What you need to know about sexually transmitted infections.

It is quite easy to get such an infection. If sexual contact is unprotected, then more than twenty - five types of pathogens can be transmitted at a time, and, most often, these are trichomonas, myco-and ureaplasmas, chlamydia, gonococci, human papillomavirus and herpes. The incubation period of diseases ranges from two to three days to several weeks. To date, the list of STIs includes 31 pathogens: 10 types of viruses, 15 types of bacteria, 1 type of fungus, 3 types of protozoa and 2 types of ectoparasites.

Bacterial STIs are by far the most common.

Syphilis. Syphilis is a severe chronic sexually transmitted disease caused by the microorganism treponema pallidum (pale treponema).      It affects not only the organs of the reproductive system, but also many internal organs, including the brain, causing serious consequences.

Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a bacterium  Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It has a tropism to the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system (that is, it grows and reproduces best in this environment), so it affects mainly only them, but the mucous membranes of the rectum, oral cavity, and eyes can also suffer.

Chlamydia. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by the microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis, which can affect the entire genitourinary system of men and women.

Other infections. This includes many other bacterial infections that are much less common. These are inguinal granuloma, soft chancre, ureaplasma, etc. Trichomoniasis, caused by vaginal trichomonas, is the most common sexually transmitted disease. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, about 10% of the world's population suffer from this pathology.

Sexually transmitted viral infections are a serious problem, since most of them today do not have an effective treatment method. Modern medicine only allows you to stop the symptoms, slow down the course of the disease, but it is not yet possible to completely eradicate the virus. Sexually transmitted viral infections include:

HIV infection. The human immunodeficiency virus is an extremely dangerous pathogen and causes HIV infection, characterized by progressive damage to the immune system, leading to AIDS-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, in which the patient develops multiple secondary infections

Genital herpes. It affects the genitals, but soon it also infects the nerve fibers and the brain.

Hepatitis B and C.Hepatitis B and C viruses can enter the body through unprotected sexual contact with the carrier of the infection. They affect the liver, with a chronic course, severe consequences are possible.

Human papillomavirus. The virus causes the growth of the skin and mucous membranes in the form of genital warts, warts. Sometimes it can cause the development of cancerous tumors.

Cytomegalovirus. It is a great danger for people with reduced immunity and for pregnant women.

Fungal infections most often develop with a violation of local immunity. This may be due to improper use of antibiotics, pregnancy, stress or a violation of the body's immune system.

Candidiasis, also known as thrush. It is caused conditionally by pathogenic fungi that are part of the normal intestinal and vaginal microflora. If one of the partners, for some reason, there was an excessive reproduction of these fungi, then the disease can be transmitted during sexual contact.

STIs and HIV are transmitted:

• during sexual contact, that is, during oral, vaginal and anal sex with an infected person;

• when using common syringes and needles when injecting any substances intravenously;

• in case of physical contact with a person who has rashes and ulcers characteristic of STIs;

• in contact with the blood of an infected person;

• when using a non-sterile medical instrument;

• occasionally when using hygiene items and household items of sick people.

• from mother to child (during pregnancy, childbirth and during breastfeeding)

STD Symptoms:

• all types of secretions from the genitals,

• redness and swelling of the genitals,

• all types of rashes (or changes in skin color) on the body, on the genitals and inside them;

• itching, pain in the groin, when walking and especially when urinating.

• fever, enlarged lymph nodes.

How to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases?

You can protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases if you follow simple safety rules:

Try to avoid numerous and casual sexual relationships. Be sure to use a condom when having sexual relations with an unfamiliar person or with someone who has several sexual partners. Other methods of prevention when contacting a non-permanent (casual) partner without a condom do not give any guarantees.

Such methods of prevention include:

washing immediately after contact of the external genitals with water or soap and water; washing the vagina or rectum with a shower, enema or douche; washing the vagina or rectum with chlorine-containing antiseptics (Gibitan, Miramistin, Chlorhexidine) or introducing them into the urethra.

You can use these methods, but you should not rely on them.

Drug prevention.

If you have had contact with a non-permanent (casual) sexual partner without a condom, as well as in the case of a condom break, contact in a state of alcohol or drug intoxication, rape, consult a doctor, he will prescribe medication prevention (preventive treatment) for you. Drug prevention after accidental sexual relations is an extreme method of preventing sexually transmitted diseases. It cannot be performed frequently and cannot be considered as an alternative to a condom.

The main thing to do with STIs is to consult a doctor. The prognosis of a complete cure in the early stages is the most favorable.

Dermatovenerologist

GUZ "LOTSPBS and IZ"

Sukhorukova M. P.