDs is infertility. It manifests itself in both the female and male sex. In women, an untreated STD can affect the fallopian tubes. In men, chlamydial infections are mostly responsible for their infertility. The highest risk of infertility is in young people between 15 and 24 years of age. Some STDs cause severe damage to a woman’s reproductive organs. This can result in an ectopic pregnancy, which causes health problems and in severe cases can even be life-threatening. In men, there is a risk of an STD causing epididymitis, which is inflammation of the epididymis. It occurs the swelling of the testicular area, from which the sperm are produced. A gonorrhea or chlamydia infection is often responsible.
When should you go to the doctor?
To check for existing diseases, it is generally recommended to attend offered check-ups at regular intervals. If unprotected sexual intercourse with a stranger has taken place, a doctor should also be consulted for reassurance. If there is any discomfort in the lower abdomen or directly on the genitals, a visit to the doctor is necessary as soon as possible. Pain, swelling or redness are considered unusual and should be clarified. If lumps, ulcers, open sores or warts form, the irregularities should be presented to a doctor. If there is itching, a general feeling of illness or increased body temperature, there is cause for concern. If women experience menstrual irregularities, this is a warning sign that should be followed up. If there are changes in libido or sexual dysfunction, a visit to the doctor is necessary. If headaches occur, there is internal restlessness or an unusual discharge from the vagina or penis, a doctor is needed. Increased susceptibility to illness, hair loss or general weakness are also reasons to see a doctor. An unpleasant odor in the intimate area, numbness of the skin or inflammation of the urinary tract must be examined and treated by a doctor. Discomfort at the anus, a stinging sensation in the intimate area or cracks in the skin must be treated medically before further illnesses break out.
Treatment and therapy
To successfully treat STDs and prevent further transmission of the disease-causing triggers to sexual partners or a newborn, action is needed at the first signs. Once a clear diagnosis has been made as to which STD is involved, a drug therapy is administered after the control examination by the physician. This is based on disease-specific drugs. Since some venereal diseases are not exclusive health impairments of this type of disease, treatment is based on the cooperation of various medical specialties, which include, in addition to the venereologist, the dermatologist, the urologist and the gynecologist.In the therapy of venereal diseases, specialists separate female and male venereal diseases and those that can affect both sexes. When choosing medicines, the main goal is to stop the multiplication and spread of germs in the organism. In addition, specialists include in the therapy of venereal diseases active substances that alleviate very specific symptoms. In this regard, it is about pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs, which can be applied both externally and internally. The causative agents of venereal diseases can be bacteria, viruses, unicellular parasites, arthropods (pubic lice, mites in scabies) and also fungi. For this reason, treatment with ointments or rubs and medicinal liquids has proven to be effective. An extremely complex treatment with the most modern drug compositions is carried out in the case of HIV infection. The determination of the medicinal substances is based on the particular stage of the disease.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of STDs must be evaluated individually. It is determined according to the underlying disease present and the stage of the disease. If left untreated, many STDs result in worsening health. With some diseases there is a threat of premature death. In addition, the diseases are basically contagious and can be transmitted to other sexual partners. In the case of a bacterial infection, there is a good chance of recovery. The administration of antibiotics leads to an improvement within a few days. In most cases, the patient is discharged from treatment after about two weeks, free of symptoms. The prognosis of a viral infection is less favorable. The patient receives long-term treatment for many underlying viral diseases, since there is no cure according to current medical possibilities. Drug therapy minimizes symptoms and improves quality of life. The later an STD is diagnosed, the less favorable the prospect of recovery. In some cases, recognizable symptoms or impairments do not occur until an advanced stage. This makes diagnosis more difficult and can significantly worsen the prognosis. Pregnant women are at increased risk of miscarriage with subsequent infertility if they have STD. During childbirth, the newborn may experience health problems due to the risk of infection in the womb.
Prevention
To avoid infection with an STD and thus protect yourself and other people, it is important to use condoms, especially with unknown sexual partners. In a committed relationship or partnership, it makes sense to also practice protected intercourse as long as the disease is not cured.
Aftercare
Follow-up care for STDs must depend on the exact disease. For treatable diseases (such as syphilis or chlamydia), aftercare consists of one or more checkups. If no more pathogens can be detected, the patient is considered cured. Further follow-up measures are not necessary for most sexually transmitted infections that can be cured with medication. In addition, very potent antibiotics are used for STDs of a bacterial nature. This is different for STIs that are not curable or remain in the body despite symptomatic cure. Examples include HPV and HIV infections and genital herpes. These conditions can only be treated. In the case of HIV, for example, it is necessary to enforce a lifelong therapy with lifelong control examinations. In the case of warts and the like, close-meshed controls must be carried out after treatment. Afterwards, the corresponding areas and the neighboring regions should be checked regularly. In the case of all STDs, it is part of follow-up care to have any existing partner urgently examined and, if necessary, treated to prevent re-infection. In some cases where STDs are clustered in an individual, a sensitive change in sexual behavior can help prevent re-infection. Safer sex as a precaution is usually better than follow-up care after sexually transmitted infections and lengthy therapies.
You can do it yourself
Sexually transmitted diseases must necessarily be treated by a doctor, even if the symptoms appear to be minor. Treatment with home remedies is completely inappropriate here. As long as an affected person poses a risk of infection, sexual intercourse must not be practiced, unless the partner knows about the risk and consciously accepts it. Anyone who intentionally infects another person with an STD commits a criminal offense. For a conviction, the so-called conditional intent is sufficient, i.e. the approving acceptance of an infection by an unsuspecting third party. Even if STDs are still taboo, those affected should not be afraid to confide in their doctor. For medical professionals, the confrontation with STDs is an everyday experience. A patient has no reason to be ashamed in front of his or her doctor. Anyone who is sexually active and regularly changes partners should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of the most common STDs so that they can recognize them promptly and take the necessary measures. Chlamydial infections, gonorrhea (gonorrhea) and syphilis occur most frequently in Germany. The latter two STDs can be prevented by consistent use of condoms, including during anal or oral sex. The risk of chlamydial infection is significantly reduced by condoms, but not eliminated, since the pathogens can also be transmitted by droplet infection.
