Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) – also called sexually transmitted infections (STI) – are infections that are transmitted through the contact of sexual organs (through both heterosexual and homosexual relations). However, these are not the only ways in which these diseases are transmitted; for example, they may also be transmitted via the blood (as is the case with both HIV and Hepatitis B) by sharing needles used to puncture veins, as well as during pregnancy and birth (transmitting the disease from the mother to the child).
Frequently Asked Questions about STDs.
The majority of STDs are caused by different types of germs: mainly by bacteria and viruses, but also by fungus and protozoans.
The symptoms of these diseases could be simple bumps or warts, or more serious symptoms such as the occurrence of pain when urinating, fever, general discomfort, or general deterioration of the immune system.
However, these symptoms are certainly not exclusive to STDs, the may also appear in the presence of other diseases. For this reason, it is necessary to consult a physician in order to be correctly diagnosed.
The longer one waits to be diagnosed and be treated, the more complications may arise.
Some simple diseases, such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea can decrease the ability to become pregnant if they are not treated correctly with antibiotics.
The Human Papilloma virus (depending on the strain) can cause simple warts or, more seriously, cause cervical cancer.
Not to mention HIV that, by weakening our immune systems, makes us more vulnerable to many serious diseases and infections.
Many of these diseases may take weeks or even months to cause noticeable symptoms. While these people may not experience the development of symptoms, they are carriers of the disease and may pass the disease to another person without ever experiencing any symptoms.
You will not know if your partner is infected unless he/she tells you.
On the other hand, remember that some STDs are asymptomatic (they do not have symptoms) in their initial phase, so it could be that your partner does not even know if they have been infected.
It is unlikely that this would happen, but not impossible, due to the fact that the majority of STDs require direct contact of skin/mucous with bodily fluids (blood o secretions/mucous from the genitals).
Pubic lice can be transmitted by sharing infested clothing or beds. However, lice need to feed on blood every 3-4 hours, so their life expectancy is very short without a host. For this reason, this type of infestation is uncommon, and thus, it is unlikely that you will be infected with pubic lice by using a public bathroom.
This is very unlikely and depends on the type of infection.
For example, when you kiss someone who has herpes of the mouth, you could be contaminated by the virus by contact with the liquid within the blisters.
However, in the case of HIV or Hepatitis B/C, the viral content is almost inexistent in the saliva. For this reason, it is typically considered inoffensive to kiss someone who suffers from one of these diseases.
Cuts on the lips or mucous membranes that lead to the exchange of blood, would however have a higher viral content and would be more infectious, but are still not highly contagious.
As we have already mentioned, the majority of STDs require direct contact of skin or mucous membranes with bodily fluids (such as blood or genital secretions). This type of contact is present in what we call “oral sex”, so it is important to use some type of protective barrier (such as a latex condom without lubricant or a latex dental dam) in order to protect yourself.
STDs affect both men and women of all ages, economic levels, and sexual orientations, everyone is vulnerable to their transmission.
Today, protecting oneself from their transmission is not only an option, but an obligation of each person, and everyone should take responsibility of their own health.
This also means that, indirectly, we are caring for our partners (present and future) as well, because even after only one infection, some STDs can become permanent in our bodies.
There only exists two methods of protection against STDs: sexual abstinence or the use of a method of “physical barrier”.
What you should do:
• Always use a condom when you have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral).
• The pill, vaginal ring, or the IUD are all methods of birth control, but they do not function as physical barriers, and thus, do not protect against STDs.
• What gynaecologists call the “double method” refers to the use of both contraceptives and physical barriers in order to avoid both unwanted pregnancies and STDs.
• Limit the number of sexual partners: the more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to contract an STD, understanding that each person has their own sexual history (with or without protection) and this increases the possibility that they have been infected previously.
• Be honest with your partner about whatever risk or infection that you have had, and ask them also about their sexual history.
• Make sure you have STD tests periodically: Not all STDs have symptoms, so regular medical exams are key. In fact, the experts predict that nine out of every ten people who have general herpes, do not even know that they have it.
• If you are a woman, visit your gynaecologists at least once a year. Be honest with your doctor about your sexual practices and history.
• Consult your doctor if you have any inkling that you may have an STD: an early treatment avoids the complication of the disease and helps alleviate the symptoms before they worsen.
What you should avoid:
• Remember that infectious agents dwell within bodily fluids and secretions. Therefore, blood, semen, genital secretions, but also sores and blisters, have germs that can contaminate you. For this reason, it is important to avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes that have open wounds and thus secrete the said fluids that could result in an STD.
• Do not have sexual relations if you have sores or other signs of an infection close to the mouth, or genital or anal areas:
-if they are due to an STD: they carry a higher concentration of infectious germs and are, thus, more contagious.
-if they are due to some other type of pathology: they are an open door through which infectious germs may easily enter, skin or mucous membrane that is not “integral”, they are more sensitive to whatever type of infection.
• Do not stop using protection because you or your partner already has an STD. A condom prevents a new STD infection, without mention of the fact that suffering from some diseases increases the sensitivity against other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Do not think that you do not need to worry about STDs because you are in a monogamous relationship. You and your partner should take STD tests before you have sexual relations without some type of physical protective barrier.
At HC Marbella you can test yourself comfortably and with total confidentiality that the tests are necessary to detect an STD and recommend the appropriate treatment in a comfortable, peaceful, and modern environment in order to make the patient feel as comfortable as possible.
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