What is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are the disease that occurs after having sex with the person already having an STD. It can spread through vagina, mouth, anus or penis. STDs were previously known as Venereal Disease(VD). STDs are a serious illness and should be treated immediately. Following are the types of STDs:

  1.  HIV or AIDS
  2.  HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  3.  Genital herpes
  4.  Chlamydia
  5. Gonorrhea
  6.  Syphilis
  7.  Genital warts

 

What are the signs and symptoms of STD?

  1. Rashes or sores or bumps on the mouth, anus, vagina or penis
  2.  Swelling and irritation at the genitals
  3.  Pain while urinating
  4.  Aches, fever, chills
  5.  Pallor (yellowing of the skin)
  6.  Odorous discharge from penis or vagina 
  7.  Bleeding from the vagina other than menstruation
  8.  Pain while sex
  9.  Severe itching near or on penis or vagina
  10.  Night sweats
  11. Diarrhea
  12.  Loss of weight

 

What are the causes of STDs?

The causative agents for different types of STDs are different:

  1. HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  2. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and Genital warts: Viral infection caused by skin to skin contact or through sexual intercourse
  3. Genital Herpes: Herpes simplex virus
  4. Chlamydia: Bacterial infection through the transfer of semen, vaginal fluids, pre-cum, etc.
  5. Gonorrhoea: Bacterial infection caused by Neisseria Gonorrhea 
  6. Syphilis: Bacterial infection caused by Treponema Pallidum

 

What are treatment options available for STDs?

Bacterial STDs are easier to treat and go away easily. Whereas, viral STDs can only be managed but not always cured.

For Bacterial STDs:

  1. A single dose can cure most of the STDs.
  2. If the patient starts the antibiotics then the course should be finished even if the patient feels better after commencing the course.

 

For Viral STDs:

  1. As viral STDs cant be cured, the chances of transmitting are possible but are less though.

 

Preventive measures for the partner of the patient has to be taken. Coping up with the disease and supportive care has to be taken.

 

Who is more prone to STDs?

  1. The population born between 1945-1965 are more prone.
  2. Screening for anyone between the age of 13-64 who are sexually active
  3. Homosexuals
  4. Individual with multiple sexual partners
  5. The habit of having unprotected sex

 

How STDs are recognized from other infections?

STDs can be recognized from other infections through microscopic culture test in the following ways:

  1. Blood samples
  2. Urine samples 
  3. Fluid samples
  4. Saliva samples

 

What is the cost of STDs Treatment?

The cost of STDs Treatment depends on the following factors:

  1. Age of the patient
  2. The severity of the infection
  3. Experience of the specialist
  4. Type of STD infection

 

The cost of antibiotics and antiviral drugs costs differ on the type or the class of the drug treatment the doctor prescribes. 

 

Who are the best doctors/specialists to treat STDs?

A certified and well-trained Gynaecologist or Urologist who is experienced in treating Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

 

What are the side-effects of STDs Treatment?

  1. Few side effects associated with STDs treatment are:
  2. Allergic reactions 
  3. Rashes, inflammation, redness on the skin
  4. Indigestion
  5. Nervousness
  6. Breathing problems

STD Treatment in Mumbai

Does the partner of the patient also have to be treated?

If an individual is diagnosed with any STDs, then the current partner and previous partners up to 3 months to 1 year should be notified and asked to take the tests and preventive measures.