What are STIs?Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)- these are serious, sometimes excruciatingly painful diseases that can cause significant damage to the patient's health. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diseases that spread from one person to another during sexual intercourse are called. Often these diseases affect the genitourinary system, for example, the genitals, urethra, etc., so many people consider STIs to be diseases of the genitourinary tract. Indeed, diseases of the genitourinary organs are often transmitted during sexual intercourse. However, it must always be remembered that STIs are spread not only in this area. Infections such as syphilis, hepatitis, HIV / AIDS cause damage to the entire body. Among the numerous infectious diseases, sexually transmitted infections occupy a special place. (STI)... According to WHO, 250 million new cases are registered annually in the world, and in the Republic of Belarus - over 150 thousand cases. STIs. This is due to various reasons: early onset of sexual activity, the presence of a large number of sexual partners, liberalization of sexual relations, non-use of barrier methods of contraception, uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs, self-medication, ineffective sex education system Along with the most famous STI - syphilis and gonorrhea, there are about 40 more chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, trichomonochus, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B, C, etc. These are sexually transmitted infections. Spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. STIs can be serious health risks if left untreated. Some of these, such as AIDS or hepatitis, can even lead to death. Do not think that the troubles caused by elementary sexual illiteracy may be with someone else, but not with you. In this area, concerning the relationship between the sexes, there are no unimportant issues.

You need to know and follow the commandments of sexual behavior. This is important because, in addition to God's gift, the intimate life of a person is also the subject of great trials and difficulties, which are almost impossible to avoid without having the knowledge set forth on the pages of this site.

Say "NO" to carelessness, and then your intimate life will become a holiday that will always be with you.

h Ways of transmission of STIs

I. Sexual intercourse:

1.Most people get STIs during unprotected intercourse with someone who is infected or sick.

2. Unprotected intercourse is vaginal (through the vagina) or anal (through the anus) intercourse without a condom. The latter is the most dangerous.

STIs can also spread through oral (oral) intercourse.

II. Infected blood:

1. A person can become infected with HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis through contaminated blood transfusion.

2. These diseases can be contracted by using tools that were previously used to pierce ears, shave, tattoo an infected or sick person, if these tools have not been properly decontaminated.

3. You can become infected with HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis by using needles and syringes that someone has already used for injections if they have not been properly decontaminated.

III. Infected mother - to her fetus or newborn child: infection with HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis, can occur in utero, during childbirth and sometimes through breast milk.

Rare but Possible Routes of STI Transmission

1. You can become infected with syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis when using washcloths, towels, chamber pots, other people's linen contaminated with the secretions of sick people.

2.The causative agent of syphilis - pale spirochete - can be transmitted through saliva. This route of infection is possible with a deep kiss, when smoking someone else's cigarette, using someone else's lipstick, toothbrush, unwashed dishes.

3.Get infected with an STI not so easy. Unlike other common diseases, pathogens STI cannot enter the body with air, food or water. They cannot live long outside the human body. You can get an STI only when fluids or secretions from the infected person's body enter the person's body. High concentration STI pathogens can be in blood, semen, secretions from the genitals, from lesions on the skin and mucous membranes.

Can't get infected when shaking hands, sneezing, kissing and hugging, using a water fountain or telephone receiver, insect bites, eating food, in crowded public transport, from animals, when swimming in a pond.

What is the relationship between AIDS and other STIs?

It is common knowledge that STI provoke the spread AIDS... Presence STIs in one of the partners increases the risk contracting HIV from 3 to 22 times (on average, 4 times). The fact is that through a loosened, damaged, inflamed mucous membrane, ulcers, erosion, the human immunodeficiency virus is much easier to penetrate into the body.

Why STIs Are Serious

health hazard?

STIs can disrupt the activity of reproductive organs and cause infertility, destroy the brain and spinal cord, various other organs and lead to disability. Anyone can contract these diseases.

How do you know if you have an STI?

* Blood test may show infection HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis.

* Analysis of genital discharge may show infection with gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis.

* Often there are no symptoms of the disease for a long time, but the patient can already infect others.

What is STI screening?

This is not one, but a number of studies to determine whether a person has pathogens or antibodies to STIs.

Why get tested?

If the person is not infected, the result is sure to bring joy and stimulate the desire to protect oneself from STIs. If a person is infected, then, in addition to treatment, there are several things to think about. First, you need to be sure that there is no risk of infecting others. Secondly, you cannot donate blood. Third, a decision should be made to have children or not. And finally, the partner must be informed about the disease. If an STI is detected, the patient will be given advice and assistance. The survey is confidential (no one will know about the results).

Where can I get tested?

In the dermatovenerologic dispensary, in the antenatal clinic, in the urological office, in the territorial center for the prevention of AIDS. You need to know that HIV / AIDS testing can be done not only in specialized medical institutions, but also in any clinic or hospital. To do this, you do not need to identify yourself and present a document.

Remember! Correctly establish the diagnosis

and only a doctor can prescribe treatment.

No one can take better care of your health,

than yourself!

Head antenatal clinic L.A. Mikulich

In the 70s of the 20th century, our mums and dads knew only two STDs, which were commonplace and the treatment was quite simple. Today, scientists have identified about 25 types of STDs, and some of them are incurable, including human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and genital herpes. Until now, people have not created antibiotics capable of killing the causative agents of these diseases. Most interestingly, despite the fact that the generally accepted version says that human papillomavirus, syphilis and genital herpes can only be transmitted through direct skin contact, scientists increasingly argue that condoms do not provide reliable protection against these viruses.

The following facts are shocking:

Two thirds of people with STIs are under the age of 25. Every 15 seconds, a new person is diagnosed with an STD.

Not all adults, let alone the younger generation, know exactly what STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) or STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are, how to protect themselves from this and how they are treated. We turn a blind eye to these problems until we ourselves face them. This is natural, because when the heart is overwhelmed with passions, the body is burning with desires, the soul wants so much true love and the harmonies strike a decisive blow to our brain center, it is difficult to continue thinking about the possible tragic consequences ...

Therefore, for all those who have not yet joined the ranks of the American celibacy society CELIBRATE out of fear of STDs, whose activities are aimed at counteracting the sexualization of our society and providing support and encouragement to all who, regardless of age, origin or faith, live without sex, this the information is dedicated and will be useful for thought:

1. HIV-> AIDS

Clinical picture: "full ass". HIV - human immunodeficiency virus, the last stage of which is AIDS - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is manifested by the development in the body of malignant multifocal tumors and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, which usually do not lead to disease in healthy people with a normal immune system. But with HIV, the situation is different - and the body is not able to defend itself. The main thing to remember: AIDS is not curable and people die of it, and drugs that support the immune system for a while are quite expensive. Officially, 42 million people in the world are living with HIV, and every day there are 14 thousand more infected people in the world.

Ways of transmission of AIDS / HIV: through blood - through sexual contact, through a syringe, sometimes from mother to fetus.

Prevention: a healthy partner, condoms during sexual intercourse, disposable syringes, complete absence of sexual intercourse.

2. Syphilis

Clinical picture: a sexually transmitted infection caused by a microorganism treponema pallidum. Initially, the disease occurs in the incubation period of about 1 month and does not manifest itself in anything, and then develops and affects the skin, mucous membranes, internal organs, bones and the nervous system. The disease has a long history and is very difficult to treat.

Ways of transmission of syphilis: sexual intercourse.

3. Chlamydia

Clinical picture: the "leader" in the prevalence of STDs - 100 million people fall ill every year, according to various sources, and on average 5-15% of sexually active males and females are infected. The causative agent of chlamydia is Chlamidia trachomatis, which causes chronic diseases of the genitourinary system, decreased erectile function, miscarriage and infertility. Chlamydia provokes the development of atherosclerosis, bone destruction, vascular diseases and even diabetes mellitus. In addition, there have been cases where the infection led to blindness. Chlamydia gradually depletes the immune system, which means it has a detrimental effect on all the body's defenses.

Ways of transmission of chlamydia: sexual intercourse, from mother to fetus.

Prevention: a healthy partner, complete absence of sexual intercourse.

4. Gonorrhea or popularly "Tripper"

Clinical picture: an infectious venereal disease caused by gonococcus, which affects the mucous membranes of the genitourinary organs, the mucous membranes of the eyes, oral cavity and rectum. If, when the first symptoms of gonorrhea appear - pain and constriction in the urethra, discharge - they consult a doctor in a timely manner, then the treatment is quite simple and quick, and it will avoid serious complications that arise when the disease turns into a chronic form.

Ways of transmission of gonorrhea: sexual contact, through personal hygiene items - linen, washcloths, towels.

Prevention: a condom, a healthy partner, or no sex at all.

5. Trichomoniasis

Ways of infection of trichomoniasis: sexual intercourse, through the toilet seat.

6. Mycoplasmosis

Ways of transmission of mycoplasmosis: sexual intercourse, from mother to fetus.

7. Ureplasmosis

Clinical picture: this STD is caused by microorganisms called ureaplasma. According to statistics, about 70% of women are carriers of this infection. What is most dangerous is that this disease is latent in nature, its symptoms can be subtle or invisible at all, there are no special specific signs - which is why it is so easy to confuse it with any other disease of the genitourinary tract. Usually, ureaplasmas are inactive, but with stress, a decrease in the protective functions of the immune system and with an exacerbation of other diseases, they are rather sharply activated. It has been scientifically proven that ureaplasmas can completely disrupt the activity of spermatozoa, practically destroying them. Ureaplasmosis can also cause various complications during pregnancy.

Ways of transmission of ureaplasmosis: sexual intercourse, from mother to fetus.

Prevention: a healthy sexual partner or complete absence of sexual intercourse.

8. Genetic herpes

The clinical picture: herpes of the genitals or herpes of the second type - as it is not difficult to believe, but it is really a relative of the very viral disease that causes a "cold" on the lips (herpes of the first type). This disease affects the entire body. Starting with the lips, the disease can gradually spread to other mucous membranes. Herpes affects the genitals, skin, eyes, and with a decrease in immunity, it can develop on the liver, intestines and affect the brain. In half of the infected, the herpes virus can exist in an inactive state all their lives, exacerbating only during other diseases, since after the introduction of the herpes virus remains in the human body forever.

Ways of transmission of genital herpes: sexual intercourse, contact with affected areas of the body - hands, lips, etc.

Prevention: complete absence of sexual intercourse.

9. Pubic lice

Clinical presentation: Pubic lice or head lice is a common condition among 20-year-olds. The main symptoms are terrible itching, gray-bluish spots, scratching, and the presence of nits in the hair. It is not easy to see head lice, you need to shave off your hair and then the lice will become visible. It should be noted that in isolated cases, pubic lice can be carriers of typhus and a number of other rickettsioses. Interestingly, one British company sells pubic lice to order - to take revenge on ill-wishers, competitors or an evil boss. Despite the fact that all payment systems refused to work with it, there is no end of customers.

Ways of transmission of head lice: sexual intercourse, transmission through things (bedding, clothes, etc.). Prevention: a healthy partner or no sexual intercourse at all.

10. Human papilloma virus (HPV)

Clinical picture: human papillomavirus or human papillomavirus is one of the diseases of our time. According to various sources, 70-95% of people of reproductive age are infected with this virus. Currently, more than 100 types of HPV are known, but it has been scientifically proven that only 40 can cause malignant formations, the rest are either harmless and do not cause clinical manifestations, or lead to the appearance of warts known to all on the skin. At the moment, there is every reason to believe that cervical cancer in women is sexually transmitted and the cause of this cancer is the human papillomavirus. It is interesting that the immune system of a healthy person can independently cope with the disease, and in people of a fairly young age (15-25 years old), spontaneous recovery almost always occurs within 8 months - 2 years. If there is no recovery, the disease enters an active stage and the person becomes a chronic carrier. However, treatment of the disease does not eliminate its causative agent, but only prevents the progression of the infection, reduces the total viral load and thus reduces the transmission of HPV.

Ways of transmission of human papillomavirus: sexual intercourse.

Prevention: a healthy partner or no sexual intercourse at all.

11. Hepatitis B

Clinical presentation: Hepatitis B (HBV) is very common worldwide and is also highly contagious. There are about 4 million cases of acute hepatitis B annually. The blood of someone infected with this virus becomes extremely infectious long before the first symptoms of the disease appear, and retains these properties for the entire duration of chronic infection. The hepatitis B virus is very stable in the external environment: in a dried blood stain, on a razor blade or the end of a needle, the virus persists for up to a week and if it gets on the damaged skin or mucous membranes of another person, the risk of infection is quite high. Symptoms of the disease at the first stage are similar to the manifestations of acute respiratory infections, but after a few days there is a sharp decrease in appetite, jaundice appears, pains occur in the right hypochondrium, vomiting, urine darkens and feces become discolored. With good immunity, 90% of cases result in complete recovery. But if the disease turns into a chronic stage, the disease leads to a gradual death of liver cells and the proliferation of dead cells of connective tissue in place of cirrhosis and the liver gradually ceases to perform its functions, cancer develops.

Ways of transmission of hepatitis B: sexual intercourse, objects that have come into contact with the blood of an individual, from mother to fetus.

Prevention: a healthy partner or complete absence of sexual intercourse.

There are dozens of infectious diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact. What diseases are men and women who have unprotected sex at risk?

There are over 30 different viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. At the same time, the highest pathogens are eight of them, and four of them are completely curable. These are syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. These diseases are considered "favorite diseases of venereologists" because they respond well to treatment, and the sick person, if all recommendations are followed, usually has nothing to worry about.

The other four diseases are viral in nature, and, unfortunately, it is not yet possible to recover from them. These are hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV and herpes simplex virus. The currently available therapeutic methods only help to cope with the symptoms of the disease and help to "lull" the virus, but it is not yet possible to completely get rid of these viruses.

The above diseases are mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse. At the same time, it happens as with vaginal, oral and anal sex. Also, microorganisms can enter the body through blood transfusions, tissue transplants, the use of someone else's piercing or cutting objects that have come into contact with the patient's blood (for example, syringes, shaving machines and other items). Another mode of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

It is noteworthy that a person can be a carrier of these pathologies for a long time without obvious symptoms. At the same time, having unprotected sex, he endangers his sexual partners.

Sexually transmitted diseases: the magnitude of the problem

Sexually transmitted diseases have a serious impact on the sexual and reproductive health of people around the world. The problem is especially acute in poor countries with low sanitary and medical culture.

According to medical statistics, every year about one million people worldwide fall ill with various sexually transmitted infections. So, every year about 360 million people acquire gonorrhea, syphilis, or chlamydia. More than half a billion people on Earth live with the genital herpes virus. About 300 million women have human papillomavirus. Interestingly, herpes, syphilis, or human papillomavirus can increase the likelihood of contracting the human immunodeficiency virus.

Due to the human papillomavirus, 530 thousand women worldwide contract cervical cancer every year, and more than 270 thousand deaths are registered in connection with this disease. Thanks to the developed vaccines against human papillomavirus (characterized by a high degree of oncogenicity), a solution to this problem is planned in the near future.

The most common sexually transmitted diseases

Within the framework of one article, we cannot consider all the diseases that a person can contract through sexual intercourse. Let's consider the most popular ones.

In children, chlamydia can lead to damage to the mucous membranes of the eyes, ear, and lungs. In severe cases, chlamydial infection can kill a newborn baby.

As a rule, the first signs of chlamydial infection appear already 1-2 weeks after sexual contact with the patient. As a rule, men complain of mucous or purulent discharge from the urethra, as well as itching and pain when urinating. In some cases, chlamydia is asymptomatic, although a person is a carrier of the infection.

Often with chlamydial infection in men, it is observed. The patient complains of discomfort in the perineum, rectum and pulling pain in the lower back. Another complication of chlamydial infection in men is inflammation of the epididymis, which usually begins suddenly. With this pathology, the scrotum becomes swollen and hot. An increase in body temperature is possible. In such cases, a violation of the process of sperm formation is possible, due to which the man develops infertility.

According to researchers from the UK, women get genital herpes almost 6 times more often than men.

The first symptoms of genital herpes appear within 3-6 days after infection. As a rule, it all starts with the appearance of rashes on the mucous membranes. Vesicles characteristic of herpes appear. In men, vesicles with herpes appear on the penis, especially in the foreskin and on the head. Before this, patients usually feel a burning sensation, itching and tingling. With oral sex, similar herpes sores can form in the mouth. Over time, the bubbles can coalesce, forming wounds. Sometimes it is accompanied by the appearance of discharge from the urethra, burning sensation, pain in the urethra, and even urinary retention. Common symptoms of genital herpes include fever, headache, general malaise, and swollen lymph nodes.

In women, herpetic vesicles can appear on the genitals, in the perineum, and also in the anus. After a while, the bubbles disappear, but then they reappear.

An infected woman, as a rule, infects herpes with herpes during childbirth. In babies, herpes infection can affect the nervous system, skin, mouth and internal organs. Cases of death of newborns infected with the herpes virus are not uncommon.

According to statistics, gonorrhea is much more common than syphilis. Many may not even suspect that they are infected with this infection, continuing to have sex, putting their partners at risk.

Most often, HIV is transmitted through sexual contact. Infection is also possible through transfusion of blood and blood products (if the blood is infected with a virus).

One of the first symptoms of HIV infection is a high temperature up to 38-40 degrees, heavy sweating and decreased physical activity. In addition, severe weight loss, shortness of breath, facial skin changes, swollen lymph nodes, and hair loss are possible. Since the immune system suffers greatly with AIDS, the patient becomes susceptible to various infectious diseases: respiratory, skin, gastrointestinal and others. So, people with AIDS often suffer from pneumonia, oral candidiasis and other infectious pathologies.

AIDS is also a serious factor contributing to the development of malignant tumors. So, in about 30% of patients, Kaposi's sarcoma is detected, in which the skin, lymph nodes, mucous membranes and some internal organs are affected.

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is usually conservative and involves taking the following types of drugs:

• Antibiotics Antibiotic therapy is effective against chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. As a rule, the disease completely recedes under the influence of antibiotics.
• Antiviral drugs. For viral hepatitis B, HIV and herpes are used. Unfortunately, while these diseases are considered incurable, and the patient needs regular treatment to maintain normal health.
• Immunomodulators. In the case of viral hepatitis B, they help well, slowing down the destructive effect of the virus on the liver.

In the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, it is important to treat both partners. In addition, the patient should warn all of his sexual partners that he was diagnosed with a particular disease.

In the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, the use of condoms is most effective. Having one sexual partner also avoids infection.

The topic is very prosaic - sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In recent years, the rates of infection with venereal diseases have been steadily growing. Unfortunately, this applies primarily to adolescents, due to the lack of proper sex education in schools and families. Statistics say that every 10 people on our planet are sick with STDs, not excluding children and old people.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a whole group of infectious diseases with various clinical manifestations, united by sexual transmission and high social danger. The term appeared in 1980, and to date, more than 20 types of infections and viruses are referred to STDs: from deadly HIV infection to banal chlamydia, which, by the way, cannot be called trifling either. Moreover, in terms of prevalence in Russia, it is in second place after the flu.

By type of causative agent, STDs are subdivided as follows:

The World Health Organization classifies STDs as follows:

Typical sexually transmitted infections

• gonorrhea;
• syphilis;
• lymphogranulomatosis (inguinal form);
• chancroid.
• granuloma of venereal type.

Other STDs

which mainly affect the organs of the reproductive system:

• urogenital shigellosis (occurs in persons with homosexual intercourse);
• trichomoniasis;
• candidal lesions of the genital organs, manifested by balanoposthitis and vulvovaginitis;
• mycoplasmosis;
• herpes type 2;
• gardnerellosis;
• scabies;
• genital warts;
• chlamydia;
• plovers (pubic lice);
• molluscum contagiosum.

which mainly affect other organs and systems:

• sepsis of newborns;
• Hepatitis B;
• lamblia;
• cytomegalovirus;
• AIDS;
• amebiasis (typical for persons with homosexual contacts).

Often, STDs are asymptomatic and are detected only at the stage of development of complications. Therefore, it is very important to pay due attention to their prevention: use means of protection, avoid accidental sexual intercourse, observe hygiene and take tests twice a year from a gynecologist or urologist.

Of course, most STDs are curable, but not all. For example, it will never be possible to part with genital herpes - treatment only softens the course of the disease and reduces the frequency and severity of relapses. Only those under the age of 25 have a chance to permanently get rid of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
By the way, it is believed that the human papillomavirus can provoke cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva and penis. The genital herpes virus also affects semen, and if a woman contracted it during pregnancy, it can cause severe congenital diseases of the fetus.

Note: almost all viral and bacterial venereal 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 an infection appear only a few years after the birth of a child in the form of dysfunction of the heart, liver, kidneys, and developmental disorders.

Treatment will be successful only if you start it without delay and bring it to the end. How to spot the very first signals of danger?

The alarm has been declared!

There are eight main signs that you should not delay a visit to the doctor after finding them.

1. Itching and burning in the intimate area.
2. Redness in the genital area and anus, sometimes - ulcers, blisters, pimples.
3. Discharge from the genitals, smell.
4. Frequent, painful urination.
5. Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin.
6. In women, pain in the lower abdomen, in the vagina.
7. Discomfort during intercourse.
8. Cloudy urine.

However, for example, syphilis or chlamydia can appear several weeks after infection, and sometimes STDs can go latent for a long time, turning into a chronic form.

Regardless of the presence of discomfort in the genital area, a preventive visit to the doctor is required twice a year, as well as after accidental sexual contact, sexual violence, in case of unfaithfulness of your regular partner. If you notice any STD symptoms, go to your appointment the same day.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women

The presence of certain symptoms of STDs in women is explained by the peculiarities of their physiology.

The following signs should alert a woman and become a reason for an extraordinary visit to a gynecologist:

• pain and dryness during sex;
• single or group enlargement of lymph nodes;
• dysmenorrhea (violation of the normal menstrual cycle);
• pain and discharge from the anus;
• itching in the perineum;
• irritation of the anus;
• a rash on the labia or around the anus, mouth, on the body;
• atypical vaginal discharge (green, frothy, odorless, bloody);
• frequent painful urge to urinate;
• swelling of the vulva.

Sexually transmitted diseases in men: symptoms

You can suspect STDs in men by the following signs.:

• blood in the semen;
• frequent and painful urge to urinate;
• subfebrile increase in body temperature (not for all diseases);
• problems with normal ejaculation;
• pain in the scrotum;
• discharge from the urethra (white, purulent, mucous, odorless);
• rash of various kinds on the head of the penis, the penis itself, around it.

Let's get to know better

• Chlamydia

Symptoms... 1-4 weeks after infection with it, patients develop purulent discharge, painful urination, as well as pain in the lower abdomen, in the lower back, bleeding between periods in women, in men - pain in the scrotum, perineum.

Why is it dangerous? In women, it can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes, cervix, pathologies of pregnancy and childbirth, liver and spleen diseases.
In men - to inflammation of the epididymis, prostate, bladder, impaired potency. In newborns, conjunctivitis, nasopharyngeal damage, and pneumonia can develop.

• Trichomoniasis

Symptoms... They can appear 4-21 days after infection, sometimes later. Women have profuse foamy discharge of white or yellowish-green color with a pungent odor, causing severe itching and irritation of the genitals, as well as pain, burning sensation during urination, soreness during intercourse. In men, there is a burning sensation when urinating, mucopurulent discharge from the urethra. However, this disease is often asymptomatic.

Why is it dangerous? In women, the cervix and the inner layer of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and urinary tract are affected. The infection can even cause peritonitis!
In men, the prostate gland, testicles and their appendages, urinary tract are affected.

• Mycoplasmosis (in men - ureaplasmosis)

Symptoms... It can reveal itself 3 days after infection, and maybe even a month later, manifested by itching and discomfort in the genital area, scanty transparent discharge, painful urination.

Why is it dangerous? A frequent complication in women is inflammation of the genitals, in men - a violation of spermatogenesis.

• Gonorrhea

Symptoms... 3-7 days after infection, women develop yellowish-greenish vaginal discharge, frequent, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, and sometimes bloody discharge. However, in most of the fairer sex, the disease goes unnoticed for a long time. Men experience pain and burning sensation when urinating, yellowish-greenish purulent discharge from the urethra.

Why is it dangerous? In women, the urethra, vagina, anus, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes are affected. In men - internal genital organs, chronic inflammation of the epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate develops, which threatens impotence, infertility.

• Syphilis

Symptoms... The incubation period of the disease is from 3 to 6 weeks. The first sign is a round ulcer (chancre). In women, it lives on the labia or vaginal mucosa (sometimes in the anus, in the mouth, on the lips), in men, on the penis or scrotum. By itself, it is painless, but a week or two after its appearance, the nearest lymph nodes enlarge.
It is at this time that you need to start treatment! This is the first stage of the disease when everything is still reversible.

In 2-4 months after infection, the second stage develops - a rash "spreads" all over the body, high fever, headache appear, almost all lymph nodes increase.
In some patients, hair falls out on the head, wide candidiasis grow on the genitals and in the anus.

Why is it dangerous? This disease is called slow death: if it is not fully cured in time, serious problems arise with the musculoskeletal system, irreversible changes occur in the internal organs, the nervous system - the third stage of the disease begins, in which about a quarter of patients die.

Forget the Internet!

Notice something is wrong? Better to play it safe and hurry to the doctor, rather than search the Internet for symptoms and treatments.

How is STDs Diagnosed? First - examination by a doctor, then - analyzes and research. The most modern method of DNA diagnostics: PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For research, a scraping is taken from the urethra, vagina and cervix.

Doctors also use the ELISA method (blood is taken from a vein or scraping is done and the presence of antibodies to STDs is determined), bacterioscopy (most often detects gonococci and Trichomonas) and many other diagnostic methods.

STDs are treated with antibacterial drugs, as well as local procedures (washing the urethra in men, sanitizing the vagina in women and other procedures).
At the end of the course of treatment, it is imperative to undergo a control examination - to pass several tests to make sure that there is no infection in the body.

What is important to know

• Is it possible to get infected in a sauna or swimming pool?

In fact, the likelihood of contracting STDs in the household is very low. Microorganisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases are unstable in the external environment. In the pool, for example, it is almost impossible to pick up such an infection (as opposed to fungal or intestinal). Even if an HIV-infected person or someone with syphilis is swimming in the water next to you, chlorinated water will quickly kill the pathogens.

However, in public toilets, if the surface treatment is not monitored there, there is a risk of infection with the papilloma virus or herpes. But classic sexually transmitted diseases - syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis - require contact with blood or mucous membranes.
An exception is syphilis: it can be transmitted through saliva if you use the same dishes with the patient and wash it poorly. So, in any case, you should not forget about the rules of hygiene.

Keep in mind: For a short time, microorganisms that cause "bad" infections can survive on warm, damp things. Therefore, in the bathhouse or pool (and at home too), do not use someone else's wet towel, washcloth or other personal hygiene items.

• Do the symptoms of sexual illness appear immediately?

Not always. With good immunity, a disease (such as chlamydia) can go on without symptoms for years. The person may not even know that they are sick. And the only way to detect such a latent infection is laboratory tests.

The first signs of infection in women are unusual vaginal discharge. In men, urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). Its symptoms are urinary disorders and purulent discharge. All other symptoms (rashes, swollen lymph nodes, etc.) appear when the infection has already spread in the body.

• Is a condom a reliable protection against STDs?

Yes. If it is of high quality, with an unexpired shelf life, correctly sized and used correctly, then the risk of contracting most STDs is reduced to zero.
The exception is external warts and severe herpes infection.

Incidentally, the nonoxynol-9 spermicidal lubricant used to treat condoms, according to a 2001 WHO report, does not protect against STDs. Damaging cell membranes, nonoxynol-9 spares neither sperm, nor infections, nor the mucous membranes of the genital organs. Damaging the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, nonoxynol-9 "opens the gate" to infections.

While condoms are not ideal for preventing STDs, they are considered the most effective. Therefore, it is necessary to use condoms for all types of sex: vaginal, anal and oral.
In order not to increase the risks, condoms should only be purchased from reputable pharmacies. To avoid damaging the condom, do not open the package with a file or nails.

It must be remembered: a condom can only be used in conjunction with special lubricants. Conventional creams and ointments are not suitable for this.
A common mistake is to use contraceptive suppositories, vaginal pills, or spermicidal creams with a condom. Gynecologists warn that these drugs violate the microflora of the vagina and provoke the development of candidiasis (thrush). So instead of getting rid of the problems, you can acquire them.

If you want to protect yourself as much as possible, it is enough to use a condom correctly and follow the measures of personal hygiene. A high degree of protection and almost complete absence of side effects is a definite plus of condoms. Keep in mind, however, that a condom can break, in which case you should have emergency prophylaxis on hand.

Emergency drug prevention is also used - a single dose or injection of antibacterial drugs, which can only be prescribed by a dermatovenerologist. The procedure prevents gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, syphilis and trichomoniasis. But this method should not be used often.

But you should not count on various gels, suppositories and vaginal tablets in terms of protection against STDs. These products contain spermicidal substances in insufficient quantities to protect at least 80-90%. In addition, the causative agents of many STDs do not live in semen, but on the genitals and are insensitive to spermicides.
The same applies to douching after intercourse with special gels or chlorine-containing antiseptics.

Remember!
Sexually transmitted diseases are dangerous, first of all, by complications: infertility, impotence, chronic inflammatory processes, lesions of the nervous system and internal organs. Improper treatment, neglect of symptoms, neglect of preventive measures can adversely affect your health.

What can be done in an emergency?

So, what to do after unprotected intercourse if you have no confidence in your partner's health?

• Urine abundantly.
• Wash hands and genitals with soap and water.
• Treat the genitals, pubis and thighs with an antiseptic (miramistin, chlorhexidine and others). This technique helps reduce the risk of STDs by 80-90%. But not 100%. So the best prevention is a condom and common sense.
• If it is not possible to visit a doctor in the next 24 hours, take a "shock" dose of antibiotics.
• See a doctor as soon as possible.

It makes sense to see your doctor within 5 days of having unprotected sex. There is emergency drug treatment that can prevent the development of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other genital diseases.
But it won't work against HIV and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Blood for hepatitis, syphilis and HIV is donated 3 months after contact. It makes no sense to be examined before: antibodies to these diseases in the blood do not appear immediately after infection.

By taking these precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of infection and the severity of its consequences.

Sexual freedom, which a modern person is used to enjoying, has its own "pitfalls": according to the WHO, at present every tenth person, including children and the elderly, suffers from one or another STD. Every 15 seconds, somewhere in the world, a diagnosis is made of a sexually transmitted infection. To maintain your health and not endanger your partner, timely prevention and treatment are required.

The constant increase in the number of sexually transmitted diseases speaks not of the complexity of prevention, but of the irresponsible attitude of most people to their health and their illiteracy in this matter. Often, patients are embarrassed to see a doctor when symptoms occur and try to do with folk remedies. This is fraught with irreversible consequences for their health.

***
The only effective folk remedy for preventing STDs is complete sexual abstinence :).
Plus: it's free. Minus: does not exclude the possibility of infection through the household and in the event of violence.
Based on materials

Quite widely known to everyone due to the method of their distribution. They have haunted humanity for centuries, possibly millennia, leading to serious illness, infertility, deformities in newborns 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.

Failure to understand 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 serious diseases, even fatal.

Some infections affect only the reproductive system, but they are also able to "spread" throughout the body and cause 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. It is necessary to treat both partners.

List of STIs: types, description and signs

The number of genital infections includes diseases that penetrate the human body from the outside, from an infected partner, and those whose pathogens normally constantly inhabit our skin and mucous membranes without causing any harm. These microorganisms are called opportunistic 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. Such 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 best to do this as early as possible, until 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, if 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 treponema pallidus, 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 with the spread of the disease - the bladder, conjunctival membranes, pharynx, oral mucosa. It manifests itself as purulent discharge, burning sensation 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, bloody discharge. 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 level of infection spread 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 mycoplasmas, more often it 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 profuse 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 protozoan microorganisms (ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis and others). Accordingly, the treatment should be tailored to the specific pathogen. For mixed infections, combined treatment is used.