What zpps. Sexually transmitted diseases

Quite widely known to everyone due to the method of their distribution. They have haunted humanity for centuries, perhaps millennia, leading to serious illness, infertility, newborn deformities and untimely deaths. Doctors have learned to cope well with some infections, but some of them can still either be healed in the early stages of the disease, or are still able to resist our efforts.

Before formulating a complete list of STIs, you need to find out what they are, how they threaten people and how they affect the body.

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are transmitted from one sexual partner to another, uninfected, during unprotected intercourse in any form. The causative agents can be viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.A mixed form of infection is quite often observed, especially in persons who are promiscuous without protection, prone to antisocial behavior, drug addiction, alcoholism.

Not understanding the risk of contracting certain types of STIs can cost a person dearly. They can lead to chronic inflammatory processes of the human genital area, cause miscarriage or, impotence and prostatitis in men, lesions and the immune system, which can cause severe diseases, even fatal.

Some infections affect only the reproductive system, but they are also capable of “spreading” throughout the body and causing irreparable harm to health, affecting even the spinal cord and humans.

The only reliable protection against STIs can be caution and care when choosing a sexual partner, high-quality protection and timely full treatment in case of infection. Both partners must be treated.

List of STIs: types, description and signs

Among the genital infections are diseases that penetrate the human body from the outside, from an infected partner, and those whose pathogens in the normal state constantly inhabit our skin and mucous membranes, without causing any harm. These microorganisms are called conditionally pathogenic flora.

As long as the body is healthy, and the immune system resists the onslaught of infection and maintains the number of microorganisms at a low, harmless level, the disease does not occur. But with sexual contact with the carrier, the same or with a decrease in immunity, the number of pathogens increases sharply and the person becomes ill. These diseases include the well-known thrush, or candidiasis. Its pathogens are constantly in the body of every person, but the disease occurs only when a number of conditions coincide.

A number of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases respond well to treatment with modern drugs, but it is better to do this as early as possible, before the infection has caused serious inflammatory processes.

As a result, adhesions that threaten a woman with infertility, lesions, unpleasant external rashes and even oncological tumors can occur. There are some STIs that, when neglected, are fatal. This, and. With timely and proper treatment, the life span of such patients can be extended for a fairly significant time.

Useful video - Signs of STDs.

The concept of STIs, or (sexually transmitted diseases) is somewhat broader than the concept of sexually transmitted diseases. "Diseases of Venus" are included in the list of sexually transmitted infections, as an integral part of it.

Complete STI List:

• Syphilis is caused by pallid treponema, or spirochete, has three stages and can be congenital. It is capable of affecting the skin, mucous membranes, soft and bone tissues, the central nervous system. It is easily transmitted not only through sexual intercourse, but also through blood and household contacts with the personal belongings of an infected patient - a carrier of treponema. It manifests itself as a rash, ulcers, specific formations - chancres and gummas. Secondary and tertiary syphilis can occur in a latent form. If untreated, it leads to numerous health and mental problems, and then to death.
• Gonorrhea is caused by gonococci, affects the mucous membranes of the urethra and, and when the disease spreads, the bladder, conjunctival membranes, pharynx, oral mucosa. It manifests itself as purulent discharge, burning and pain with frequent visits to the bathroom. It can be acute and chronic.
• Trichomoniasis is very common in all countries of the world and can be transmitted in the household. In men, it manifests itself as painful urination, discharge with blood. In women, there is a sharp redness of the vulva, burning, itching, profuse discharge, pain during intercourse.
• caused by chlamydia and has a very secretive "character". Due to the absence of external manifestations, the spread of infection is very high. With advanced forms, women may feel itching, pain and burning, as well as an unpleasant-smelling discharge. Men mainly experience burning and itching when urinating.
• Mycoplasmosis is provoked by conditionally pathogenic microorganisms mycoplasma, often affects women, causing vaginosis, and inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs.
• can be transmitted not only sexually, but also during childbirth from mother to newborn. Almost always passes without pronounced symptoms, but with a large number of ureaplasmas in men, signs of prostatitis may appear, the classic symptoms of infection may occur - itching, burning and pain.
• Gardnerellosis is a type of bacterial vaginosis associated with the "displacement" of lactobacilli and replacing them with gardnerella and some other microorganisms. Has several ways of appearance, not only sexual. A very common condition.
• Candidiasis, or thrush, is also extremely common and can occur without external influences, such as with antibiotics. Manifested by copious cheesy discharge, severe itching, irritation and inflammation. It can affect not only the genitals, but also the oral cavity.
• The human papillomavirus () is transmitted sexually and through everyday life, has many varieties, some of which are capable of causing cancer and others provoke the formation of genital warts on the genital and anal mucous membranes. It is manifested by the appearance of wart-like formations on the skin and mucous membranes, which can be single or turn into continuous lesions.
• Cytomegalovirus spreads through sexual and household routes, through various bodily fluids. It is asymptomatic, especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it affects.
• spreads not only sexually, but also through any contact with contaminated blood. It develops slowly, affects the immune system, causing AIDS. Patients most often die from secondary infections that have joined, for example, from pneumonia, since the patient's immune system, killed by the virus, does not resist.
• also have many ways of spreading, including sexual. With these dangerous diseases, a change in structure and functioning occurs, which is manifested by a series of characteristic symptoms.
• Lymphogranuloma venereum affects the skin and lymph nodes of an infected person. It is rare in Europe and the Russian Federation, since the main region of its distribution is Africa, South America. Asia and India. It is caused by a special type of chlamydia, manifested by vesicles, ulcers, inflammation of the lymph nodes, fever, headache and indigestion.

As you can see from the list, some infections are of a viral nature (CMV, herpes, papillomatosis and condylomatosis, hepatitis, HIV and others), fungal (candidiasis), bacterial (gonorrhea), or are provoked by protozoa microorganisms (ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis and others). Accordingly, treatment should be tailored to the specific pathogen. For mixed infections, combined treatment is used.

Infectious diseases that occur as a result of unprotected sexual intercourse are combined into a single group called sexually transmitted diseases or STIs. As a rule, such pathologies have several ways of transmission between people. According to medical research, the list of infections includes more than 30 different pathogenic microorganisms that can infect a person during various types of sexual intercourse with a partner - with anal, oral or vaginal contact. Eight types of viruses are classified as the most common, they are: gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, herpes and HPV, some of which are considered incurable.

Below will be a kind of presentation of sexually transmitted infections.

Classification

By the type of pathogen, such pathologies are conditionally divided into 5 main groups:

Sexually transmitted infections that can be triggered by bacterial microflora include:

1. Syphilis.
2. Chlamydia.
3. Gonorrhea.
4. Inguinal granuloma.
5. Chancroid.
6. Mycoplasmosis.
7. Ureaplasmosis.

There are also latent sexually transmitted infections. Viral ailments include:

1. Human papillomavirus.
2. Herpes virus type 2.
3. Molluscum contagiosum.
4. Cytomegalovirus.

The diseases that cause include chlamydia and trichomoniasis, and a fungal infection can trigger the development of candidiasis.

This disease develops, as a rule, very rapidly and is capable of affecting almost all organs and systems of the body. The causative agent in this case is treponema pale. The main route of transmission of this infection is sexual, and in rare cases - parenteral and contact. It takes about 3 weeks from the moment of infection with a similar type of genital infection to the manifestation of the first signs. In the place where the infection has entered the body, a so-called hard chancre is formed, which is an ulcer of a regular round shape, with smooth elastic edges. This is the first symptom of a sexually transmitted infection called syphilis.

Localization of the hard chancre can be very different: in the area of \u200b\u200bthe external genitals, on the fingers, on the tonsils, etc. The lymph nodes, which are located near the primary formation, begin to enlarge, becoming very dense. However, on palpation, they are painless and mobile, and there is no local temperature rise in their areas. These chancres disappear after about a month, when the regional lymphadenitis passes. From this point on, the development of various skin manifestations begins, which are a pale pink rash in the form of small subcutaneous hemorrhages. There are also signs of general chronic intoxication, manifested by weakness, increased subfebrile temperature and lack of appetite. After about 2 weeks, these symptoms gradually disappear, and in most patients the stage of asymptomatic carriage of the infection is formed.

Possible complications

Nevertheless, in the absence of adequate antibiotic therapy, very serious complications may develop, which include:

1. Syphilitic aortitis or endarteritis, which is a bacterial lesion of the aorta or other large vessels.
2. Bone and muscle damage.
3. Brain damage.

Mycoplasmosis

Microorganisms that can cause urogenital mycoplasmosis are the viruses Mycoplasma hominis and genitalium. These are opportunistic pathogens that develop this pathology only with a decrease in local immunity. Many experts do not include such a disease in the list of STIs due to its high prevalence and the body's ability to heal itself. The clinical symptoms of mycoplasmosis in men and women differ significantly. In men, a sexually transmitted infection is manifested by the following symptoms:

1. Urethritis, which is an inflammation of the urethra.
2. Epididymitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the epididymis of the testes.
3. Orchitis.
4. Prostatitis.

Despite the fact that prostatitis can be triggered by any infection of the genital area in men, the participation of mycoplasmas in the development of this disease has not been proven.

Symptoms of mycoplasmosis in women:

1. Cystitis.
2. Urethritis.
3. Cervicitis.
4. Colpitis.
5. Salpingo-oophoritis.
6. Pelvioperitonitis.

Chlamydia

This pathology is a disease that is considered one of the most common among sexually transmitted infections, exceeding the frequency of occurrence of syphilis and gonorrhea. According to medical research, more than 80 million people worldwide suffer from this infection every year. Chlamydia is considered a socially significant infection, since such a high incidence rate is due to untimely diagnosis due to the absence of symptoms. This pathology leads to the development of infertility.

The microorganism that causes chlamydia is Chlamydia trachomatis. This bacterium belongs to gram-negative microorganisms with an intracellular development cycle. Sources of infection can be infected people who practice promiscuous sex, as well as those who do not use barrier methods of contraception. There are known sexual and non-sexual routes of infection with this sexually transmitted infection in women, but the former is much more common. Chlamydia can also be transmitted from a sick mother to her baby during childbirth. With chlamydia, infection of the genitourinary system is primarily observed. However, there are known cases of infection in the form of inflammation of the rectum, eyes, back wall of the nasopharynx, immune cells or joints.

The symptoms of this disease in men and women are manifested in different ways. In men, urethritis most often develops, which has an acute or subacute course and the presence of minor discharge of pus from the urethra, as well as very painful and difficult urination. In some cases, urethritis can be asymptomatic, which often leads to protracted forms of the disease, which entails complex and severe complications. In more rare cases, in men, damage to the prostate and epididymis is observed, which manifests itself in the form of prostatitis, as well as epididymitis. The chronic course of prostatitis can manifest itself in the form of discomfort in the perineum, urinary retention, frequent urination, especially at night, decreased potency, inability to orgasm. A disease such as epididymitis occurs, as a rule, suddenly, with a high temperature up to 40 degrees and acute pain in the testicular area. Swelling of the scrotum is formed, which also leads to severe pain syndrome. After a few days, the symptoms of this pathology can completely disappear even without treatment. Chlamydia is the most common cause of male infertility.

Where to get tested for sexually transmitted infections? More on this below.

In women, this disease is characterized by an asymptomatic course, but this is observed only until certain complications arise, which manifest themselves in the form of inflammation of organs in the pelvic region. Signs of such complications can be soreness and discomfort in the genital area, vaginal discharge of a mucous or purulent nature, fever up to 39 degrees, serious menstrual irregularities, pulling pain in the lower abdomen. Chlamydia in the female version also manifests itself in the form of bartholinitis, endocervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis and pelvioperitonitis. In the absence of treatment, this pathology becomes a chronic form, which becomes the cause of the development of infertility and a risk factor for the occurrence of malignant formations of the genital area.

Gonorrhea

The disease also has a high social significance, since recently there has been an increase in morbidity and a change in the age contingent of patients towards rejuvenation. This situation is associated with the prevalence of infection, which becomes immune to certain types of antibiotics due to their uncontrolled use.

The causative agent of the pathological process is a microorganism that belongs to gram-negative cocci of the intracellular type. The source of infection is humans. In addition to the sexual route of infection, there is a small percentage of indirect infection, for example, through common hygiene items, bedding, etc. Newborns receive this infection at birth from the mother.

Gonorrhea in men is characterized by the occurrence of acute urethritis and proceeds in the form of painful sensations during urination with abundant discharge of pus. About a week after getting the infection, the symptoms may disappear even without the implementation of therapeutic measures. However, this is not a cure for this disease, as many people believe. This phenomenon is due to the transition of the pathological process into a chronic form, which has a protracted nature of the course with frequent occurrence of periods of exacerbation. Urethritis, provoked by gonorrhea, in men leads to complications such as morganitis, tysonitis, colliculitis, lymphangitis, cooperitis, lymphadenitis, epididymitis, paraurethritis. These diseases have specific features in terms of the localization of pain syndrome, but they are united by an acute period of onset in the form of an increase in body temperature to high numbers and severe pain in the places of inflammation. If the disease is not treated in time, it often leads to impotence.

In women, the disease does not have a vivid clinical picture. Symptoms usually appear after the development of various complications. For female gonorrhea, the emergence of multifocal pathological process is characteristic. Gonorrhea of \u200b\u200bthe lower urinary tract is isolated, which is presented in the form of urethritis, vaginitis, endocervicitis and bartholinitis. These inflammatory processes can manifest themselves in the form of symptoms such as burning pain during urination, separation of pus from the genital tract, redness of the mucous membranes of the genitals, pain during sexual intercourse. The varieties of ascending gonorrhea include: salpingitis, endometritis and pelvioperitonitis. These pathologies are manifested by cramping and pulling pains in the lower abdomen, painful periods, cycle disorders, mucous or purulent discharge from the vagina and urethra, a rise in subfebrile temperature. Prevention of sexually transmitted infections is very important.

Genital herpes

The clinical signs of this disease are specific symptoms that allow you to immediately determine its nature and begin treatment for such an STI. Herpetic infection is very widespread and leads to infertility in the absence of therapy. The causative agents of genital herpes are two types of viruses - HSV1 and HSV2, and the source of infection is a sick person or a virus carrier. Typically, the first type of herpes virus infects the face, and the second type virus can affect the genitourinary organs. Infection of the genitals with the first type of herpes and vice versa can occur during orogenital intercourse. You can get infected sexually or by contact. Fetal infection occurs from a sick mother during childbirth. The onset of this pathology during pregnancy often becomes the main cause of spontaneous miscarriages.

This disease manifests itself in a very specific way, and the clinical signs in men and women are approximately the same. In the genital area, small bubbles begin to form, containing a clear liquid. They ripen, then burst, leaving small areas of ulceration. This is accompanied by pain, itching, and fever. After this, the development of herpetic urethritis and lymphadenitis with painful urination and thick discharge from the urethra is observed.

What other infections are sexually transmitted?

HPV

The cause of genital warts and warts is HPV - the papilloma virus. The disease is the main factor in the occurrence of oncological pathologies in the genital area, however, the bulk of the world's population is carriers of this virus.

There are many ways of transmission of this infection. When genital warts occur, sexual transmission is observed. at the same time - a virus carrier without clinical symptoms or a directly sick person.

This disease proceeds, as a rule, latent and painless for a very long period. With the development of disorders in the immune defense system, this virus is activated. The disease is characterized by the formation of warts and papillomas on the patient's body, of the most varied localization. Human papillomavirus is considered the leading cause of cervical cancer, and it occurs in almost 40% of infected women.

Also HIV infection. It can be obtained through transfusions of blood and blood products, in the prenatal period, during childbirth or breastfeeding. Still, vaginal and anal intercourse is the most common route of transmission worldwide. You can also get infected during oral sex. Kissing is most often safe. Other STDs, traumatic sex, no male circumcision, vaginosis, intercourse during menstruation, and oral contraceptives increase the risk of HIV infection through sexual intercourse. Moreover, the transmission occurs more often from man to woman than vice versa. Condoms and other barrier contraceptives can help reduce your risk.

Where to get tested?

Blood for sexually transmitted infections can be donated at any medical institution.

Anyone who is sexually active should be tested for STIs every six months for prevention. After a course of treatment for any infection, an analysis is required after a month, and then after another three. It is also necessary to be examined when planning a pregnancy. In the case of unprotected casual intercourse, a reliable result may not be immediate. So, HIV is determined only six months after contact, like syphilis. And in order to detect hepatitis, it takes from 1.5 to 3 months.

The analysis can be taken free of charge. But first, it's best to visit a specialist. This is a venereologist, andrologist, urologist or gynecologist.

STI Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent STI infection are divided into two types:

1. Primary, which are aimed at preventing them:

• barrier contraception (condoms);
• organization of sex life with one reliable partner;
• intimate hygiene.

2. Secondary, which are aimed at preventing disease in case of suspected infection. For example, after suspicious sexual intercourse or in cases when a person found out about the presence of an STI after an unprotected act.

Treatment of sexually transmitted infections

Appropriate treatment of such diseases should be prescribed exclusively by a specialist after carrying out all the necessary methods of differential and laboratory diagnostics. Depending on what kind of pathogen provoked a particular pathological condition, a specific treatment regimen is drawn up. The main part of such diseases is successfully treated, but here it is necessary to comply with the conditions of timeliness and strict implementation of the specialist's prescriptions. Incurable pathologies are STIs such as HIV, herpes and hepatitis C.

Therapeutic methods are aimed at eliminating symptoms. For this, the following pills for sexually transmitted infections are used:

In our country, special days for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections are held.

STI Is an abbreviation that literally means sexually transmitted infections. An ordinary person, far from medicine, hardly has any idea what an STI is in men, how they proceed and what are the features of these diseases in women. To understand what the term means, it is worth remembering the concept of "sexually transmitted diseases", which is actually a synonym.

• STI testing
  • STI blood test
• Decoding the analysis for STIs
• STI treatment
• STI Prevention
• Differences between STDs and STIs
• STIs during pregnancy
• Cost of STI tests

What are the main reasons contributing to infection

The answer to the question of what are the main reasons contributing to infection with infections is partly embedded in the abbreviation itself. That is, the main cause of infections is sexual intercourse, during which the pathogen is transmitted from a sick person to a conditionally healthy one.

Infection can occur both during classical genital-genital intercourse and during experiments. Accordingly, the question of whether it is possible to become infected with such a pathology during anal sex should be given a positive answer. You can also get infected with oral sex, regardless of what role each partner plays in copulation. The most likely option is the transmission of microorganisms from the genitals of a sick person to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with the subsequent development of infection there. But transmission of the pathogen through oral sex is not excluded in the opposite direction, that is, from the mouth to the genitals. Oral, anal sex and other forms of sexual intercourse contribute to the appearance of atypical localizations outside the genital area. The infectiousness of a venereal disease is not the same in different periods of the course of the infection. So it is maximum if the patient has pronounced clinical symptoms of pathology, somewhat less during the incubation period, when signs of the disease are not yet observed.

Infection can also occur from a carrier of the infection, that is, a person who himself was not sick, but has a pathogenic microbe in his body. Susceptibility to disease in men and women is far from the same. So, representatives of the stronger sex rarely get sick with candidiasis, gardnerellosis, ureaplasmosis, while in women the likelihood of infection with these pathogens is much higher. It is also worth understanding that during intercourse with a sick person or a carrier of infection, the transmission of the causative agent of a venereal disease does not always occur. Barrier contraception, such as a condom, provides some, but not 100%, protection.

With the correct use of a condom, there is an extremely small chance of contracting HIV, gonorrhea, but a contraceptive is absolutely useless if a sick person has a focus of infection outside the latex coverage area. Thus, a condom will not be able to protect against pubic lice, syphilis, HPV, scabies, herpes and many other unpleasant diseases. But according to research data in recent years, even if there was unprotected intercourse with a sick person, the likelihood of getting infected is variable:

• HIV is transmitted in 0.1% of cases,
• the causative agent of syphilis is pale treponema - in 30%,
• chlamydia and trichomonas - in 50%,
• lice - in 95% of cases.

The sexual route of transmission is the main one, but not the only one. In second place in terms of prevalence is the contact-household route, when infection occurs through close contact with a sick person or through common household items. For this reason, you should not use shared towels, bath accessories, hygiene products, manicure devices, etc. In this way, you can get infected in the pool or bath, so it is not in vain that many of these public places require a health certificate. Some sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted through blood with poorly processed medical instruments, with repeated use of syringes, and with a violation of the blood transfusion procedure. There is a vertical route of transmission of infection when the pathogen in a pregnant sick woman crosses the placenta to the fetus. But the child can also become infected during the passage through the genital tract during childbirth, the transmission of the pathogen in the future can also occur through the contact-household route.

STI symptoms in women and men

Each of these diseases in men and women has its own characteristic features, which make it possible to build the correct diagnostic algorithm in the future. Many symptoms in women and men do not differ significantly, there are manifestations that are similar for many pathologies. Sexually transmitted diseases do not appear immediately after infection. The time until the onset of severe symptoms from the entry of the pathogen into the body of a man or woman is called the incubation period. Its duration is different for different infectious agents. In some diseases, the incubation period can be several hours or days, in other diseases, it takes months, in rare cases, even years, before its symptoms appear. The first and most common manifestation may be a rash. It may look like redness, or blisters and pimples, papules, pustules, sores, etc. The most likely symptom is itching and burning in the area of \u200b\u200bthe head and body of the penis, the scrotum in men, and the vagina in women.

Pathological discharge from the genital tract (from the urethra, in women from the vagina) appears, having a transparent, white or yellowish color, often with an unpleasant or even fetid odor. Itching and burning when urinating is often associated with discharge. Urine is a rather corrosive liquid and during infection the protective functions of the urethra are severely affected. As a result, when in contact with urine in the urethra, the nerve endings are highly irritated. This gives such a symptom as burning and itching, and sometimes even soreness when urinating.

Among other frequent manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases, it is worth noting the presence of pain in the lower abdomen, in the genital area, increased pain when having sexual intercourse.

Often in men and women, it happens that the symptoms are not associated with infections, but may be a manifestation of another pathology, so it is necessary to analyze the clinical picture along with the test results (see table below).

List of STIs in women and men

To understand what types of infections are in women and men, it is enough to understand that the causative agents can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and insects. That is, the list of sexually transmitted infections can be divided into 5 groups. There are a lot of them, so let's consider what are the most common types.

The list of STIs in women and men includes the following diseases:

Caused by bacteria:

• chlamydia;
• gonorrhea;
• mycoplasmosis;
• ureaplasmosis (in men, this type of pathology practically does not occur);
• syphilis;
• gonococcal infection;
• gardnerellosis (almost never occurs in men).

Viral nature:

• hepatitis B;
• molluscum contagiosum.

Caused by fungi:

• Candidiasis (quite rare in men);

Called by the simplest:

• trichomoniasis;

• pediculosis;
• scabies.

The list for women and men is almost the same with the exception of some types of infections (see notes). Despite the fact that the list is quite wide, it makes no sense to check for all infections at once, so laboratories usually include diagnostics of about 12-13 species in the analysis.

What sexually transmitted infections are included in the analysis - this should be clarified in a specific laboratory, since different medical institutions have different lists of procedures. It is also worth understanding that some infections from the above list can cause different diseases in women and men, depending on the localization of the pathological focus. And the establishment of this fact is due to the existing symptoms and test results (see table below).

STI testing

The examination begins with the delivery of general clinical tests - blood and urine. But the information received is not enough to identify the pathogen. Therefore, the following diagnostic methods are additionally used:

• sTI smear - flora smear;
• sowing on nutrient media to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics;
• serological methods aimed at detecting antibodies or antigens;
• PCR analysis.

Usually, a smear for STIs in women and men allows you to identify the pathogen, but if its amount is small, the risk of a false negative result is high.

In a smear on the flora, the following infections can be detected - gonococcus, Trichomonas, gardnerella and candida. Such infections as chlamydia, mycoplasma, herpes viruses and others cannot be determined in this study. Also, a smear helps to identify inflammatory cells - leukocytes, the presence of which is a mandatory criterion for treating inflammation of the genital organs, regardless of the presence or absence of the causative agent of the infection.

The biomaterial that was used for taking the smear is also suitable for inoculation on culture media. Culture can detect, in contrast to PCR analysis, not all infections, but only mycoplasma hominis, ureaplasma, chlamydia, candida albicans, gonococcus and Trichomonas. The disadvantage of sowing is the long production period of the analysis - 5-7 days. However, this disadvantage is compensated for by determining the sensitivity to medicinal drugs. This is indispensable when the doctor prescribes treatment after the patient has taken a large number of antibiotics on his own, which he usually read about on the Internet. The most common, fastest and most affordable is the PCR smear for infection.

PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. This method allows you to isolate pathogens from a DNA smear. The big advantage is that for a positive result, the presence of only 1 pathogen in the material is enough. Also, this method of smear diagnosis becomes positive from 3-5 days after sex.

For testing for several pathogens, complex florocenosis has become very popular - this is PCR with testing for several pathogens, as well as an assessment of the flora of the genitourinary organs. Additionally, blood is donated and examined by one of the serological methods (usually ELISA). Most often, this is the detection in the blood of an immune response to infections such as syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B and C. However, it is also possible to determine the antibodies produced in the blood in response to infections such as chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, Trichomonas, candida and genital herpes. Most often, an analysis is made for immunoglobulins (antibodies) A, M and G. The first two classes of antibodies speak of a fresh process, immunoglobulin G of a chronic one. Let's take a closer look at how the test procedure goes.

STI smear in women and men

In women and men, this is an analysis when a biomaterial is selected from the focus of infection, a preparation is made from it and examined under a microscope. It shows whether there are pathogenic bacteria, fungi or protozoa in the body or not.

Viruses cannot be seen in such ways; this requires an electron microscope, which is not used in practical healthcare. Biological material for microscopic diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections is taken from the walls of the vagina, urethra or other foci using a sterile cotton swab. For making a smear, wash water, imprint smears, discharge from the urethra or vagina, etc. are also suitable.

Preparation for delivery includes the cancellation of treatment in about 2-3 days (stop taking antibiotics, using suppositories and douching in women, etc.). It is also recommended to refrain from sexual intercourse before the study. At the same time, the usual hygienic treatment of the genitals is performed. Thus, the diagnosis for the patient is not a burdensome procedure, and the collection of biomaterial is painless.

The examination of women and men is not limited to viewing smears; to build a competent conclusion, a comprehensive diagnosis should be carried out using other methods.

STI blood test

Blood is used primarily for antibody or immunoglobulin tests. These are substances that are produced in response to certain structural elements in the composition of microorganisms - antigens.

Antibodies and antigens can be diagnosed using serological methods: ELISA, RNGA, RIF, etc. To donate blood for STIs requires the usual preparation: in the morning on an empty stomach, do not smoke a few hours before the study, etc. At the same time, it does not matter to women on what day of the cycle to donate blood , while a smear is problematic during menstruation for obvious reasons.

Decoding the analysis for STIs

Deciphering the analyzes is the task of the doctor of the corresponding profile. There are a lot of ambiguous points in medicine, which, depending on the situation, can be interpreted in different ways. Each analysis cannot be considered in isolation as one hundred percent confirmation of the diagnosis, therefore the interpretation should be carried out in conjunction with the existing symptoms and data from other examinations. To understand how to decipher the test results, it is recommended that you read the following table:

Study type	The resulting result	Clinical significance
General blood analysis	Increased white blood cell count	The presence of an inflammatory process in the body (it can be a venereal disease, or maybe another commonplace infection)
	ESR acceleration
	An increase in the number of neutrophilic leukocytes in the leukocyte formula	Possible indication of a bacterial infection
	An increase in the number of lymphocytes in the leukocyte formula	Probable indication of a viral infection
General urine analysis	The appearance in the urine of leukocytes, bacterial cells	Infectious lesion of the urinary system
Serologic tests to detect antibodies	High level of immunoglobulins	The immune system reacted positively in response to the ingestion of the pathogen, which may indicate the presence of a disease, or that the person had been ill in the past.

Smear microscopy, culture, serological analysis for the detection of the pathogen antigen, PCR - all these methods are aimed at the direct detection of microorganisms and their identification.

But a positive result is proved only by the presence of the pathogen in the body, and this may be a form of infection in the form of a carrier, or the incubation period has not yet ended.

In any case, there is a high risk of exacerbation of the disease, therefore, upon detection of pathogenic agents, doctors should make a decision to start treatment or carry out drug prevention.

STI treatment

Treatment of these infections in women and men is usually carried out according to the scheme, taking into account drugs of several groups. The main direction in therapy is the elimination of the causative agent of the infection. The drugs are selected based on the test results. For infections of a bacterial nature, antibiotics are prescribed (amoxicillin, doxycycline, cephalosporins, etc.).

The optimal drug is selected taking into account the sensitivity of bacteria to the drug, which is determined during inoculation. In viral infections, antiviral drugs are ineffective in the acute period of the disease, since their action is aimed at stopping the multiplication of the virus, and not at destroying the pathogen. For the treatment of viral pathologies in women and men, drugs such as acyclovir and its analogues can be used. Such therapy will help with genital herpes, but with HPV, HIV, hepatitis, specific treatment is required. For STIs caused by protozoa, antiprotozoal drugs are used (metronidazole, trichopolum, etc.). In addition to treatment with systemic drugs, local therapies may be prescribed for men and women. The most commonly used antibacterial and antiseptic solutions, ointments, vaginal suppositories. For women, candles are prescribed: clindacin, gynoflor, flumizin, etc.

The second direction of therapy is strengthening the immune system, which not only helps to fight venereal disease, but also most likely prevents relapse. For the treatment of men and women, immunomodulators (cyclosporine, rapamycin), vitamins, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed. The duration of treatment depends on the prescribed drugs, with a successful combination of circumstances is no more than 2-3 weeks, after which control tests are required.

Post-infection control smears are taken on average 3 weeks after treatment. Control blood tests after treatment are carried out much later. This is due to the timing of the immune response to infection. As a rule, this period is at least 1.5-2 months.

STI Prevention

Given the enormous risks and consequences, prevention is a must.

The best way to protect yourself from dangerous diseases is to avoid questionable and casual sex. One of the prevention methods is the use of condoms, but this does not provide complete safety (see causes of sexually transmitted diseases above). Among the basic rules of prevention, in addition to those listed above, it is worth adding the prevention of self-medication. After sexual intercourse with a potentially sick person, each person should consult a dermatovenerologist. In the early stages after infection, emergency prophylaxis with the use of medicines is highly effective. The complexity of its implementation lies in the fact that for this there is no universal means that can prevent the multiplication of bacteria and viruses. Therefore, in such cases, doctors usually prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics, antiviral drugs, immunomodulators, etc. In particular, metronidazole droppers are prescribed for the prevention of trichomoniasis and gardnerellosis, bicillin injections for the prevention of syphilis and other proven drugs. For most diseases, not including some viral ones, the effectiveness of such prevention, even with a real infection, is 95-98%.

The use of antiseptic preparations, ointments, irrigation agents, etc. has a relatively high efficiency. For prophylaxis, the antiseptic miramistin is often prescribed, which, according to the instructions for use, is intended for washing the genitals, treating the external genital organs and the skin of the pubis. For prophylaxis, 1.5-3 ml is injected into the urethra for men, 1-1.5 ml for women into the urethra, and 5-10 ml for the vagina.

According to the instructions, 2-3 minutes are enough, after which these organs are emptied. Such measures after unprotected sexual intercourse prevent the reproduction of the pathogen that has entered the body. However, it should be remembered that miramistin is effective only against syphilis, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. Unfortunately, it does not prevent all other infections. Additionally, it is recommended to take tests, since early detection of the pathogen allows you to choose the most effective drug for treatment.

Differences between STDs and STIs

When doctors use the terms sexually transmitted diseases, STDs and STIs, some mean the same thing. There is a difference in the term itself: STDs mean sexually transmitted diseases, STIs mean infections. Despite the fact that there are almost no differences, it is more correct to say STIs, and not STDs, as this definition is used in the modern international classification of diseases. Let's give an example - an infection is gonorrhea, and a disease is an eye damage caused by a gonococcus.

STIs during pregnancy

When planning a pregnancy, a married couple is recommended to pass tests to identify infectious agents. This measure is necessary to protect the child from infection. What infectious agents should I take when planning pregnancy? Experts recommend the following list:

The last two diseases, together with rubella and cytomegalovirus, are combined into a general group under the term TORCH infection.

Cost of STI tests

The final price for the examination depends on what types of analyzes will be prescribed, in which laboratory the studies were performed, what reagents are used in this case. Private medical institutions set their own prices; in the capital, such services are somewhat more expensive. On average, based on the cost of analyzes in the country, you should focus on the following figures:

• general analysis of blood, urine - 500-1000 rubles;
• smear microscopy - 500-900 rubles;
• sowing with an antibioticogram - 1000-2000 rubles;
• IFA - 1000 rubles;
• PCR (when diagnosing 3-4 pathogens) in the region of 1500 rubles, complex florocenosis - 2000-4500 rubles.

It is worth noting that many of the tests required for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases can be passed completely free of charge at the clinic at the place of residence. In particular, these are blood tests for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B and C. However, in this case, one cannot count on anonymity. Some studies will be available free of charge on the basis of health insurance - this should be clarified with the accounting department of the medical institution.

If you suspect an STI, contact a competent venereologist.

The term "sexually transmitted diseases", which was widely used during the Soviet era in relation to syphilis and gonorrhea, is gradually being replaced by a more correct one - diseases (infections) with a predominantly sexual route of transmission.

This is due to the fact that many of these diseases are also transmitted by parenteral and vertical routes (that is, through blood, untreated instruments, from mother to fetus, and so on).

Eight causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases are the most common and are associated with the majority of diagnosed genital infections. STDs are infected mainly during sex (vaginal, anal, oral).

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  1. Basic facts about STDs

  1. 1 More than 1 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases are registered every day worldwide.
  2. 2 Every year in the world there are 357 million new cases of 1 in 4 genital infections: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.
  3. 3 WHO estimates that about half a billion people in the world are infected with the genital herpes virus.
  4. 4 More than 290 million women are infected with papillomaviruses.
  5. 5 Most STDs are asymptomatic and asymptomatic.
  6. 6 Certain genital pathogens (herpes simplex virus type 2, syphilis) can increase the likelihood of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  7. 7 In addition to negatively affecting the body and triggering a chronic infectious and inflammatory process, venereal diseases can cause serious reproductive disorders.

  

  Table 1 - The most common causative agents of STDs

  2. Bacterial STIs

  2.1. Chlamydia

  - a disease caused by chlamydia Ch. trachomatis serovars D-K. Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs. Most often, the infection is diagnosed in young patients (15-24 years old).

  In women, chlamydia is more often asymptomatic (80% of patients are not worried about anything). Only half of men infected with chlamydia have symptoms of the genitals and urinary system.

  The most typical symptoms that accompany chlamydial infection: pain, cramps in the urethra during urination, the appearance of mucous or purulent yellow discharge from the urethra (in women - from the vagina).

  2.2. Gonorrhea

  - a venereal disease caused by Neisser's gonococci and accompanied by damage to the genitals, rectum, and in some cases the posterior pharyngeal wall.

  In men, the disease is accompanied by a burning sensation in the urethra during urination, the appearance of white, yellowish or green discharge from the urethral canal (often the secret is collected overnight and its maximum amount is released before the first urination), swelling and soreness of the testicles.

  In some men, gonorrhea is asymptomatic. The majority of women infected with N. gonorrhea do not report health complaints. Symptoms in women may include pain, burning in the urethra during urination, discharge, and bleeding between periods.

  Infection of the rectum occurs during unprotected anal sex and is accompanied by itching, burning, pain in the anus, the appearance of discharge, blood from the rectum.

  2.3. Mycoplasmosis

  Not all mycoplasmas are pathogenic. At the moment, only an infection requires compulsory treatment, since it is often the cause of non-gonococcal urethritis, vaginitis, cervicitis, and PID.

  M. hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum are found in healthy men and women, however, in the presence of predisposing factors, they can cause diseases of the genitourinary system.

  2.4. Shankroid

  Chancroid (causative agent - Haemophilus ducreyi) is an endemic disease registered predominantly in Africa, the Caribbean, and South-West Asia. For European countries, only periodic outbreaks (imported cases) are typical.

  The disease is accompanied by the appearance of painful ulcers on the genitals, an increase in regional lymph nodes. Infection with H. ducreyi increases the likelihood of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus.

  

  Figure 1 - In the area of \u200b\u200bthe penis, at the base of the head, an early chancroid is determined. In the right groin area - a regional increase in the inguinal lymph nodes.

  2.5. Inguinal granuloma

  Inguinal granuloma (synonym - donovanosis, causative agent - Calymmatobacterium granulomatis) is a chronic bacterial infection that usually affects the skin and mucous membranes in the groin and genitals.

  Nodular seals appear on the skin and mucous membranes, which then ulcerate. Ulcers may gradually grow.

  Inguinal granuloma in countries of temperate climates is rare and is most typical for the countries of the South. Africa, Australia, South. America. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in patients aged 20-40 years.

  

  Figure 2 - Inguinal granuloma.

  2.6. Venereal granuloma

  - damage to the inguinal lymph nodes, which develops as a result of infection with serovars L1 - L3 Chlamydia trachomatis. The disease is endemic to countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, India, South. America. Over the past 10 years, there has been an increase in the incidence in North. America, Europe.

  The patient is worried about ulcerative defects on the skin of the genitals, which are then supplemented by an increase in lymph nodes in the groin area, an increase in body temperature. Patients may also experience rectal ulceration, which leads to pain in the anus, perineum, discharge, blood from the anus.

  2.7. Syphilis

  - highly contagious (contagious) venereal disease, which is characterized by a staged course. In the early stages, a chancre is formed in the genital area, oropharynx, etc. The ulcer closes over time.

  After a short period of time, a rash appears on the patient's body, which is not accompanied by itching. The rash can appear on the palms, soles and then spread to any part of the body.

  With untimely therapy in the later stages, irreversible damage to internal organs, including the nervous system, occurs.

  

  Figure 3 - The figure in the upper left corner shows the causative agent of syphilis. In the lower left corner there is a chancre (ulcer), which forms at the first stage of the disease. In the right half, a type of rash characteristic of secondary syphilis.

  3. Trichomoniasis

  - protozoal STI, in which the tissues of the vagina and urethra are involved in inflammation. Every year, 174 million new cases of trichomoniasis are recorded worldwide.

  Only 1/3 of infected patients have any signs of trichomoniasis: burning, itching in the vagina, urethra, offensive yellow-green discharge from the genital tract, pain during urination. In men, the listed symptoms may be accompanied by complaints of pain and swelling of the scrotum.

  4. Candidiasis

  - an infectious disease caused by yeast fungi of the genus Candida. There are more than 20 species of Candida that can cause infection, but the most common causative agent of candidiasis is Candida albicans (Candida albicans).

  The disease is not an STD, but it is often transmitted through unprotected sex.

  Normally, candida live in the intestines, on the skin and mucous membranes of a healthy person and do not cause disease. With concomitant chronic diseases, inadequate antibiotic therapy, immunodeficiency, unprotected sexual contact with a patient, fungal colonies grow and local inflammation develops.

  Vaginal candidiasis is accompanied by a feeling of itching, burning in the vulva and vagina, pain, discomfort during sex, the appearance of cuts during urination, the appearance of white cheesy discharge from the genital tract.

  In men, candida often causes balanitis and balanoposthitis (itching, redness, peeling of the foreskin and glans penis).

  5. Viral genital infections

  5.1. Genital herpes

  Genital herpes (HSV, HSV type 2) is one of the most common STDs. Most often, genital herpes develops as a result of infection with the herpes simplex virus type 2. Most patients are unaware of their infection.

  The virus is transmitted during unprotected sexual contact, regardless of the carrier's symptoms. After entering the body, the virus migrates along the nerve endings and can be in a "dormant" state for a long time.

  When the patient's immune system is weakened, the virus migrates back to the skin and the symptoms of genital herpes develop: redness of the skin of the genitals, the appearance of small bubbles filled with a clear liquid.

  Such vesicles burst, a superficial ulcer is formed, which heals within a few days. The rash is painful, may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature, an increase in the inguinal lymph nodes.

  

  Figure 4 - Rash with genital herpes.

  5.2. Papillomaviruses

  Genital papillomas (HPV, HPV, human papillomavirus infection) - a disease accompanied by the formation of growths (papillomas) on the skin of the genitals. Throughout life, almost all people become infected with one of the subtypes of the human papillomavirus.

  Infection with HPV types 6 and 11 is not always accompanied by the appearance of papillomas. In women, papillomas occur more often than in men.

  They are small skin growths on a thin stalk, often skin colored, soft in consistency. Some subtypes of the virus (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, etc.) can lead to the development of cervical cancer. HPV vaccines have been developed.

  

  Figure 5 - Genital papillomas.

  5.3. Hepatitis B

  Hepatitis B (HBV, HBV) is a viral liver injury, accompanied by inflammation, death of hepatocytes, and the development of fibrosis. In addition to sexual intercourse, the hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through blood transfusions, hemodialysis, from mother to fetus, accidental injections with infected needles from syringes (more often among medical staff, drug addicts), when tattooing, piercing using poorly sterilized materials.

  The disease can proceed in an acute form, accompanied by impaired liver function of varying degrees (from mild to severe, including acute liver failure), the development of jaundice of the skin, general weakness, dark urine, nausea, vomiting.

  In chronic hepatitis B, the liver tissue undergoes fibrosis. Infection increases the risk of liver cancer.

  5.4. HIV infection

  - a retrovirus, which is transmitted sexually, parenterally (when the blood of an infected patient enters the recipient's blood) and vertical (from mother to fetus) routes. After entering the human body, the virus mainly affects lymphocytes, leading to a decrease in their number and a weakening of immunity.

  At present, with the appointment of lifelong antiretroviral therapy, the multiplication of the virus can be suspended, thereby maintaining the patient's normal immune status.

  With an untimely start of treatment, refusal of therapy, the level of lymphocytes is significantly reduced, the likelihood of developing opportunistic diseases (infections that are extremely rare in people without a violation of the immune status) increases.

  6. The main symptoms of STDs

  In men	Among women
  	Pain, cramps in the urethra during urination
  Itching in the head, urethra	Itching in the vagina, urethra
  Increased urination	Increased urination
  	Increased inguinal lymph nodes
  	Pain in the rectum, discharge from the anus
  	Discharge of blood from the vagina between periods
  	Pain, discomfort during sex

  Table 2 - The main symptoms of diseases, predominantly sexually transmitted

  7. Diagnostics

  1. 1 If the symptoms described above appear, suspicion of STDs, casual unprotected sex, it is recommended to consult a urologist or venereologist, a woman is also advised to consult a gynecologist. After the initial examination, the patient is sent for a series of examinations that allow detecting genital infections and prescribing adequate treatment.
  2. 2 Initial examination by a doctor. In men, the scrotum, penis, head of the penis, and, if necessary, the rectum are examined. The gynecologist performs an external examination of the genitals, examination of the vagina and cervix with mirrors.
  3. 3 During the initial examination, a smear may be taken from the urethra, vagina, followed by staining with dyes and microscopy.
  4. 4 Sowing a smear on nutrient media for the cultivation of the pathogen and determining its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs.
  5. 5 Referral of smear material from the urethra / vagina for molecular genetic diagnosis (determination of the DNA of the main pathogens of STDs by PCR).
  6. 6 To identify some STDs (hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, etc.), venous blood is taken and sent for serodiagnostics (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine antibodies to the causative agent of the disease), PCR diagnostics.

  

  Figure 6 - A sample of the results of determining the DNA of pathological microorganisms in a smear from the urethra by PCR (no DNA of the main pathogens was found in the scraping from the urethra).

  8. Most common complications

  Due to the fact that in most cases of STDs in the early stages are asymptomatic, it is not uncommon for patients to see a doctor late. The most common complications of sexually transmitted diseases are:

  1. 1 Chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
  2. 2 Complications of pregnancy (miscarriages, premature birth, intrauterine growth retardation syndrome, infection of the newborn - pneumonia, conjunctivitis, etc.).
  3. 3 Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the outer lining of the eye).
  4. 4 Arthritis (joint inflammation).
  5. 5 Female and male infertility.
  6. 6

     In men	Among women
     Pain, cramps in the urethra during urination	Pain, cramps in the urethra during urination
     Itching in the head, urethra	Itching in the vagina, urethra
     Increased urination	Increased urination
     The appearance of discharge from the urethral canal (mucous, yellowish, green)	Discharge from the vagina
     Increased inguinal lymph nodes	Increased inguinal lymph nodes
     Swelling, pain in the scrotum, inflammation of the testicles	Discharge of blood from the vagina between periods
     Pain in the rectum, discharge from the anus	Pain in the rectum, discharge from the anus
     The appearance of ulcers on the genitals	Discharge of blood from the vagina between periods
     Redness of the head of the penis, the appearance of plaque on the head	Chronic pain in the lower abdomen
     Pain, discomfort during sex	Pain, discomfort during sex

Sexually transmitted diseases are a group of the most common pathologies on the planet. They often have a latent course, do not appear in any way. To designate pathologies of this group, the abbreviation STD is often used - what this pathology is, how it manifests itself, patients do not always know.

What are STDs?

Venereologists in everyday life often use the term STI - what kind of disease it is, how it manifests itself, patients may not even guess. This term stands for infections primarily sexually transmitted. Today in medicine, the abbreviation STD is more often used - sexually transmitted diseases. The fact is that not all pathologies are of infectious origin.

At the moment, doctors have identified and described about 30 types of STDs. According to existing statistics, about 1 million people contract this type of disease every day. The main route of infection is sexual, but this does not exclude the possibility of transmission of the pathogen by contact and household routes. Most STDs have a sluggish onset, latent symptoms, and therefore are detected at the height of the disease.

What diseases are sexually transmitted?

Sexually transmitted diseases are conventionally divided into several groups, according to the type of pathogen:

1. Viral infections - one of the most dangerous pathologies in their consequences. Among the common diseases in this group:

• hepatitis B;
• genital herpes;
• cytomegalovirus;
• molluscum contagiosum;

2. Bacterial infections - provoked by bacterial microorganisms:

• gonorrhea;
• inguinal granuloma;
• lymphogranuloma venereum.

3. Fungal - provoked by a colony of multiplying fungi: candidiasis.

4. Protozoan - are provoked by the simplest microorganisms: trichomoniasis.

STIs - list of infections in women

It should be noted that women are more prone to sexually transmitted infections than men. So, with a single unprotected intercourse, the probability of infection for a woman is 50%, and for the stronger sex - 25%. This difference in the body's susceptibility to genital infections is due to the structural features of the genitourinary system in women. Among the most common, experts put forward sexually transmitted fungal diseases (candidiasis).

The list of the most common STDs in women looks like this:

• chlamydia;
• ureplasmosis;
• mycoplasmosis;
• syphilis;
• herpes;
• gardnerellosis.

List of STIs in men

Sexually transmitted diseases are more common in men than in women. This is due to the often higher sexual activity, the presence of several sexual partners at the same time. At the same time, STDs (what it is described in the article) do not always have a violent clinical picture: the disease can proceed in episodes, with periods of exacerbation and recovery. This greatly complicates the effective therapy of diseases. Among genital infections, more common in men:

• gonorrhea;
• syphilis;
• chlamydia;
• genital herpes;
• ureaplasmosis.

STD symptoms

The clinical picture of STDs is diverse. There are no single symptoms, the presence of which allows you to accurately determine the pathology. Often, STIs, the list of infections is given above, have latent symptoms, a sluggish course, so patients do not attach importance to temporary deterioration in general well-being.

It is worth noting that most sexually transmitted diseases have an incubation period - the symptoms of STIs appear after a time from infection. The lack of competent and timely medical care causes the transition of pathology to a chronic, latent stage, with a minimum of symptoms. Symptoms of STDs (what is it mentioned above) in terms of symptoms may differ in men and women.

STDs - symptoms in women

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in the fair sex are directly related to changes in the vaginal environment. The introduction of the pathogen into the reproductive system disrupts the vaginal microflora, resulting in pathological vaginal discharge. They are abundant, often yellow or green in color, foamy, impure and unpleasant odor. By the nature of the discharge, in some cases, it is possible to assume the type of the pathological process. Other symptoms of STDs in women include:

• itching and burning in the vulva;
• painful urination;
• pain in the lower abdomen, lower back;
• the appearance of rashes in the external genital area;
• painful sensations during sexual intercourse;
• the appearance of bloody discharge not associated with menstruation.

STDs - symptoms in men

The first signs of sexually transmitted diseases appear in men some time after infection. The incubation period of STDs can last up to 14 days, the intensity, severity of symptoms is often inferior to the nature of the symptoms of STDs in women. In general, the severity of the signs of the disease depends on the type of pathogen and the state of the man's immune system. Among the main signs of the development of STDs (what it is, named above) in men:

• discharge of white or yellow color from the opening of the urethra with an unpleasant odor;
• severe itching and burning when urinating;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• rash, redness in various parts of the body, often in the groin area;
• pulling painful sensations in the lower abdomen or in the testicular area;
• ulcers, growths on the head of the penis, foreskin.

STD tests

It is sometimes impossible to independently identify the presence of a disease. Genital infections often have blurred symptoms or are disguised as other pathologies. For the purpose of accurate diagnosis, establishing the type of pathogen, a comprehensive examination for STIs is prescribed. The need to pass it arises when the following factors indicate a high risk of infection:

• a feeling of discomfort, burning or pain when urinating, pathological discharge from the genitals;
• identification of STIs in a sexual partner;
• the presence of casual sex.

Diagnosis of STDs is carried out by clinical manifestations and laboratory results. STI testing is done using the following body fluids:

• blood;
• discharge from the vagina or urethra;
• smear.

STD tests for women

To identify the type of pathogen if an STD is suspected (what kind of disease it is, we have already considered), doctors prescribe several types of laboratory tests. PCR and ELISA are used as the main ones, as the most accurate and sensitive tests. They help not only to establish the presence of a pathogen in the body, but also to determine its type by fragments of the pathogen's genetic material. In this case, a venous blood sample is used for the study.

For the rapid diagnosis of genital infections, a smear is often prescribed for STIs in women. After taking the material, it is subjected to microscopy or placed on nutrient media. Bacterial culture helps to establish the type of pathogenic microorganism, the size of its colony and the stage of development of the pathogen. The material is taken from the mucous membrane of the vagina and urethra.

STD tests for men

To determine genital infections in men, the same diagnostic methods are used as in women. In this case, PCR for STIs is one of the main ways to detect latent forms of the disease. Venous blood or discharge from the urethra is used as a material for research. The collection is carried out using the scraping method, when a sterile stick with a brush at the end is inserted into the urethra. The resulting sample is placed in a sterile test tube, labeled and sent to the laboratory. An STD test in men is done with:

• bacterial culture.

STD treatment

STD therapy is a long, multi-stage process, the success of which depends on correct diagnosis and early detection of the disease. Treatment is always carried out in a comprehensive manner, the selection of drugs, dosage is carried out on the basis of the test results obtained. Antibiotics are used as the main therapy. Sexually transmitted infections are treated with antiviral agents.

Among the principles of STD treatment are:

1. Complete destruction of the pathogen in the body.
2. Local impact on external foci of infection.
3. Prevention of complications.

Consequences of STDs

Regardless of the gender of the patient, complications in the absence of therapy are possible in men and women. Moreover, their nature, severity and frequency of development have differences. Among the main consequences of STDs in men, doctors call:

• inflammation of the genitourinary system: urethritis, prostatitis, cystitis;
• narrowing of the urethra (strictures)
• violation of reproductive function;
• decreased sex drive.

Complications in women are more common. STIs during pregnancy are of particular concern to doctors. The presence of an infection adversely affects not only the condition of the pregnant woman, but also the development of the fetus. According to observations, in 40% of the presence of syphilis during pregnancy, spontaneous abortion develops. Other consequences of genital infections in women include:

• infertility;
• inflammation of the internal genital organs (oophoritis, salpingitis, adnexitis, vaginitis)
• changes in the uterus and cervix;
• violation of the pregnancy process: miscarriage, fetal freezing, premature birth.

STD prevention

STI prevention is based on timely access to a doctor, undergoing preventive examinations. Early diagnosis of genital infections eliminates the risk of complications.

You can prevent the development of STDs by observing the following rules:

1. Exclusion of casual sex.
2. Use of barrier contraceptives.
3. Regular intimate hygiene.
4. Vaccination against hepatitis.
5. A visit to a gynecologist at least once every six months.
6. Seeing a doctor when the first symptoms appear.