How to determine venereal disease in men. Sexually transmitted diseases

TO venereal diseases, or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), include infectious diseases, which are caused by bacterial, viral, fungal and other pathogens, united mainly by the method of transmission of infection.

Transmission of infection requires close physical contact with interaction liquid media body. Sexually transmitted diseases do not apply by airborne droplets, but some STDs can be transmitted in other ways: household and parenteral.

What are sexually transmitted diseases

Typically, venereology has considered only a few diseases whose pathogens are known to be spread through sexual intercourse. Today, these diseases are called classic traditional venereal diseases.

Nowadays, the list of sexually transmitted diseases has expanded significantly, since other pathogens have been found that are transmitted primarily through sexual contact.

The causative agents of most of these diseases have been well studied and discovered. effective methods their treatment and prevention, and yet sexually transmitted diseases are still widespread.

When treating STDs, early diagnosis of the disease and the time elapsed from the moment of infection to the start of treatment are essential, since most of them lead to infertility if neglected. This is an extremely serious problem, since people of most reproductive age are susceptible to infection with sexually transmitted infections.

Therefore, one of the most important areas of venereology is prevention and sanitary education, since timely measures taken to prevent venereal diseases make it possible to avoid serious problems with health. Typically, sexually transmitted diseases respond well to adequate therapy, but their treatment must be consistent and persistent, and must be completed until complete healing.

And yet, the main way of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases remains sexual contact, and not only genital.

Descriptions of sexually transmitted diseases

Prevalence and causes of sexually transmitted diseases

Top lines of the world ranking, including the most common venereal diseases, trichomoniasis and chlamydia are firmly occupied: up to 250 million cases are identified annually, and the proportion of those infected is about 15% of the total population of the Earth. They are followed by gonorrhea (100 million “fresh” cases of the disease per year) and syphilis (up to 50 million).

The graphical representation of the incidence resembles a wave, the peaks of which occur during social change for the worse the post-war years.

Reasons causing the increase in the incidence of STDs

At-risk groups

Traditional risk groups include:

• prostitutes;
• homeless people;
• illegal migrants;
• alcoholics;
• drug addicts.

However, they are confidently being overtaken by the growing incidence rate among quite successful people:

• personnel of companies operating abroad;
• employed in the field tourism business and tourists;
• sailors, pilots and flight attendants are also included in the list of unreliable STDs.

Classification of sexually transmitted diseases

Venereal diseasesModern venereology knows more than 20 sexually transmitted infections, the causative agents of which are: protozoa, viruses, bacteria, arthropods and yeasts. All sexually transmitted diseases are classified into:

Classic venereal diseases

• gonorrhea;
• syphilis;
• Lymphogranuloma venereum.

These STIs are examples of the most dangerous classical sexually transmitted diseases. They are very difficult to treat and can have severe consequences for the body. Despite the fact that the cultural development of society has stepped far forward, it is sexually transmitted diseases that are most often epidemic in nature.

Sexually transmitted diseases affecting the genitourinary system

• trichomoniasis;
• ureaplasmosis;
• chlamydia;
• gardnerellosis;
• genital herpes;
• candidiasis;
• and a number of other diseases affecting the genitourinary system.

This entire group is united by the hidden nature of the disease. In addition, diseases from this group tend to coexist several types of pathogens in the body of one patient. This specificity is fraught with the development of an advanced, difficult-to-treat stage, despite the apparent ease of each separate disease. That is why sexually transmitted diseases of the second group are no less dangerous to health than classic sexually transmitted infections.

Sexually transmitted diseases affecting other human organs

• hepatitis of various groups;
• AIDS;
• cytomegalo viral infection.

Despite the fact that these infections are predominantly sexually transmitted, they mainly affect other systems of the body and its individual organs. So AIDS destroys the immune system, and hepatitis affects the liver.

When patients are diagnosed with these most dangerous diseases, in most cases they fall into despair. But this should not be done under any circumstances. Modern venereology has achieved great success and continues to develop, and there are examples of a long full life There are very, very many people today even with such serious illnesses.

Signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women are usually minor and mild. In most women, the disease is asymptomatic or accompanied by symptoms characteristic of a whole group of STDs.

It must be emphasized that it is impossible to diagnose STDs solely on the basis of their signs and symptoms - the symptoms of many sexually transmitted diseases are very similar.

Another difficulty in diagnosis is that the symptoms and signs of infection with sexually transmitted diseases are practically indistinguishable from the symptoms of other infections that cause inflammation. However, there are a number of signs that indicate the presence of the disease.

If you value your health and the health of your loved ones, then even with minor urinary dysfunction or discomfort in the lower abdomen, you should consult a gynecologist. An acute, “fresh” disease can be cured much easier, faster and with minimal consequences for the body than a chronic one.

Signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in men

The symptoms of some sexually transmitted diseases may be more typical. In other words, there are sexually transmitted infections that have their own characteristics that are unique from other infections. To adequately diagnose an STD, you need to contact a venereologist and get tested for infections.

Tests for sexually transmitted diseases

It is important to note that the diagnosis of STDs is always a complex of tests for sexually transmitted diseases. None of the methods is sufficient to establish a definitive diagnosis. Negative result a single analysis is not a sufficient basis to exclude the disease.

An integrated approach necessarily includes:

If you have the slightest doubt or have unsafe sex, do not delay visiting your doctor.

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases

Unfortunately, many people think that treating sexually transmitted diseases is a simple matter: you can ask your friends what medications they used. However, such an opinion is wrong.

In fact, treatment of sexually transmitted infections is the prerogative of the doctor, and self-medication is not allowed.

Any sexually transmitted infection reacts only to a specific group of antibiotics. There are bacteria that are susceptible to certain medicines changes over time. Certain infections are immune to specific antibiotics because they have already been treated with them. As a result, a patient suffering from a venereal disease should be treated exclusively by a venereologist.

In order for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases to be successful, a thorough, comprehensive approach is needed. The patient must completely trust his doctor and give him the opportunity to use adequate treatment methods. An extremely unacceptable thing - self-treatment venereal diseases.

Even not every doctor can correctly diagnose the disease and select the necessary methods of treating sexually transmitted infections; for this it is necessary to have not only special knowledge, but also extensive experience in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.

The results of self-medication can be very sad - this is not only undertreatment, but also dysbiosis of the intestines and vagina, which are difficult to treat, liver diseases, and the danger of transferring the infection to a “latent” form - which can “wake up” after many years.

Complications caused by sexually transmitted diseases

According to health organizations, about half of people with chlamydia, gonococci, ureaplasma and trichomonas cannot have children.

The prolonged presence of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases in the human body can lead to serious consequences and cause:

• infertility;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• pathologies during gestation;
• complications during childbirth;
• infection of an infant;
• fetal death;
• pathologies of the placenta;
• pelvic pain;
• increased risk of HIV infection;
• ectopia of the cervix;
• menstruation disorders;
• endometriosis;
• adhesive process;
• prostatitis and urethritis;
• sexual impotence;
• neoplasms in the genital area.

Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases plays a role important role in the fight against them. The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections has prompted specialists to begin intensive work to find methods not only for treatment, but also for prevention. pathological processes this etiology.

Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases includes various events, among which one of the main importance today is compliance with sexual hygiene standards.

Frequently changing partners, engaging in casual relationships and ignoring contraceptives significantly increases the risk of contracting an STD. In addition, it should be taken into account that many of them are prone to latent flow, when clinical picture is absent or not clearly expressed, which is why it is advisable to regularly visit a doctor for preventive examinations and tests.

It is known that some contraception are able to partially protect partners from contracting a sexually transmitted infection. Thus, barrier contraceptives, for example, condoms, create a mechanical obstacle to the path of sperm and some pathogenic pathogens.

The active substances that make up chemicals, including Pharmatex, can also have not only spermicidal, but also viruscidal properties. However, these drugs are not characterized by high enough contraceptive effectiveness.

If the need for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases arose after unprotected sexual intercourse, it would be wisest to consult a doctor. Professional actions include both emergency postcoital contraception and the use of bactericidal agents local action(Miramistin). Consultation with a specialist will also help you choose an effective in this case permanent contraceptive method.

Myths and misconceptions about sexually transmitted diseases

Myth 1: Oral sex is safe

This is not true. Most sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted through oral sex without a condom. However, it is worth noting that the risk of infection is lower than during sexual intercourse in the vagina.

Myth 2. Sex with a married man (or married woman) does not involve the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexual contacts with married man(or married woman) do not eliminate the risk of infection. After all, sexually transmitted diseases often occur asymptomatically (especially in women). At the same time, the person is not even aware of the disease that he could have contracted many years ago.

Myth 3. Sexual contact with persons who are periodically tested for sexually transmitted diseases is not associated with the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

It's hard to agree with this. First of all, such mass examinations include only a general smear and serological reactions for syphilis. It can be easy to miss whole line diseases (chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, viral infections) that can occur without changes in the general smear. Further, such examinations are often carried out formally or even “virtually”.

Myth 4. Many sexually transmitted diseases can be contracted in swimming pools or while using shared bathrooms.

This is wrong. The causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases are very unstable in the external environment. Outside the human body, they quickly die. In addition, single microorganisms are usually not capable of causing disease. For infection, a significantly larger number of microorganisms are required, which can enter the body only through sexual contact.

Myth 5. Douching immediately after sexual intercourse can significantly reduce the risk of infection in women

By modern ideas, douching slightly reduces this risk. Moreover, douching is a risk factor for gardnerellosis.

Myth 6. Urinating and washing the genitals immediately after sexual intercourse can significantly reduce the risk of infection in men

The risk of infection may decrease somewhat, but exactly how much is unknown. Harm from such preventive measures will not be. However, you should not rely on their effectiveness.

Myth 7. Prevention with chlorhexidine is a reliable method of preventing sexually transmitted diseases

No, it's very unreliable method. It makes no guarantees. In addition, in women, douching with chlorhexidine contributes to the development of gardnerellosis.

Myth 8. There are holes in the condom that can allow HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases to pass through.

This is wrong. Modern Scientific research convincingly show that latex condoms correct use reliably protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Questions and answers on the topic "Venereal diseases (STDs)"

IN Lately The number of people seeking help for STD treatment has increased significantly.

All because of what? Because people lack sexual education, frequent partner changes have become commonplace. And most people have a habit of doing nothing; if something suddenly goes wrong, they don’t turn to a specialist.

And then, when a completely critical situation comes, when there is little that can be done to help, people turn to medical workers. Sexually transmitted diseases are no joke, especially since there are many more STDs that cause just as much harm.

Let's figure it out, STDs - what is it and how to fight it?

In ancient times, venereal diseases appeared. Since the twentieth century, classification and taxonomy have changed, it was added a large number of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. As a result, a whole group appeared, whose name was “STDs”.

Viral infections. The disease occurs with damage to organs and systems.

Infections have different routes of transmission, such as:

• AIDS virus, or “HIV” for short. Symptoms of the disease can vary, and the course is unpredictable.
• Hepatitis B and C. It is transmitted sexually very rarely; cases of transmission through blood are mainly known. The disease leads to damage to the liver parenchyma.
• Virus herpes simplex 2 types. This is genital herpes, especially dangerous for the fetus during every pregnancy, as it easily penetrates the placenta and causes very severe lesions. This is why pregnant women are checked for infections. There is an analysis that detects ToRCH. It is believed that herpes of any type is so common that it is not necessary to treat it. Of course, this opinion is wrong! Any disease is not something to joke about. The sooner treatment begins, the better.
• Human papillomavirus. There are 27 species and more than 170 types. A large number of types are dangerous to human life because they predispose to the development of cancer cells.
• Cytomegalovirus. One of the representatives of the Herpesviridae family. Contributes to the development of cytomegaly disease. It is transmitted sexually, but there are also cases where a patient infected a healthy person through close household contact. So this method of transmission is quite possible.
• Sexually transmitted diseases. There are five of them in total, they have bacterial origin. These include donovanosis, syphilis, inguinal lymphogranulomatosis, chancroid and gonorrhea.

Protozoal infections. There are about 50 known protozoal infections included in this group:

• Fungus of the genus Candida. Refers to bacteria that live in the human body and do not cause inconvenience, provided they are well immune system. When the virus enters, the normal flora is disrupted, after which various types of inflammatory processes begin in the woman. The fungus provokes the occurrence of a well-known disease called “thrush” (candidiasis). This infection can cause inflammation in areas of the oral mucosa. The most common diseases are vaginitis and colpitis. By the way, it should be noted that if suddenly the partner has this fungus, then the partner will also have it. Therefore, we need to undergo treatment together.
• Trichomoniasis. The cause is a single-celled microorganism from the class of flagellates. It is more common in women than in men. Main symptoms: burning and itching of the genitals. Usually accompanies HIV or gonorrhea, gets along well with the fungus.

Symptoms

Representatives of protozoal infections:

• Phthiriasis. Our grandparents are familiar with it firsthand, since literally 50-80 years ago the infection was quite common. The disease is caused by pubic louse. Currently rare.
• Scabies. Method of transmission: close contact with a sick person. The causative agent in some cases is a tick. If you follow basic rules of personal hygiene, the chances of getting sick are almost zero.
• Multiple hemorrhagic sarcomatosis or Kaposi's sarcoma. Represents malignant neoplasms skin. This is the eighth type of herpes, joins HIV, and in subsequent stages - AIDS. Neoplasms affect the entire skin and mucous membranes, causing suffering to the patient.
• Molluscum contagiosum. Caused by a type of smallpox virus. During the course of the disease, you can observe the appearance of nodules on or around the genitals. Method of transmission: sexual, the possibility of close contact is also possible.

New bacterial infections that have recently been added to the list:

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Sometimes cause illness genitourinary system It could be a harmless microorganism. Under favorable conditions (your general malaise, frequent stress, lack of vitamins, weakened immunity), an STD usually occurs.

To correctly and quickly identify the disease, you need to contact a specialist, conduct an examination and take a test. necessary tests. In men, scraping is performed from the urethra, in women - from the vagina.

Most people go to forums and describe general state and diagnose themselves, this cannot be done.

The easiest way to find out whether a person is healthy or not is to see a competent medical professional. How does a doctor usually act? Takes a smear for flora, does an analysis to detect antigen, conducts a study of biological material (culture), detects the presence of antibodies to the pathogen in the blood, and performs an ultrasound.

Main risk factors - early start sexual life, a large number of partners. The most common disease prevention measures will always be considered good personal hygiene, contact with healthy people, abolition of promiscuity, and periodic consultation with a doctor.

Main signs of STDs and differences from STIs

The main common feature of the occurrence of STIs and STDs are groups of infections transmitted through sexual contact. And the other is the presence similar symptoms for some diseases. For example, based on the presence of common signs, the disease can be classified as one of four sexually transmitted diseases. The symptoms of syphilis are similar to diseases such as gonorrhea.

HIV infection and types of hepatitis differ from others in nature. Many types of infections belong in their development to opportunistic flora: candida, mycoplasma and ureaplasma, gardnerella, but in the presence of a strong immune system they cannot develop in the body.

Currently there are about 30 species various infections, most of which are primarily chronic and do not have severe symptoms. They can only be identified through laboratory testing.

Such diseases can cause complications, including possible infertility, both female and male.

Primary signs of STDs appear towards the end incubation period- this is the period from the onset of infection in a favorable environment until the first signs are identified.

For different types of diseases, the incubation period lasts differently.

The shortest period is for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and ureaplasmosis (with its acute development), which passes in about 2 weeks.

U viral diseases such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, papilloma - this period can last up to several years.

In the first days after completion of the incubation process, the signs of STDs may be the same.

Common symptoms of STIs and STDs:

• the appearance of itching and burning in the reproductive system;
• dysuria, frequent and painful trips to the toilet, with a small amount of urine;
• the presence of various inclusions in the semen of men in the form of pus or blood, indicating inflammation of the prostate gland;
• mucous discharge with an odor from the urethra or reproductive system;
• women experience nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
• there is an increase lymph nodes, as well as pain on palpation.

At various types pathogens, signs of manifestation may be specific.

IN last years disease statistics do not look rosy at all, because absolutely healthy people there are few left, this is especially true among women. Availability serious illnesses quite rare, but almost everyone has dysbacteriosis.

Therefore, the question arises, what should be considered the norm then? After all, this is the condition of most people. The dispute between doctors and scientists has been going on for a long time regarding the relationship of gardnerellosis (vaginitis) to the disease. During its development, an imbalance occurs between “beneficial” and “pathogenic” bacteria.

Research

In the absence of viral infections, the cause of vaginal dysbiosis may be:

• hormonal disbalance;
• decreased immunity;
• treatment with antibiotics or hormones;
• direct contact with a toxicant;
• protection from unwanted pregnancy intrauterine method;
• unprotected sexual intercourse.

The causative agent of vaginitis can only be found in the female reproductive system, and therefore only they suffer from it. The development of this process can be influenced by any representative of opportunistic flora, among them there may be various mushrooms, ureaplasma and many others. This disease also negatively affects the sexual partner, so it can also be classified as an STD.

The popular Ebola virus is also sexually transmitted, but during the incubation period it is impossible to become infected.

After all of the above, we can conclude that among the many viruses and microorganisms that cause STIs, it is possible to make the correct diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment only if the correct diagnosis is carried out.

Symptoms of STDs in men and women

The period of time from the moment of infection with a sexually transmitted disease to the onset of symptoms ranges from one day to a week. After a longer period of time, serious STD symptoms and changes in the body are noticeable.

How to understand that an infection with a sexually transmitted disease has occurred:

• it is noticeable that you have started going to the toilet more often, while urination is quite painful;
• there is discomfort in the perineum;
• copious discharge from the genitals, accompanied by an unpleasant odor;
• STD symptoms appear in women periodic occurrence pain in the vagina and lower abdomen;
• the appearance of ulcers, pimples, etc. near the anus and genitals;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• Lymph nodes in the groin can sometimes become enlarged.

If most of the symptoms are present, you should urgently consult a specialist. The main thing is to find out about the disease in the early stages and start treatment on time, then recovery will be successful.

It must be remembered that at least once every six months it is necessary to visit the hospital and undergo examinations.

If you notice discharge with pus, urination becomes more frequent (and becomes painful), pain appears in the abdomen and lower back, then most likely these STD symptoms indicate chlamydia. Symptoms of STDs in men appear severe pain in the scrotum and perineum; in some cases, women experience bleeding. Infection can sometimes lead to various inflammations, pathologies occur in pregnant women, and so on. Potency is impaired and the bladder becomes inflamed in men.

Trichomoniasis. Signs of this infection will become noticeable within a month. Symptoms of STDs in men are as follows: observed purulent discharge, going to the toilet causes a lot of inconvenience, including a burning sensation. Symptoms of STDs in women in most cases are manifested by a noticeable yellow-green discharge, and there is a sharp, unpleasant odor.

Are affected inner layer and cervix, urinary tract, ovaries and the fallopian tubes. If a pregnant woman is sick with trichomoniasis, then the baby will probably become infected during childbirth. By the way, most often trichomoniasis is cured in children on their own.

Medicines

Syphilis. The period of infection and the appearance of the first symptoms starts from three days and reaches six weeks. The first signal that a woman is sick is an ulcer that forms on the labia or on the vaginal mucosa. The ulcer has a round shape and is easy to recognize. In men, it forms on the scrotum or penis.

After just a couple of weeks, the lymph nodes begin to enlarge, later the second stage of the disease begins to develop (a rash is noticeable on the body, the body temperature rises slightly and the head begins to hurt, the lymph nodes continue to enlarge). And of course, we all know the further course of this dangerous disease.

If you start treatment in the early stages of the disease, it will take no more than four months. In advanced cases, the patient's recovery is achieved within three years. By the way, the disease is now completely curable.

Gonorrhea. The first symptoms are noticeable within a few days. Men experience pain when urinating and yellow or yellow-green discharge. In women, there is a tightening in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, accompanied by pain.

Sexually transmitted diseases are unpredictable and anyone can become infected with them. It is also difficult to diagnose the disease, since all STD symptoms are similar.

The main symptoms of STDs in men (if detected, you should immediately consult a specialist):

• increased body temperature;
• frequent visits to the toilet;
• burning during the process of urination;
• pain in the lower back;
• any discharge with an unpleasant odor.

Symptoms in women:

• itching of the genitals;
• emergence discomfort during sex (pain);
• the menstrual cycle has become irregular;
• unusual discharge with an odor;
• nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
• frequent trips to the toilet and so on.

Take note: similar diseases in the female population they occur unnoticed; in most cases, the symptoms are so mild that one may not recognize the disease. It is worth remembering that with any change in the body, you need to consult a doctor.

Treatment of STDs and their prevention

Despite the fact that everyone knows about methods of protection during sexual intercourse, the number of people infected with STDs in our country is not decreasing.

It’s all due to a disregard for one’s health, an alcoholic change in thinking, and a purely Russian “maybe.”

Even if dangerous, unprotected sexual contact occurred, medicine has in its arsenal disinfectants, which include an antiseptic.

Of course, such treatment for STDs does not provide 100% protection, but it will be effective against some sexually transmitted diseases.

In the case of HIV and hepatitis, the antiseptic does not give any result. If infection is suspected HIV infection emergency antiretroviral therapy is carried out. The sooner you start it, the greater the chance of not getting infected status. With the “gentle killer” the situation is much more complicated.

Treatment for blood-borne hepatitis is lengthy and has many side effects. And the treatment for STDs itself is beyond the means of the average citizen. Although, science is developing, pharmaceuticals are improving drugs and trying to reduce the cost of treatment. For example, 10 years ago the same treatment cost many times more.

Types of STDs

There are medications containing iodine (Betadine) for STDs. Such medicinal product released in the form vaginal suppositories or a special solution. In this regard, both men and women can use the medicine. The genitals should be treated with this kind of prophylactic means immediately after sexual intercourse.

Remember that even the most expensive and high-quality condom does not provide a 100% guarantee.

There is always a risk of contracting the following sexually transmitted diseases:

• Syphilis.
• Gonorrhea.
• Gonorrhea.
• Chlamydia.
• Common scabies and pubic lice.
• Candidiasis and other infections.

Such diseases are dangerous to human health not only because they are present at a certain stage of development pain syndrome, and also because there is mass side effects. Among them: infertility, impotence, the occurrence of tumors. These tumors can be malignant, so it is very important to monitor the cleanliness and condition of the genitourinary system.

Very often, people with such diseases (due to increased shyness) seek help too late, at such stages when venereologists can only shrug their shoulders. Remember, at the first suspicion that you have an STD, immediately contact a specialist.

Signs of an STD do not appear immediately; the infection or virus needs a certain amount of time to begin to affect the organ and it gives an alarm sign.

For example, the incubation period for gonorrhea is three to ten days. Only after it can a person begin to suspect that not everything is as good with his genitals as he would like.

In any case, men and women need to learn one main rule: if there is pain and cramping in the genitals, or there is suspicious discharge, you need to go to the clinic as soon as possible and take all the necessary tests to determine the diagnosis. Take care of your health and do not self-medicate. This is more dangerous than visiting a doctor late.

Medicine knows about thirty sexually transmitted diseases. Many sexually transmitted diseases are curable. But in the absence of treatment or untimely therapy, they can turn into chronic form and give complications. Also in venereology there is incurable pathologies who go into remission after treatment, but then relapse. We will list the main signs of sexually transmitted diseases in men, as well as methods of treating them.

What diseases are considered sexually transmitted?

Sexually transmitted diseases are called “venereological diseases”. It is worth noting that some infections that provoke such diseases are transmitted in other ways, for example, during childbirth from mother to child, through the use of household items, unsterile instruments, needles, and during some medical procedures.

Most often, infection occurs through sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal sex). Infection also occurs when there is close body contact. The risk of infection during intimate contact increases if a man does not use a condom.

Attention! It is important not only timely treatment venereological disease, which can be treated anonymously by a venereologist, but also disease prevention.

Incubation period and classification

Symptoms of STDs may vary, and sexually transmitted diseases also look different in the photo. The first signs of pathology appear after the incubation period ends. This is a hidden course of the disease, which begins after the introduction of an infectious agent into the body and ends with the appearance of the first symptoms.

During the incubation period, there are no manifestations of the disease, and a person cannot yet infect sexual partners. Sexually transmitted diseases in men have a latent course of varying length. For example, gonorrhea shows the first signs of the disease a few days after infection, and hepatitis C and B appear only after six months.

According to WHO, there is the following classification of all reproductive tract infections:

1. Endogenous infections. This includes bacterial urethritis and vaginosis, as well as candidiasis.
2. To sexually transmitted infections WHO lists trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, HIV, genital warts.
3. Iatrogenic infections– these are inflammatory pathologies of the pelvic organs that arise due to surgical interventions and medical procedures.

The main manifestations of classical venereal diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases in men may look different in photos. However, an adult can determine for himself what he needs to treat genitourinary pathology, if you pay attention to the general characteristic signs of STDs.

So, we can list the following general symptoms venereal diseases in men:

• a man feels itching and burning in the genital area;
• All kinds of rashes, erosions, ulcers, irritation and redness may appear on the penis and in the anal area;
• the main symptom of many sexually transmitted diseases is discharge from the urethra (it can be mucous or purulent, mixed with blood or foul-smelling);
• painful urination;
• often pathologies are accompanied by enlargement of regional lymph nodes;
• the man is bothered by the frequent urge to empty his bladder;
• During sexual intercourse a person feels pain and discomfort.

Syphilis

The latent period of this disease lasts 3-6 weeks. After this, the first symptoms appear in the form of small ulcers localized at the site of infection (usually on the genitals). The second name for syphilis is chancre. The ulcer is painless, does not bleed and does not increase in size. After some time, the inguinal lymph nodes begin to swell.

The disease can be completely cured only by initial stage. If left untreated, after 2-3 months the pathology enters the second stage, which is characterized by the following symptoms:

• rashes all over the body;
• heat;
• headache;
• not only the inguinal, but also all other lymph nodes enlarge;
• some men begin to lose hair;
• Condylomas appear on the penis and near the anus.

The third stage of the disease is characterized by pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, malfunctions of the central nervous system and internal organs. All this leads to incurable changes in the patient’s body, as a result of which a quarter of patients die.

Gonorrhea

The latent course of gonorrhea lasts about a week. The stronger sex has an infection long time does not give symptoms. Among the characteristic signs of the disease are the following:

• painful urination;
• itching and burning in the organ;
• the urge to urinate becomes more frequent;
• yellow-green purulent discharge appears from the urethra.

Untreated gonorrhea causes damage to internal organs and leads to chronic inflammatory pathology. The testicles and their appendages, as well as the seminal vesicles, are often affected.

Important! Chronic inflammation of these organs leads to sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Chancroid

In medicine, this disease is also called chancroid. As with syphilis, the first symptom of the pathology is the formation of ulcers. They are localized on different parts genital organ and form at the site of infection.

Unlike syphilis, ulcers quickly grow in depth and width. They are very painful and often bleed, which makes it possible to distinguish the disease from syphilis. The ulcer itself is soft, its edges are quite swollen, inflamed and uneven. At the bottom of the ulcers there is a coating of pus and blood. When purulent discharge gets into the surrounding tissues, new ulcers form there. That is why single chancre in this disease is very rare. Usually, new ulcers are located along the perimeter of the main erosion. They merge into one large formation.

Donovanosis

The second name of the disease is granuloma inguinale. The infection actively develops in humid climates and at high temperatures. The incubation period averages a month, but sometimes reaches 12 weeks.

Signs of the disease in men are as follows:

• At first, a reddish small nodule appears;
• then in its place a fleshy-red, painless ulcer with a velvety surface forms (the edges of the formation are slightly raised and uneven);
• ulceration gradually increases.

If left untreated, donovanosis can lead to urethral strictures, genital elephantiasis, and anal stricture.

Mycoplasmosis

The disease has several stages. On initial stage the symptoms of the disease are as follows:

• pain, burning and stinging when urinating;
• increased urge;
• Clear mucus is released from the urethra, but later streaks of pus appear in it (the same purulent patches may be present in the urine).

If treatment is not carried out, the disease enters the second stage, and the man develops additional symptoms:

• regional lymph nodes enlarge;
• testicles become swollen;
• a complex of symptoms characteristic of general intoxication occurs.

Ureaplasmosis

The first signs of the disease appear after three days or even a month. The following symptoms are typical for men:

• itching of the genital organ;
• discomfort in this area;
• painful urination;
• clear mucous discharge from the urethra.

Important! Untreated ureaplasmosis in a timely manner disrupts the process of spermatogenesis in the stronger sex, which leads to infertility.

Chlamydia

The incubation period of this common pathology lasts from seven days to a month. The first manifestations of the disease are as follows:

• painful urination;
• purulent discharge from the urinary canal;
• pain in the scrotum and perineum.

If the disease is not treated, it will spread inflammatory process on the epididymis, urinary tract and prostate gland. IN further pathology may lead to disruption of erectile and sexual activity.

Lymphogranulomatosis venereum

The second name of the disease is lymphogranuloma venereum. The latent course of the pathology lasts from five days to three weeks. The first signs of the disease are small tubercles or blisters that form at the site of penetration of the infectious agent. As a rule, the formation appears on the penis. Due to its small size and lack of discomfort, a man often does not notice a bubble or bump, which disappears over time.

A few weeks after this, the lymph nodes in the groin enlarge. They become quite dense and painful. Enlarged nodes merge into one large formation. The skin over it turns blue or red, and after a while the node opens and purulent contents are released from it.

HIV infection

Most dangerous disease sexually transmitted infection causes HIV infection. There may be no symptoms of this deadly disease, but some patients develop a fever when infected. However, this symptom is characteristic of many other infectious pathologies. Infection can occur both during sexual intercourse and during medical procedures using unsterile instruments, needles and untested HIV blood. Infection of children can also occur during childbirth.

Due to the absence of symptoms and treatment, after ten years the virus leads to suppression of the human immune system - AIDS develops.

Features of the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases

Drug treatment for STDs is prescribed by a venereologist or dermatovenerologist. Many pathologies can be successfully treated at any stage. Complex therapy is carried out:

• a course of antibiotics;
• physiotherapy;
• multivitamin preparations;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• immunostimulants.

At the end of treatment, the man must take a smear again to make sure that the infection is completely destroyed. In some cases it is required additional therapy. For prevention reinfection Both sexual partners should undergo treatment.

People become infected with sexually transmitted diseases, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), during sexual intercourse. Microorganisms, causing disease, can be transmitted through blood, semen, saliva and any other fluids secreted by the body.

Some of these infections can be transmitted not only sexually, but, for example, from mother to child, during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding, or during a blood transfusion (hemotransfusion). Sexually transmitted diseases are common in modern world, therefore it is extremely important to know the symptoms in order to correctly diagnose. We must not forget about personal protection measures and prevention unpleasant problems with health.

Since sexually transmitted diseases can be asymptomatic for some time, a person may not always know that he is the source of infection. In this case, the spread of the disease occurs “by chance.”

Symptoms of some sexually transmitted diseases

Chlamydia

HIV symptoms may not be. In most cases, after 2-6 weeks a flu-like condition develops, which does not have specific symptoms, so early stages diseases are often missed.

Early symptoms

• Fever;
• A sore throat;
• Rash;
• Weakness.

These symptoms usually go away within 1-4 weeks. During this period, the sick person is contagious, and therefore dangerous to others. More severe and specific symptoms may first appear even 10 years after infection. Therefore, it is very important to visit a doctor and get tested regularly for sexually transmitted diseases.

Secondary symptoms

As the virus destroys the immune system, the following symptoms appear:

• Enlarged lymph nodes;
• Weight loss;
• Fever;
• Cough and shortness of breath.

Late HIV symptoms

• Constant weakness and fatigue;
• Heavy night sweats;
• Chills and fever for several weeks;
• Enlarged lymph nodes for 3 months or more;
• Chronic diarrhea;
• Constant headache;
• Opportunistic infections ( infectious diseases, which never develop in people with normally functioning immunity).

Genital herpes

- Very contagious disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus enters the body through microtraumas on the skin and mucous membranes. The vast majority of people do not even know that they are carriers of the virus, since they do not have any manifestations of the disease. In cases where there are symptoms, the first exacerbation is quite severe. Some people never have exacerbations of the disease, while others have genital herpes that recurs constantly.

Symptoms

• Small red sores and blisters in the genital area;
• Soreness and itching in the perineum, buttocks, inner surface hips

The first symptom of genital herpes, pain and itching, usually appears several weeks after contact with a carrier of the virus. First, many bubbles appear, which open and form ulcers.

During the period when there are ulcers, there may be pain and burning during urination. These sensations may persist even when all defects in the skin and mucous membranes have healed.

During the incubation period, a person may experience headache, muscle pain, fever and swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin area, may occur.

In some cases, a person remains contagious even after all the sores have healed and the discomfort has passed.

Genital warts

Genital warts caused by are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.

Symptoms

• Small flesh-colored or grayish bumps in the genital area;
• Some warts merge into each other, resembling cauliflower;
• Itching and/or discomfort in the perineum;
• Contact bleeding.

However, most often genital warts do not manifest themselves in any way. They can be very small, up to 1 mm, or they can form large conglomerates.

In women, genital warts can appear on the labia, vaginal opening and walls, cervix, perineum, and around the anus. In men - on the penis, scrotum and around the anus.

Hepatitis

A, B and C are contagious viral infections that affect the liver. The severity and time of onset of symptoms depends on the type of hepatitis and the reactivity of the person’s immune system.

Symptoms

• Fatigue;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, especially in the right hypochondrium;
• Loss of appetite;
• Fever;
• Darkening of urine;
• Pain in muscles and joints;
• Skin itching;
• Jaundice (yellowish coloration of the skin, mucous membranes and sclera).

Syphilis

– bacterial infection, which affects the genital tract, but over time can spread to all organs and systems, causing a variety of manifestations. Syphilis goes through four stages, each of which has its own characteristics. There is also congenital syphilis, when the fetus becomes infected during pregnancy. Congenital syphilis is very dangerous condition, therefore, all pregnant women should not skip the tests prescribed by the gynecologist, and if syphilis is detected, it should be treated immediately.

Primary syphilis

Symptoms appear 10-90 days after infection:

• A small painless ulcer (chancre) at the site of penetration of the pathogen (genitals, rectum). Usually there is only one chancre, but in in rare cases there may be several of them;
• Enlarged lymph nodes.

Although the symptoms primary syphilis may disappear without treatment, this does not mean that the person has recovered. The disease simply moves into the next stage.

Secondary syphilis

Symptoms appear 2-10 weeks after infection:

• Red rash the size of a small coin (50 kopecks) all over the body, including the palms and soles;
• Fever;
• Weakness, lethargy, fatigue.

These symptoms may come and go within a few days, or may persist for a year or more.

Latent syphilis

The period when there are no symptoms. Complete self-healing may occur, but more often the disease progresses to tertiary syphilis.

Tertiary syphilis

If, then treponema pallidum (the causative agent of syphilis) can spread throughout the body, cause changes in any organs and even lead to death.

Neurological symptoms

• , arachnoiditis and their combinations;
• Numbness and weakness in the limbs;
• Paralysis;
• Deafness;
• Blindness;
• (dementia).

Cardiovascular symptoms

• Formation of aneurysms;
• Aortitis and arteritis;

Diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases

If you suspect you have a sexually transmitted disease, or you have had sex with a partner who later develops strange symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. A gynecologist or infectious disease specialist will prescribe the necessary tests for you, conduct an examination and make a diagnosis if infection does occur. The following tests are used to detect sexually transmitted infections:

• Blood test (signs of inflammation, Wasserman reaction);
• (for urethritis);
• Smears from the urethra, vagina and cervix (for microscopy and identification of the pathogen);
• Imprint smears from skin and mucous membrane defects;
• Enzyme immunoassay (to determine antigens);
• Polymerase chain reaction(to identify the genetic material of the pathogen);
• Specific studies for specific pathogens (for example, a number of tests for hepatitis).

Screening

Screening is a set of tests and studies that a person who does not have symptoms of the disease undergoes. Screening is carried out not only to identify possible sexually transmitted diseases, but also to early diagnosis other diseases (for example, screening in

Sexually transmitted infectious diseases are a group of venereological pathologies, the main route of transmission of which is unprotected sexual contact. STDs are clinically heterogeneous nosological entities that are highly contagious, that is, infectious, and therefore pose a direct danger to human health.

What infections are sexually transmitted

The World Health Organization classifies STDs as follows::

1. Typical sexually transmitted infections

• lymphogranulomatosis (inguinal form);
• granuloma venereal type.

1. Other STDs:

• which primarily affect the organs of the reproductive system:

1. urogenital shigellosis (occurs in persons with homosexual sexual intercourse);
2. trichomoniasis;
3. candidal lesions of the genital organs, manifested by balanoposthitis and vulvovaginitis;
4. gardnerellosis;
5. scabies;
6. flat spots (pediculosis pubis);
7. molluscum contagiosum.

• which primarily affect other organs and systems:

1. neonatal sepsis;
2. Giardia;
3. AIDS;
4. amebiasis (typical for persons with homosexual contacts).

The main difference between any representative of an STD is its high susceptibility to changes in conditions in environment. For infection to occur, there must be direct contact between a sick person and a healthy person, and in some cases this is not necessarily sexual intercourse; household contact will be sufficient, as, for example, in the case viral disease. The danger increases in the presence of defects in the integrity of the mucous membranes and skin, which are the entrance gates for any infection. The risk of contracting an STD increases significantly during anal intercourse, using common funds personal hygiene and sexual toys. note: Almost all viral and bacterial sexually transmitted diseases penetrate the placental barrier, that is, they are transmitted to the fetus in utero and disrupt its physiological development. Sometimes the consequences of such infection appear only several years after the birth of the child in the form of dysfunction of the heart, liver, kidneys, and developmental disorders. Regarding the type of pathogen, sexually transmitted diseases are:

The following reasons are identified that contribute to the spread of STDs::

• very close household contacts;
• unprotected sex, which also includes anal and oral sex;
• use of shared towels;
• non-compliance necessary rules sterilization of instruments (diseases are transmitted through contaminated instruments in medical, dental, cosmetology institutions, as well as in manicure and tattoo parlors);
• procedure for transfusion of blood and its elements;
• parenteral drug administration;
• transplantation of organs and tissues.

STD: symptoms

The clinical picture of sexually transmitted diseases is slightly different, but, in general, there are a number of signs that are characteristic of almost each of them:

• excessive weakness;
• purulent or mucous discharge from the urethra;
• cloudy urine;
• burning and itching in the genital area;
• enlarged lymph nodes in the groin;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse and urination;
• ulcers and ulcers in the groin, on the external genitalia;

For other organs, symptoms may appear depending on the type of infection that affects other systems. For example, the liver suffers from hepatitis, bones are affected in the last stages of syphilis, and chlamydia can affect joints.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women

The presence of certain symptoms of STDs in women is explained by the characteristics of their physiology. The following signs should alert a woman and become a reason for an emergency visit to the gynecologist:

• pain and feeling of dryness during sex;
• single or group enlargement of lymph nodes;
• dysmenorrhea (disturbances in the normal menstrual cycle);
• pain and discharge from the anus;
• itching in the perineal area;
• anal irritation;
• rash on the labia or around the anus, mouth, or body;
• unusual vaginal discharge (green, foamy, smelly, bloody);
• frequent painful urges to urination;
• swelling of the vulva.

Sexually transmitted diseases in men: symptoms

You can suspect an STD in men based on the following signs::

• blood in semen;
• frequent and painful urge to urinate;
• low-grade fever (not in all diseases);
• problems with normal ejaculation;
• pain in the scrotum;
• discharge from the urethra (white, purulent, mucous, with an odor);
• rash various kinds on the head of the penis, the penis itself, around it.

Important: most sexually transmitted pathologies have asymptomatic. It is very important to ask for medical assistance immediately after the first symptoms appear to prevent progression and complications.

Diagnostics

If there are any suspicious signs from the genital organs, especially after unprotected sexual intercourse, you should consult a doctor as early as possible. Self-medication in this case is fraught with complications and serious consequences. Sometimes the symptoms of an STD disappear some time after their onset, and the patient thinks that he is healthy and everything went away on its own. But this only means that the disease has passed into a latent, that is, hidden form, and continues to circulate in the body. Important: If you detect suspicious symptoms, you must notify your sexual partner and undergo an examination with him andget tested for STDs. The diagnostic scheme includes the following points:

• Survey. The doctor collects a detailed medical history from the patient, he asks about complaints, how long ago they appeared and their severity. Usually, a patient who has already consulted a doctor has various types of elements (ulcers, rashes, erosions) on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs, pain, burning, itching when urinating. It is also important to find out the number of sexual partners, previous sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptive methods used, whether there were unprotected sexual contacts. A woman undergoes a mandatory gynecological examination, and a man a urological examination, during which a specialist detects objective symptoms of an STD. If necessary, it is also possible to consult a dermatovenerologist.
• Laboratory research. They are the basis for confirming the diagnosis. Testing for sexually transmitted infections involves examining the patient's blood and other biological fluids.

In particular, the following diagnostic methods are used:

Treatment of sexually transmitted infections

Appropriate therapy is always prescribed only by the attending physician based on test results. Depending on the identified pathogen, a treatment regimen is drawn up.
Most diseases can be successfully treated, but there are some that are considered incurable:

• hepatitis C;
• herpes types 1 and 2;

At the same time, maintenance therapy allows you to remove symptoms and alleviate the patient’s condition. Among the medications prescribed by a doctor, the following groups of drugs can be used:

• to activate the body's immune response;
• antiviral, allowing to accelerate remission when the viral infection enters the latent phase;
• hepatoprotectors are used to support the liver in case of severe damage;
• cardiac glycosides support the functioning of the heart muscle;
• vitamin-mineral complexes are part of general strengthening therapy;