A sexually transmitted disease (STD), also known as a sexually transmitted infection (ITS) or venereal disease, can be harmless and treatable, but it can also be a life-threatening condition. It is important to recognize the symptoms and treat them. The main ones are secretions, sores, swollen glands, fever and fatigue. Since symptoms do not appear in some cases, it is essential to undergo the appropriate tests if you are sexually active. If you know that you have contracted one of these diseases, you must absolutely follow your doctor's instructions to treat the infection and take all preventive measures to avoid spreading it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Identifying the Symptoms
Step 1. Talk to your doctor or go to a clinic to get tested
Some sexually transmitted diseases show no symptoms and can only be diagnosed through a test. If you are worried that you have contracted an STD, this is the best thing to do. Even minors can take the test in full anonymity and without their parents being aware of it. If you want more details, you can contact your family doctor, a clinic or the competent ASL. The most common exams you can undergo are:
- Urine test. Your doctor may order this test to determine if you have chlamydia or gonorrhea, the two most common STDs. You will be asked to urinate into a container which will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- Blood test. A blood sample is taken to determine the presence of syphilis, genital herpes, HIV and hepatitis. A nurse inserts a needle into the vein to take a blood sample and submit it for analysis.
- Pap smear, if you are a woman. For those who are asymptomatic, this is the only way to diagnose the human papilloma virus (HPV). If the test reveals abnormal results, a DNA test will be performed to detect the presence of infection. This is the only test possible for women. Currently, there is still no reliable test to diagnose HPV in men.
- Swab test. A swab is applied to the infected area to determine the presence of trichomoniasis. The doctor rubs a cotton swab on the affected area and will send it to the laboratory for analysis. Since only 30% of people with this disease have symptoms, getting tested is often the only way to know if you have the infection. The swab test is also sometimes done to diagnose chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes.
Step 2. Pay attention if you have difficulty urinating and show unusual discharge of secretions
Their color, texture and smell, as well as pain when urinating, can help pinpoint the type of STD you have. Only you know your body, but if you think you are experiencing unusual leaks or changes in urination, be aware that they could be a sign of:
- Gonorrhea. It occurs in both men and women with increased secretions from the genital organs (usually white, yellow or greenish in color) or with a burning sensation when urinating. Women may also have irregular periods and swelling of the vulva. Four out of five women and one in ten men have gonorrhea and have no symptoms.
- Trichomoniasis. It can occur in both sexes with burning when urinating; women may also report unusual odor and vaginal discharge (white, clear, or yellowish). However, around 70% of people who suffer from it do not experience any signs or symptoms.
- Chlamydia. Men and women who have genital discharge or pain when urinating can suffer from it. Women may also complain of abdominal pain and a more urgent need to urinate than usual. Keep in mind that 70-95% of women and 90% of men who have developed this infection have no symptoms.
- Bacterial vaginosis. It affects women who have milky vaginal discharge with a fish-like odor.
Step 3. Look for rashes and blisters
If they form in specific parts of the body, they could be a sign of an STD. Be especially alert to rashes and blisters that form on the genitals or in the mouth, as they are the ones most frequently associated with sexually transmitted diseases. If you have such a rash, see your doctor or visit a family clinic as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis.
- Painless sores that develop in both men and women could indicate syphilis in its first stage. These blisters (called ulcers) usually form in the genital area and appear three weeks to three months after becoming infected.
- If painful blisters or sores form in the genital area or mouth, they could be a sign of genital herpes for either sex. Usually, these lesions form early, as early as two days after contracting the disease, and can last a week or two.
- When men or women indiscriminately manifest genital warts, they may have contracted the human papilloma virus. These appear as small growths or groups of lumps in the genital area. They can be large or small, raised or flat, and even cauliflower-shaped. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and almost any person who has sexual intercourse can become infected at some point in their life. In most cases, HPV goes away on its own, but when it doesn't, some strains of the virus can also lead to cervical cancer in women.
Step 4. Look for flu-like symptoms
Sometimes, it is difficult to recognize certain STIs, because the symptoms are similar to normal flu. These include: cough or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chills, fatigue, nausea and / or diarrhea, headache or even fever. If you have these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor to find out if you actually have the flu or if it is an STD.
For example, if you have flu-like symptoms after intercourse, you may have contracted syphilis or even HIV, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman
Step 5. Check if the glands are swollen and if you have a fever
These are symptoms associated with some types of STIs. For example, if the glands are sore, you feel pain when you press them, and you have a fever, you may be suffering from genital herpes. Generally, glands near the site of infection swell; therefore, following a genital infection you may notice that the groin ones are larger.
In case of genital herpes, symptoms usually appear two to twenty days after infection
Step 6. Notice a sense of exhaustion
There are many reasons why a person can feel tired. However, if you experience this symptom, as well as loss of appetite, joint and abdominal pain, nausea or jaundice, you may have contracted hepatitis B.
On average, one in two adults who contract this disease never gets symptoms, but when they do, they usually appear between 6 weeks and 6 months after infection
Step 7. Identify an unusual itch
Some STDs can cause an itchy or burning sensation in the genital region, so pay attention to these symptoms. For example, if you experience itching or irritation of the sexual organ, it could be a sign of trichomoniasis in men or bacterial vaginosis in women. Chlamydia can also cause itching, especially in the anal area.
- When they occur, the symptoms of trichomoniasis appear 3 to 28 days after infection.
- If bacterial vaginosis has symptoms, these can occur twelve hours to five days after exposure to pathogens. Women can also contract this infection in other ways than sexual intercourse (for example by using intrauterine devices, by smoking or by taking frequent foam baths); for this reason, its classification as an MST is still under discussion.
Part 2 of 2: Treating and Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Step 1. Go to the doctor
If you are concerned that you are infected, make an appointment with the doctor immediately or go to a family clinic. Prompt treatment is essential with this type of pathology, to prevent it from spreading and long-term problems from arising. If neglected, some STDs can cause severe long-term damage, such as hair loss, arthritis, infertility, birth defects, cancer and, although rarely, death.
Step 2. Follow the instructions for treating the infection
Some of these can be treated with antibiotics, while others cannot be cured. Regardless of the specific situation, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions to manage it. If you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, your doctor will inform you about the possible treatments available and will advise you to avoid spreading it to other people.
- Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat the infection or at least to control the severity of your symptoms.
- Know that there is no cure for HIV / AIDS, hepatitis B or herpes. However, there are therapies to relieve the discomfort.
Step 3. Do everything in your power to avoid contagion
There are many ways to reduce the risk of getting infected. Choose the method that best suits your lifestyle. The techniques at your disposal include:
- Abstinence. The only sure way to avoid contracting a venereal disease is to abstain from any oral, vaginal and anal sexual activity.
- Use protection. If you have sexual intercourse, use a latex condom to minimize the risk of contagion.
- Be monogamous. One of the most reliable techniques is to engage in a mutually monogamous relationship. Talk to your partner about having tests before having sex.
- Get vaccinated. It is possible to get vaccinated against hepatitis B and human papilloma virus. This way, you can be sure you don't get these diseases, even if you come into contact with an infected sexual partner. The hepatitis B vaccine is typically given to infants at birth, but check your vaccination status. The one for HPV consists of three injections that protect against the most common strains of the virus.
Warnings
- Many people with STDs are completely asymptomatic, that is, they do not have any obvious ailments. The only way to check for infection is to have a test in your doctor's office.
- If you don't practice safe sex, you can infect others.
- Sexually transmitted diseases can cause severe damage to the body, so you should seek immediate medical help if you are infected. If neglected, these diseases can lead to infertility (inability to have children), increase the risk of certain cancers, and can be passed on to future partners.
