Genital tract infections symptoms. Sexually transmitted infections: signs of common diseases

You should know, especially in the summer during the holiday period. People who are accustomed to unprotected sex, have a low sexual culture, are prone to promiscuous sexual relations, as well as teenagers who have not received proper sex education, can seriously undermine their health on vacation.

Classification of venereal diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases are highly contagious and can be asymptomatic, therefore they pose a serious danger to human health.

Some sexually transmitted diseases are incurable (HIV), while others, although treatable, can take many years.

Some sexually transmitted diseases do not have symptoms at the first stage of their development, others, after infection, immediately cause a number of pathological disorders, first from the genital organs in the form of copious purulent discharge, ulcers, rashes, etc.

Failure to understand the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases can cost a person dearly. STDs lead to chronic pathological processes in the genital area and other body systems and can lead to cancer and death.

In the Russian Federation, there is criminal liability for intentionally infecting a sexual partner with an STD. This measure is forced because the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV and others, is growing.

To know, what diseases are sexually transmitted, read the classification of sexually transmitted diseases.

Typical sexually transmitted diseases with obvious signs

In domestic medicine, it is customary to classify into the group of sexually transmitted diseases those infections that are sexually transmitted (syphilis, gonorrhea, donovanosis, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, chancroid). However, there are diseases that are transmitted not only sexually, but also in other ways. For example, through damaged skin and mucous membranes (HIV,) or infection through household items (scabies), transmission of the pathogen from mother to fetus (chlamydia).

Venereal pathologies with obvious symptoms include:

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

All these diseases are caused by different bacteria and have characteristic symptoms.

After infection with syphilis, a chancre appears - a deep, painless, hard syphilitic ulcer with smooth edges and a bottom. The pathogen, spreading through the blood, causes systemic damage to the entire body: a rash appears, bones, liver, kidneys, nervous system, etc. are affected.

Soft chancre manifests itself in the form of painful ulcers with a soft bottom and edges on the genitals, which differs from the hard chancre of primary syphilis.

Each of these diseases has an incubation period of 3 to 12 days, after which various symptoms begin to appear in the form of purulent discharge from the genital tract, pain, burning (gonorrhea); ulcers, erosions, subsequently scars in the area of ​​the external genitalia, anus, urethra, rectum, lesions of the inguinal and femoral lymph nodes (lymphogranulomatosis).

Granuloma of the venereal type affects the genitals, the anus area, first in the form of small granules, which subsequently ulcerate and increase in size.

Other sexually transmitted infections

Other STDs that mainly affect the organs of the reproductive system and do not always have obvious symptoms include:

The clinical picture of the listed sexually transmitted diseases has much in common. Therefore, we can identify symptoms characteristic of almost all of the diseases mentioned above:

• mucous and purulent discharge from the urethra;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• itching and burning in the genital area;
• cloudy urine;
• enlarged lymph nodes in the groin;
• discomfort and pain when urinating and during sexual intercourse;
• low-grade fever, weakness.

In addition to these manifestations, different types of infection can also affect other organs: liver, kidneys, joints, etc.

What diseases are sexually transmitted? and are especially highlighted as affecting mainly other organs and systems? These include:

1. Sepsis of newborns.
2. Giardia.
3. Cytomegalovirus (herpetic virus that impairs the protective function of the immune system and is dangerous for an unborn child).

Types of STDs by pathogen type

Depending on the type of pathogen, STDs are divided into the following groups:

Due to the physiological characteristics of the body, a woman may experience the following symptoms of STI infection:

• Copious vaginal discharge (green, foamy, smelly, bloody);
• painful and frequent urge to urinate;
• pain and discomfort during sex;
• changes in the menstrual cycle;
• itching in the area of ​​the external genitalia and perineum;
• rash on the labia or around the anus, mouth, or body;
• enlarged lymph nodes, etc.

If there are such symptoms of an STD, a woman must immediately go to see a gynecologist.

Manifestation of STDs in men

Men, after contracting a sexually transmitted disease, experience the following health abnormalities:

• unpleasant discharge from the urethra (white, mucous, purulent, with an odor);
• frequent and painful urination;
• blood in semen;
• various rashes on the genitals;
• problems with normal ejaculation;
• pain in the scrotum.

Such first signs should alert a man and force him to see a urologist, since all sexually transmitted diseases can progress hidden and cause serious complications.

Read about it in the material of the same name.

How are STDs diagnosed?

The diagnosis of an STD during examination is made not only on the basis of an examination of the patient and identified symptoms, but mainly based on the results of laboratory tests.

To identify STDs, smears are taken from the urethra, cervix, and sperm. They are examined under a microscope using direct and luminescent methods.

The pathogen can be more accurately identified by inoculating the patient's biological material onto a nutrient medium (culture method). This research method helps to identify not only the causative agent of the disease, but also its sensitivity to drugs.

The patient's blood must be drawn. The blood is examined for antigens to the pathogen (by ELISA - enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and DIF - direct immunofluorescence). In other words, using these methods, antibodies to various pathogens (HIV, syphilis, etc.) are detected in the blood.

The most accurate method for diagnosing STDs is the PCR method - polymerase chain reaction. Its essence is the detection of DNA fragments in the patient’s biological material (smears from the vagina and cervix, sperm, amniotic fluid, blood, etc.).

The expensive PCR procedure is usually used in cases where other bacteriological, immunological and virological diagnostic methods do not allow identifying the causative agent of STDs. Another advantage of this method is that it detects the virus immediately after infection, when the disease has not yet developed. This allows early treatment to begin.

Treatment of sexually transmitted infections

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases depends on the identified pathogen, its sensitivity to certain drugs, the patient’s condition and other factors. The main thing to remember is that only a doctor can prescribe a treatment regimen based on the test results. And yet, not all STDs can be completely cured. Such as: HIV, herpes types 1 and 2, hepatitis C are incurable.

Nowadays, everyone knows more or less precisely what sexually transmitted infections are. But there are so many myths associated with “shameful diseases” that it is sometimes quite difficult to figure out what is the truth and what is the lie. The site, with the help of a dermatovenerologist, debunks the most common myths about STIs.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)/sexually transmitted diseases are a hot topic in health columns.

It is not so easy to understand the huge flow of information, and most importantly, to find reliable and easiest-to-understand information for a person who has not been trained in the art of healing.

When visiting a doctor, especially one dealing with issues "intimate" diseases, Every patient experiences stress in one way or another.

Waiting for test results is a period accompanied by anxiety, even if you are completely confident in yourself and your sexual partner.

And, finally, a doctor’s report with unfamiliar words in the “diagnosis” line - almost every person has experienced all this.

It’s great if the doctor tries to explain the patient’s condition and answers all the questions, but quite often doctors do not waste time on what they consider to be empty explanations.

In addition, relationships with loved ones can deteriorate due to a lack of information and myths that still exist today.

In this article, we have collected the most common misconceptions about STIs, which are often heard from patients or seen on the pages of the global Internet.

Can you get this from a swimming pool?

Myth 1.
STIs include: gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, anogenital warts (human papillomavirus), chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, donovanosis, gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis), mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, candidiasis, HIV, hepatitis B and C.

10 myths about sexually transmitted infections

This statement contains both reliable and unreliable information.

STIs do include: gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, anogenital warts (human papillomavirus), chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, donovanosis.

As for “gardnerellosis,” such a diagnosis does not exist at all.

The condition (and not the disease) of a violation of the vaginal microflora (dysbacteriosis) is called bacterial vaginosis, and can be provoked by many reasons.

This condition is not an STI and can occur even in girls who are not sexually active.

The biocenosis of the vagina includes a huge number of microorganisms, and a violation of the microflora can be associated not only with a microorganism called Gardnerella vaginalis (Gardnerella vaginalis).

Mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis are not STIs and still remain a topic of discussion among doctors.

Both myco- and ureaplasmas are classified as opportunistic microorganisms and require treatment under certain conditions.

It is worth noting that both myco- and ureaplasmas can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, and then, entering the body of a healthy person, they can:

after some time, be forced out (that is, disappear) under the influence of normal microflora;

remain in the body in small quantities without causing disease;

remain in the body in small quantities, but at the same time cause clinical manifestations of inflammatory diseases - discharge from the urethra, genital tract, discomfort when urinating, etc.;

Detected in large quantities with or without clinical manifestations.

On practice, Treatment is most often prescribed in cases 3 and 4, as well as before a planned pregnancy.

Candidiasis (or thrush), in fact, is a type of disorder of the vaginal microflora, but is not called bacterial vaginosis. Candidiasis is not an STI.

HIV, viral hepatitis B and C are infectious diseases.

The risk of transmission through sexual contact is not so significant; the main route of transmission is hematogenous (through blood).

However, since there is a danger of transmitting these diseases through sexual contact, it is recommended to include them in a comprehensive examination for STIs.

Sexually transmitted infections do not always have clear symptoms!

You can get STIs in swimming pools, baths, baths

10 myths about sexually transmitted infections

This is also a very common misconception. All STI pathogens are unstable in the external environment and quickly die outside the human body.

In addition, infection requires that a certain number of pathogens enter the body, as well as conditions of close contact, which is achieved only during sexual intercourse.

STIs are only transmitted through vaginal intercourse

This is one of the most common misconceptions. Almost all STIs, with the exception of trichomoniasis, are transmitted through all types of unprotected sexual contact - vaginal, oral and anal.

The causative agents of STIs, in addition to affecting the genitourinary system, can cause proctitis, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis.

Urinating and washing the genitals immediately after sexual intercourse significantly reduces the risk of contracting an STI.

To what extent do these procedures reduce the risk? STI infection, It’s difficult to answer, but you shouldn’t rely on them, - They do not reduce the risk of infection.

Even when using local antiseptics, the possibility of infection exists, and clean running water does not have antiseptic properties.

Douching immediately after intercourse reduces the risk of contracting STIs

Douching should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. At first glance, this is a harmless procedure, but it can harm your health.

This method not only does not reduce the risk of infection, but in some cases facilitates the penetration of pathogens higher up the genitourinary system and may provoke a complicated course of infection.

The use of oral contraceptives and topical spermicides protects not only from pregnancy, but also from STIs

It has now been proven that The most effective means of protection against STIs is a condom.

Neither combined oral contraceptives nor topical spermicides can provide reliable protection against STIs.

You cannot get an STI if you have interrupted sexual intercourse

10 myths about sexually transmitted infections

Coitus interruptus occupies one of the leading places among methods of protection against pregnancy and STIs, according to a survey of patients who come to the appointment. This all happens due to the same lack of information.

Many women believe that pregnancy can only occur if, at the peak of arousal, ejaculation occurs (the release of sperm) into the vagina.

However, from the very beginning of sexual intercourse, along with the lubrication of the urethra, single sperm can enter the vagina, which can also fertilize the egg and, accordingly, pregnancy will occur.

STIs are caused by microorganisms, namely bacteria and viruses, which an infected person transmits to his partner during intimate physical intimacy.

Some infections, such as herpes, papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus and syphilis, can be contracted through very close skin contact or kissing with an infected person. Infection with STIs will not occur through a handshake, if you hold handrails, handles in public places and transport, or use utensils that were previously used by an infected person.

Most STIs enter a man's body primarily through sexual intercourse, during sexual intercourse. Infection with STIs can also occur through oral and anal sex, genital contact without penetration and through blood (dirty syringes, medical instruments).

STIs are a problem in the modern world

Currently, medicine knows more than thirty types of STIs. Sexually transmitted infections are a widespread problem around the world. According to preliminary estimates by the World Health Organization, one in six people around the globe suffers from one of the known sexually transmitted viral infections. Awareness about the possibility of contracting sexually transmitted infections and the threat they pose to life will help every man understand that it is necessary to use protective equipment during sex and be more prudent in choosing partners for intimacy.

STIs in men, their danger and consequences

The main and most common sexually transmitted infections at present are:

1. Syphilis.
2. Gonorrhea.
3. Herpes is genital.
4. Trichomoniasis (trichomoniasis).
5. Cytomegalovirus.
6. Chlamydia.
7. Pediculosis.
8. Giardiasis.
9. Mycoplasmosis.
10. Ureaplasmosis.
11. Gardnarella.
12. Candida.
13. Pointed candilomas.
14. Donovanosis.
15. Molluscum contagiosum.
16. Lymphogranuloma venereum (inguinal lymphogranulomatosis).
17. Hepatitis B,C,D.
18. Scabies.

Absolutely any man who has unprotected and promiscuous sex can become infected with STIs. It is very easy to get sick, but to be treated is much more difficult. Men, remember that the reasons for contracting any of the sexually transmitted infections is neglect of your health!

The insidiousness of sexually transmitted infections lies in the fact that for infected men, the disease can occur without pronounced symptoms or completely unnoticed. The lack of male attention to the appearance of some signs and symptoms of an incipient disease, as well as untimely or incorrect treatment, contribute to the fact that the disease becomes latent or chronic. The disease in men with a hidden nature is dangerous because the disease quickly acquires a chronic form, which is much more difficult to treat, and sometimes even impossible. The chronic nature of the disease caused by STIs can cause men to experience inflammation of the genitourinary system, leading to weakened erections, premature ejaculation, prostatitis, adenoma, impotence, infertility and other serious diseases of the male reproductive system. If in the male body the disease has acquired a chronic form, then it is no longer necessary for it to manifest symptoms, because symptoms are an indicator of the body’s active fight against infection.

General symptoms of STIs in men, signs of diseases caused by STIs

Symptoms or signs of the disease directly depend on which particular infectious agent has entered the male body, and on the condition of the male body as a whole. The disease period (incubation) caused by a sexually transmitted infection averages up to 2 weeks. The male body faces danger if the following signs appear on the body and in the genital area:

1. An unusual white or yellow discharge from the male penis, often accompanied by an odor.
2. Severe itching, burning, painful urination, frequent urge to urinate.
3. Pink or red rash, redness, spots on different parts of the body, for example, on the feet (soles), on the hands (palms).
4. Sharp or nagging pain in the lower abdomen and testicles.
5. Enlarged lymph nodes.
6. Small blisters, erosions, warts, ulcers in the mouth, lips and anus.
7. Abnormal growth in the anus and directly on the penis.

When infected with an STI, men may experience other symptoms that are much less common, such as pain during intimacy, impaired ejaculation, or increased body temperature.

Today, medicine, for informational purposes, has provided every man with the opportunity to learn in detail, in addition to general symptoms, about the signs of specific sexually transmitted infections. Common STIs in men, namely chlamydia, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, gardnerellosis, gonorrhea and syphilis, are accompanied by the following clear signs:

1. Rare white or yellowish discharge from the penis.
2. Urination becomes painful, with a strong burning sensation, and pain occurs in the perineum.
3. Small or large rash in the genital area.
4. Adhesion of the halves of the urethra is usually observed in the morning.

Some men have no symptoms or may experience occasional mild leucorrhoea or discharge. Symptoms of the most common infections, as a rule, make themselves felt within 1-3 weeks after infection. Genital herpes, which is very common today, appears after infection on days 1-30. Herpes is often accompanied by a feeling of unbearable burning and itching in the area of ​​the mouth and genitals, then manifests itself as a rash in the form of small blisters. The blisters disappear after a couple of weeks and the pain goes away with them, but the herpes virus remains in the male body forever.

Measures in case of infection and treatment of STIs

The frequency of STI symptoms may fluctuate or symptoms may disappear completely. However, this does not indicate a cure at all, but only confirms that the disease has become chronic. If the male body begins to signal one of the symptoms, especially after casual sexual intercourse, then it is important to contact a specialist in the field of urology (venereology). Otherwise, the health of a man’s sexual sphere will be seriously undermined. You cannot self-medicate - it is very dangerous! The similarity of symptoms and signs of many STIs does not mean that there is one identical treatment; each infection is treated differently, but not every infection can be cured completely. A doctor can identify and make a diagnosis based on an examination of the male genital organ, blood tests, urine tests and a urogenital smear. Treatment for STIs is prescribed by a doctor according to an individual scheme, depending on the characteristics of the patient’s body, the severity of the disease and previous treatment. Comprehensive treatment of STIs includes a course of antibiotics, immunostimulants and physiotherapeutic procedures.

After a course of treatment for STIs, cure is confirmed by tests and medical examination. Remember that STIs do not go away on their own, and the male body cannot heal itself! Only timely and high-quality treatment prescribed by a specialist will help get rid of health problems. Don’t forget that the best way to prevent STIs is a condom; always use high-quality condoms, and don’t skimp on them. Additionally, you can use special creams, liquids, and suppositories that have antiseptic properties. To maintain moral and physical health, it is best for a man to have one permanent and healthy partner in whom he will be confident. Of course, raging whirlwinds of passion and all-consuming whirlpools of love are wonderful, but it is better to protect yourself from possible sexually transmitted diseases than to spend a long time on treatment later. Follow the rules of intimate hygiene, avoid promiscuous and casual sex, and undergo regular medical examinations by a doctor. Constantly taking care of your health will help prevent contracting STIs and avoid painful treatment.

HIV and AIDS

HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus(English HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that destroys the human immune system. This virus penetrates the cell and has the ability to change its structure in such a way that upon further division, each new cell carries HIV. Over the years, the virus destroys so many lymphocytes that the resistance of the human body decreases, and the infected person is exposed to various diseases. Because HIV can mutate, it is difficult to kill with drugs.
AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (English: AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) - is the final stage of HIV infection, which a person becomes ill with several years after infection.
Infection. HIV is transmitted through seminal fluid (sperm), vaginal secretions during unprotected sexual intercourse, or through blood. Sharing needles and syringes when injecting drugs poses a high risk of infection. There is also a risk of infection during organ transplants or blood transfusions. Viral infection can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. In Western countries, 10-20% of children from mothers exposed to viral infection became infected. HIV is most easily transmitted to another person during the initial period of infection, as well as during the stage of AIDS.
HIV is not transmitted through everyday interactions. It is not transmitted by kissing, shaking hands, or visiting the toilet or bathhouse. They do not transmit the infection.
Symptoms and course of the disease. In some people (about 1/3 of those infected), the first symptoms appear 1-8 weeks after becoming infected. Signs of the disease may include fever, sore throat, headache, joint pain, eczema and swollen lymph glands. The first symptoms disappear on their own after a few weeks.
After an initial period of early symptoms or even no symptoms, the virus continues to spread in the body, but the person may feel healthy. As the disease progresses, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, collarbones and under the arms becomes noticeable. The general condition is deteriorating. Fever, diarrhea and night sweats are common. The time at which these symptoms appear is very individual. 10 years after infection, symptoms of the disease appear in approximately 50% of those infected.
During the AIDS stage, a person’s immune defense is weakened, so he is affected by various inflammatory diseases (for example, tuberculosis) and tumors develop (for example, Kaposi’s sarcoma). The patient’s condition depends on what diseases he becomes susceptible to and how they can be treated.
Examination. It is impossible to make a diagnosis based on the symptoms, since many other diseases have the same symptoms and almost no one infected shows early symptoms. The only way to detect a possible infection is to get tested.
HIV infection is determined by a blood test. Since the process of antibody formation is examined, the presence of infection does not appear immediately, but only after 2-4 months. A completely reliable analysis result can be obtained 6 months from the moment of possible infection. The results of the analysis are confidential information, and they are reported only to the person being studied.
It takes 1-2 weeks to receive analysis results. You can get tested anonymously in many medical institutions.
Treatment. According to the law on infection, examination of AIDS patients, their treatment and medicines are free. It is not yet possible to cure AIDS. However, recently more and more effective drugs for AIDS patients have been developed. Life expectancy after the disease has increased, and a normal lifestyle can be maintained for a longer period of time. Thus, we can say that currently AIDS is a long-term chronic disease.
There is no need to stop sexual activity even if you are infected with HIV. The most important thing is to remember responsibility in all situations and, of course, engage in only safe sex. The law obliges to ensure that both the HIV carrier and his partner adhere to the requirements of safe sex.

Gonorrhea, or clap

Pathogen: Gonococcus bacterium
Gonorrhea is contracted through sexual intercourse through the vagina, anus, or mouth. From the hands the disease can spread to the eyes. Infection of the rectum also occurs. A newly born child can become infected through the reproductive organs. Symptoms usually appear within a day or a couple of weeks after infection.
Symptoms in women. Leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge), which may appear normal but is heavier than usual. There may be a burning sensation when urinating. Pain in the lower abdomen and fever may be a sign of inflammation that has spread to the ovaries.
If gonorrhea infection occurs through the mouth, the throat may feel painful, like a sore throat, or there may be no symptoms. Very often, in women, the symptoms of the disease appear very weakly or not at all.
Symptoms in men. Burning sensation when urinating and frequent urge to urinate. Yellowish-greenish discharge from the urethra. Painful erection. When infected through the mouth, a sore throat occurs. In men, gonorrhea can also occur without symptoms.
Examination. Samples for analysis are taken with a cotton swab from the urethra, cervix, pharynx and rectum.
Treatment. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. According to the law on contagious diseases, tests, treatment and medicines are free in health centers and city venereal clinics.
In women, gonorrhea, if left untreated, can lead to inflammation of the oviducts. This leads to childlessness. In men, advanced disease can cause inflammation of the testes, which can also cause childlessness.

Chlamydia

Pathogen: Chlamydia bacterium
Currently, chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia is transmitted sexually. A newborn child can become infected through the reproductive organs. Symptoms appear approximately 10-14 days after infection.
Symptoms in women. 75% of women infected with chlamydia do not show symptoms. Unusual vaginal discharge may be a sign of infection. Minor bleeding after sexual intercourse or between periods. Itching and burning when urinating. Pain in the lower abdomen and sacral area. In case of inflammation of the rectum, slight bleeding or mucus discharge.
Symptoms in men. Among men, approximately 25% have no symptoms. The most common symptom may be a grayish, curd-like discharge from the urethra in the morning. Mild burning sensation when urinating. When the rectum becomes inflamed, slight bleeding or mucus may appear.
Examination. Samples for analysis are taken from the urethra, cervix and rectum. The presence of infection is not detected immediately; tests must be postponed for approximately 10 days after possible infection. Results can be found out in about a week. If chlamydia spreads into the fallopian tubes, it can cause a blockage (obstruction). The consequence may be childlessness or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Adhesions that appear as a result of the inflammatory process cause pain in the lower abdomen. Men can develop very painful inflammation of the testis, which, in turn, leads to obstruction of the vas deferens and weakened fertility. Both men and women may experience joint pain as a complication after chlamydia. Chlamydia that is not developed during pregnancy can cause inflammation of the baby's eyes and respiratory tract.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a slowly developing common infection, the initial symptoms of which often go unnoticed. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to death. Syphilis is transmitted during sexual intercourse, oral sex, or during pregnancy from mother to child.
Symptoms. The incubation period for the development of the disease after infection lasts 3-6 weeks. Upon its completion, so-called so-called sore throats appear at the site of infection on the genitals, rectum or mouth. primary ulcers. They are small, purulent and non-painful and heal slowly over several weeks. About a week after their appearance, the lymph nodes in the groin enlarge and become hard, but no pain is felt. In women, the labia of the vulva may also become swollen.
Bacteria spread throughout the body through lymphatic and blood vessels. Approximately 2-4 months after infection, symptoms of the second period appear. Common symptoms may include headache, fever, and sore throat. Small rashes appear on the skin, as well as pimples, especially on the palms and soles of the feet. Hair loss may occur. Pimples may appear on the mucous membrane of the genital organs and around the anus. The above symptoms disappear without treatment, approximately six months after infection, and the infection develops into the so-called. latent (hidden) period. In patients who have not been treated, symptoms of the second period of disease development on the skin and mucous membranes may, however, appear repeatedly during the first two years after infection. During this two-year period, syphilis is contagious. Among those who had syphilis and did not treat it, 20-30% may experience the so-called syphilis after many years and decades. late syphilis, which affects the central nervous system and circulatory organs.
Examination. Syphilis is usually diagnosed based on symptoms. A blood test detects syphilis two months after infection, and only after two years does untreated syphilis cease to be infectious.
Treatment. Treatment of syphilis is carried out with penicillin, which is administered by intramuscular injection for two weeks. The earlier the course of treatment begins, the more effective it is.

Condylomas or bleeding warts

Iru or condyloma infection affects both men and women. A newborn can become infected during childbirth through the reproductive organs. Condylomas become infected through contact between mucous membranes, during regular or anal intercourse. The transmission of infection is facilitated by the presence of damage to the mucous membrane or an existing infection in the genital area. Infection can also occur during sexual intercourse, but condylomas in the mouth are extremely rare.
Symptoms in women. The incubation period for condyloma lasts from several weeks to a year. After it, small light pink or white dots appear on the mucous membrane of the genital organs, which can develop into warts similar in shape to a cauliflower shoot. Warts range in size from one millimeter to several centimeters. In women, warts grow in the pubic lips, vagina, cervix, perineum, anus and at the opening of the urethra. Changes in the mucous membrane may simply consist of thickening of the skin or mucous membrane without the appearance of warts. Sometimes the symptom is painful itching. Most often, condyloma occurs without symptoms and is detected during general examinations.
Symptoms in men. The incubation period is the same as for women. In men, condyloma warts appear either under the foreskin, on the penis, the head of the penis, near the opening of the urethra, or around the anus. In the oral cavity, condyloma-warts are either light or the color of the mucous membrane. Quite often in men, condyloma occurs without symptoms and is invisible to the eye.
Examination. Condyloma in women is detected during a gynecological examination. Analysis of a sample of exfoliated tissue taken from the cervix is ​​often used, as well as colposcopy (observation of the reproductive organs through a magnifying device). Condyloma in men is diagnosed by external examination, as well as through a magnifying device, as with colposcopy.
Treatment. There are many treatment options, the choice of which is influenced by the size, number and location of warts. They can be lubricated, treated by freezing, removed by laser or electrocoagulation. Both men and women should be monitored in the future, as there is a danger of cell modification and a relatively high risk of relapse of the disease.
The condyloma virus can cause cancer on the cervix. A small percentage of untreated cervical condyloma develops into cancer over the years. Therefore, medical supervision after treatment of the disease and annual testing are very important.

Herpes

Pathogen: There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus (HSV, “Herpes simplex”).

The first type (HSV-1) affects mainly the skin and mucous membrane of the lips (causes herpes labialis or rash on the lips), eyes, nose and other organs, and the second (HSV-2) mainly affects the genitals. This is genital herpes. Currently, due to the widespread prevalence of oral-genital contacts, there are increasingly cases where genital herpes is also caused by the HSV-1 virus.
After the initial infection, the virus penetrates the lymph nodes, where it remains in a latent form. Often the virus remains in that state without causing further symptoms, but in some infected people it reactivates painfully often, even several times a year.
The disease is transmitted during sexual intercourse, as well as through oral sex. Herpes can infect the fetus during pregnancy of an infected woman, or the newborn becomes infected during childbirth. The result can be dangerous brain inflammation. If the mother has herpes blisters at the time of birth, the birth is performed by caesarean section.
Symptoms. The incubation period after infection ranges from several days to a week. The first symptoms are itching and pain at the sites of infection. After a couple of days, bubbles filled with liquid appear at the sites of infection. In women, blisters may appear on the labia, perineum, around the anus, in the vagina, or on the cervix. In men, they appear on the penis, on the head of the penis or in the anus. Very often, primary infections are accompanied by a violent manifestation of the disease - poor health, headache and fever. The glands in the groin are enlarged almost all the time. The blisters burst after a few days, leaving painful sores that then crust over. Symptoms of a primary infection may last up to two weeks.
After the primary infection, the disease always remains, but only in a latent form. The frequency of recurrence of symptoms and the degree of their pain are very individual. With repeated herpes, the manifestation of the disease is usually weaker, and general health does not worsen. Local symptoms are the same as with the primary infection, but they heal faster or in about a week. Re-infection is often caused by stress. Relapse of the disease also appears in connection with other infectious diseases, during menstruation or after mechanical irritation (for example, violent sexual intercourse).
Examination. The sample is taken from the vial onto a cotton swab. The result of the analysis can be obtained in a week.
Treatment. Treatment of genital herpes is a difficult task due to its lifelong presence in the body and the lack of drugs that have an effective effect on it. The most commonly used drugs for treatment today are from the group of nucleoside analogues. In addition, during the acute period, specific anti-herpetic immunoglobulin is used. In complex treatment, immunostimulants, vitamins, antihistamines and other drugs are used. When the interval between relapses is at least 2 months, vaccination is carried out with a hermetic vaccine. After 6 months, a repeat course is carried out. The vaccination is repeated 4-6 more times. The use of the vaccine allows you to increase the intervals between relapses and reduce their manifestations.

Candidiasis

Pathogen: Yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida.
This disease is popularly called “thrush”. It is caused by yeast-like fungi. Candidiasis is a common infection. Fungi can be found in the vagina of many women who do not have any complaints. They enter the genital tract mainly from the intestines and through contact with patients. The development of an inflammatory reaction during candidiasis (candidal colpitis) is facilitated by factors that reduce the body’s immunity, such as diabetes mellitus, lipid metabolism disorders, and diseases of the digestive system. In pregnant women, candidiasis is detected more often due to the numerous changes occurring in a woman’s body at this time. Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids and some others also plays a role. “Thrush” is a manifestation of superficial candidiasis of the skin and visible mucous membranes. With severe immunity disorders, lesions of the urinary tract (cystitis, urethritis), lungs (bronchitis, pneumonia), and intestines (dysbacteriosis) can develop.
Symptoms in women. With candidiasis, women usually complain of white, cheesy discharge and itching. The disease lasts a long time and may be accompanied by periods of exacerbation (during menstruation, hypothermia, etc.) and subsidence of complaints.
Symptoms in men. In men, the fungus causes itching in the genitals, slight redness on the head of the penis and swelling of the foreskin.
Diagnosis, as a rule, does not present any difficulties. Candidiasis is easily detected in routine vaginal smears. In some cases, cultural (seeding secretions on nutrient media) and other methods are used. When the disease persists, sensitivity to various antifungal drugs is determined, which makes it possible to prescribe the most effective agent.
Treatment. Nystatin, levorin, boric acid and borax (sodium tetraborate) were previously widely used to treat candidiasis. Currently, there are a number of more effective and less toxic agents.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. The most common types of hepatitis are hepatitis types A, B and C.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A occurs when fecal particles containing the virus enter another person's mouth. Most often, infection occurs through transmission through water and food. If fecal particles enter the oral cavity during alternating anal and oral sex, they can lead to hepatitis infection. Hepatitis A is the least dangerous of all hepatitis. The infection does not lead to chronic inflammation of the liver and cirrhosis, nor does it lead to liver cancer. The disease often begins with fever, muscle pain, general malaise and diarrhea. After about a week, the urine becomes dark and the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. The disease goes away on its own in approximately 2-4 weeks.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B infection occurs through blood (for example, through drug syringes) or products containing blood through sexual contact (sperm, uterine discharge), or the infection is transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth. Only a small proportion of those infected become infected with symptoms. These symptoms are the same as for hepatitis A. Among those infected, some remain permanent carriers of the virus. A small number of virus carriers develop cirrhosis or chronic liver inflammation within 10-20 years. Some carriers of active chronic hepatitis are cured by taking alpha interferon.
If you have hepatitis B, it is possible to use a series of three vaccinations for treatment (first vaccination, second one a month later, third vaccination six months later).

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C infection occurs through the blood. The most common route of infection is the use of syringes and needles when consuming drugs. Half of hepatitis C virus carriers develop an active form of chronic liver inflammation. Chronic hepatitis C increases the risk of liver cancer. Treatment with alpha interferon can cure approximately 20% of patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Pubic lice

Pathogen: Flesh-colored flat louse measuring 1-3 mm.
The pubic louse sucks blood and lays eggs on the pubic hair. Pubic lice infestation occurs through skin-to-skin contact and bedding.
Symptoms. Symptoms appear 1-3 weeks after infection. Skin irritation and itching in the external genital area.
Treatment. At the pharmacy you can buy a hexide solution (Desintan) without a prescription, which is applied to the skin in the pubic area for a day. A week later the procedure is repeated. Underwear and bed linen are changed.

Scabies

Pathogen: Scabies mite size 0.3-0.5 mm.
Scabies spreads through skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms. Itching appears 3-6 weeks after infection. With scabies acquired as a result of sexual contact, signs of the disease are especially evident in the lower abdomen, groin and thighs. The itching intensifies in the evening. Small reddish pimples appear on the skin. As a result of scratching, the skin may become inflamed and pustules may appear on the fingers, hands and penis. Traces of scabies mite movement may be found.
Treatment. A hexide solution (Desintan) is rubbed over the entire body. After application, the medicine is washed off after 12-14 hours. Underwear and bed linen are changed. The medicine is reused after a week. The partner and family members are treated at the same time, even if they show no signs of illness.

Trichomoniasis (or trichomoniasis)

Trichomoniasis (or trichomoniasis) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis - a microscopic pathogen capable of independent movement with the help of flagella and an undulating membrane. Trichomonas very often accompanies other genital tract infections - chlamydia, gonococci, viruses, etc. Infection, as a rule, occurs only through sexual contact. The incubation period is 5-15 days. The development of the disease is facilitated by various diseases of the genital and other organs, accompanied by metabolic disorders, decreased immunity, hormonal disorders, and disruption of the vaginal flora, which reduces its acidity. Trichomonas actively reproduce during menstruation also due to changes in the vaginal environment. The pathogen lives mainly in the vagina and lower cervix. There is no immunity to the disease.
Distinguish several forms of the disease: fresh (in turn divided into acute, subacute and torpid, i.e. asymptomatic), chronic and carriage of trichomonas, in which there are no symptoms when the pathogen is present in the vagina.
In acute and subacute forms, patients complain of heavy vaginal discharge, itching and burning in the external genital area. If the urethra is damaged, there is a burning sensation and pain when urinating. The torpid form is not accompanied by complaints of leucorrhoea, itching, or they are only slightly expressed.
The chronic form of the disease is characterized by a long course and periodic relapses that occur under the influence of various provoking factors: general and gynecological diseases, hypothermia, violation of sexual hygiene rules, etc. The severity of complaints can vary widely.
Diagnosis of the disease is based on complaints, examination data and laboratory results of smears from the vagina, cervix and urethra. In some cases, seeding of material is used.
Treatment of trichomoniasis. During this period, sexual activity is prohibited. Treatment of the husband or sexual partner, treatment of concomitant diseases is mandatory. Currently, there are a large number of anti-trichomonas drugs.

In addition to classic sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis or gonorrhea, there are a number of diseases that are also transmitted through sexual contact, but may also have other routes of transmission, the main of which is parenteral. Almost all of them can have quite serious consequences and even lead to death.

It is these sexually transmitted infections that we will talk about in this article; we will look at the signs of popular diseases.

Genital herpes

This disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is transmitted primarily through sexual contact. Intrauterine infection of a child from an infected mother is possible. Other modes of transmission are considered unlikely. The risk of infection increases significantly if one of the sexual partners has severe local symptoms of the disease at the time of sexual intercourse. It should be remembered that, even in the absence of signs of genital herpes, the virus is released, so it is possible to infect a sexual partner.

The disease very often occurs without any clinical manifestations; an exacerbation, in which symptoms of the disease appear, can occur when the immune system is weakened. After infection, the simplex virus remains forever in a person’s blood; it is impossible to get rid of it; with the help of antiviral drugs, you can only alleviate the exacerbation of the disease.

Symptoms of genital herpes

There are primary herpes - the first case of the disease after infection, in which its symptoms appear, and relapses (the second and subsequent cases of manifestation of the disease). In the primary form of the disease, patients in the affected area (usually the genitals) experience pain, burning sensation and swelling, local symptoms are accompanied by fever and headache. A few days after the appearance of these signs, small vesicles containing clear liquid appear on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs. They quickly burst, and in their place red, painful sores form, which usually heal within two weeks.

Relapses of the disease most often occur when immunity is weakened, during colds, after hypothermia, emotional stress; the symptoms are not as pronounced as in the primary form of the disease. Signs of the disease, as a rule, appear in the same places and are cured faster, in 7-10 days.

Typically, genital herpes does not cause serious consequences for the body, reminding itself only during periods of exacerbation.

Women of childbearing age need to be especially attentive to their health. When infected with primary genital herpes during pregnancy, the probability of transmitting the virus to the fetus is 50%, and with a recurrent form of the disease, 5% of children are born with symptoms of congenital herpes. Its manifestations in newborns can be different: damage to the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, nervous system and internal organs.

HPV (human papillomavirus)

Hepatitis C, unlike hepatitis B, in which the asymptomatic form is rare, may not manifest itself for a long time. When deterioration in health appears, as a rule, there is already liver damage. Recovery occurs only in 15-20% of cases, in the remaining 80-85% of patients the disease progresses to. Patients with chronic hepatitis C periodically experience malaise, an enlarged liver is noted, and abnormalities are recorded in blood tests. In this form, the disease can last up to 15-20 years; gradually, patients feel worse and their appetite worsens, they constantly feel heaviness in the right hypochondrium, and lose weight. 30-40% develop cirrhosis and liver cancer. In drug addicts, people with weakened immune systems, and carriers of other infections, such as, the disease can develop rapidly, and patients quickly die.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

HIV in many countries of the world ranks first in prevalence among sexually transmitted infections. Some remain carriers of the virus, while others develop severe immunodeficiency (AIDS), as a result of which secondary infectious and tumor processes arise, which cause the death of the patient.

The main route of transmission of infection is sexual. The virus is found in all biological fluids, however, only in blood, lymph, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk is it contained in sufficient quantities to cause infection. You can avoid sexual transmission by using only barrier contraceptives (condoms).

The group at increased risk of infection includes people who are promiscuous, homosexuals, drug addicts, as well as people suffering from any other diseases. The risk of infection is increased among blood donors and healthcare workers.

According to statistics, HIV is most often diagnosed in men, and almost half of them are infected as a result of same-sex contact (the likelihood of infection is highest during anal sex). You can also note the fact that representatives of the Negroid race are almost 7 times more likely to become infected with HIV than Europeans or Asians, which is explained by different levels of susceptibility to infection in people of different races.

Symptoms of HIV

The incubation period after infection with the virus can range from 3 weeks to 1 year, its duration depends on the immune status of the patient. If the immune system is weakened or there are any sexually transmitted diseases, the incubation period may be reduced.

In 90% of cases, after the end of the incubation period of the disease, those infected develop symptoms of acute HIV infection, which are very similar to the signs. Patients' body temperature rises, they complain of general weakness, headache, a runny nose and cough may appear, and upon examination, enlarged lymph nodes are detected. After 1-2 weeks, the patients’ condition usually improves, and the latent period of the disease begins, during which the patients’ state of health remains satisfactory. The latent period of the disease lasts on average 7-12 years, during which time the patient can infect healthy people without knowing that he is infected. In drug addicts, the latent period of the disease is significantly reduced.

Then the patients experience a period of secondary diseases. They experience opportunistic infections caused by normal microflora, which in healthy people are suppressed by the immune system. This stage is called AIDS; it can last up to two years; patients often die from severe diseases of the respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems, malignant neoplasms, and fungal infections.

Today, HIV is an incurable disease; an infected person is contagious at any stage. Unfortunately, the disease may not manifest itself for a very long time; an HIV-infected person, without even knowing about it, can infect healthy people. Thanks to modern medications, the life expectancy of those infected has increased; patients can live almost fully for decades. In essence, continuous highly active antiretroviral therapy slows the progression of HIV infection and its transition to the AIDS stage. However, it has a number of severe side effects that can reduce the patient's quality of life.