How are sexually transmitted infections treated? Sexually transmitted infections: their types and treatment methods

Instructions

Know that the “targets” of many sexually transmitted infections are the external and internal genital organs (vagina, uterus, urethra). Many sexually transmitted infections are characterized by the following: abundant, usually purulent or mucopurulent discharge; sensation of pain and itching in the urethra; or increased body temperature.

Be sure to contact a specialized clinic or if:
- you have recently changed sex partners often;
- you had unprotected sex;
- you have had a blood transfusion;
- you suspect your spouse or sexual partner of infidelity;
- you have lymph nodes, there is general weakness and malaise.

Don't self-medicate! With self-prescription and use of antibacterial drugs, genital infections acquire symptoms and signs that are not typical for them, often the disease passes under the guise of another disease. Self-medication leads to serious negative consequences:
- the disease can become chronic and new sexual partners become infected;
- contributes to the development of dysbiosis in a patient with irrational use of antibiotics;
- increases the resistance of the pathogen to the action of antimicrobial drugs.

Be sure to have sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in a specialized clinic. The examination involves comprehensive laboratory diagnostics, since several types of sexually transmitted infections are often detected. For some groups of pathogens, provocative measures are required before the study (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis). It is important to note that examination and treatment must be carried out simultaneously in both spouses or partners to prevent re-infection.

For you, the clinic’s specialists will select a specific treatment regimen for the identified disease, which includes the following groups of drugs: antibacterial drugs (their action is aimed at destroying the pathogen); medications for local therapy (use of vaginal suppositories and other forms). Immunostimulants are prescribed to increase the body's resistance to infection, courses of vitamins and microelements; Herbal medicine is carried out in the form of prescribing herbal decoctions and infusions. In most cases, treatment is carried out in a hospital, although in mild forms of the disease it is possible to treat on an outpatient basis.

They are quite widely known to everyone due to the way they are distributed. They haunt humanity for many centuries, perhaps even millennia, leading to serious illnesses, infertility, newborn deformities and untimely deaths. Doctors have learned to cope well with some infections, but some of them can still either be cured 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 one, through unprotected sexual intercourse in any form. Pathogens can be viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.Quite often a mixed form of infection is observed, especially in people who are promiscuous without protection, prone to antisocial behavior, drug addiction, and alcoholism.

Not understanding the risk of contracting some types of STIs can be costly. They can lead to chronic inflammatory processes in the human genital area, cause miscarriage or impotence and prostatitis in men, damage to the immune system, which can cause severe diseases, even fatal.

Some infections only affect the reproductive system, but they can also “spread” throughout the body and cause irreparable harm to health, affecting even the spinal cord and humans.

The only one reliable protection STIs can be treated with caution and attentiveness when choosing a sexual partner, high-quality protection and timely, comprehensive treatment if an infection is detected. Both partners need to be treated.

List of STIs: types, description and signs

Sexual infections include diseases that enter the human body from the outside, from an infected partner, and those whose pathogens normally constantly live on 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 during sexual contact with a carrier of the same type or when immunity decreases, the number of pathogens increases sharply and the person becomes ill. Such diseases include the well-known thrush, or candidiasis. Its pathogens are constantly present in the body of every person, but the disease occurs only when a number of conditions coincide.

A number of pathogens venereal diseases It responds quite well to treatment with modern drugs, but it is better to do this as early as possible, before the infection causes serious inflammatory processes.

As a result, adhesions may occur that threaten a woman with infertility, lesions, unpleasant external rashes and even cancerous tumors. There are some STIs that, when neglected, lead to fatal outcome. This is , and . With timely and correct treatment, the life of such patients can be extended for quite a 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 its component.

Full list of STIs:

• Syphilis is caused by treponema pallidum, or spirochete, has three stages and can be congenital. Capable of affecting the skin, mucous membranes, soft and bone tissues, and the central nervous system. It is easily transmitted not only through sexual intercourse, but also through blood and household contact with the personal belongings of an infected patient who is a carrier of treponema. It manifests itself as a rash, ulcers, and specific formations - chancre and gumma. Secondary and tertiary syphilis can occur in a latent form. If left untreated, it leads to numerous health and mental problems, and then death.
• Gonorrhea is caused by gonococci and affects the mucous membranes of the urethra and, and when the disease spreads, the bladder, conjunctival membranes, pharynx, and oral mucosa. It manifests itself as purulent discharge, burning sensation and pain with frequent visits to the bathroom. Can be acute or chronic.
• Trichomoniasis is very common in all countries of the world and can be transmitted in a household way. In men, it manifests itself as painful urination and bloody discharge. Women experience severe redness of the vulva, burning, itching, copious discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse.
• is caused by chlamydia and has a very secretive “character”. Due to the absence of external manifestations, the level of infection spread is very high. In advanced forms, women may experience itching, pain and burning, as well as unpleasant-smelling discharge. Men mainly experience burning and itching when urinating.
• Mycoplasmosis is provoked by opportunistic microorganisms, mycoplasmas, and more often affects women, causing vaginosis and inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs.
• can be transmitted not only sexually, but also during childbirth from mother to newborn. It almost always passes without pronounced symptoms, but with a large number of ureaplasmas in men, signs of prostatitis may appear and classic symptoms of infection may occur - itching, burning and pain.
• Gardnerellosis is a type of bacterial vaginosis associated with the “displacement” of lactobacilli and their replacement with gardnerella and some other microorganisms. It has several ways of appearance, not only sexually. A very common condition.
• Candidiasis, or thrush, is also extremely common and can occur without external influence, such as the use of antibiotics. It manifests itself as abundant cheesy discharge, severe itching, irritation and inflammation. It can affect not only the genitals, but also the oral cavity.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted sexually and by everyday means, has many varieties, some of which can cause cancer and others provoke the formation of genital warts on the genital and anal mucous membranes. It manifests itself as the appearance of wart-like formations on the skin and mucous membranes, which can be single or turn into continuous affected areas.
• Cytomegalovirus spreads through sexual and household contacts and through various bodily fluids. It is asymptomatic, especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it affects.
• It spreads not only through sexual contact, but also through any contact with infected blood. It develops slowly and attacks the immune system, causing AIDS. Patients most often die from secondary infections, for example, from pneumonia, since the patient’s immune system, killed by the virus, does not resist.
• also have many ways of spread, including sexually. 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. Caused by a special type of chlamydia, it manifests itself as blisters, ulcers, inflammation of the lymph nodes, fever, headache and indigestion.

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

Tablets for genital infections, which can be used both internally and vaginally, are today one of the main and most effective ways to combat sexually transmitted diseases. The choice of drugs is very extensive and depends on the type of disease and the type of its causative agent.

What are sexually transmitted infections?

Many people confuse the concepts of sexually transmitted diseases and STDs, but this is a mistake. The fact is that sexually transmitted infections include a number of diseases transmitted through sexual contact. In general, sexually transmitted infections can be divided into four groups:

Infections of the genital tract develop under certain conditions, mainly against the background of general weakening of the body and reduced immunity.

All of the above types of diseases have in common that they are sexually transmitted and are fraught with the development of many complications that affect genitourinary system and negatively affecting reproductive function. One of the most serious complications of sexually transmitted infections is infertility.

The symptoms of these diseases are very diverse and largely depend on the type of pathogen. The main and most common signs include the following:

1. Itching, burning and discomfort in the genital area.
2. Frequent urge to urinate, which may be false.
3. Vaginal discharge.
4. Menstrual irregularities.
5. Difficulty urinating.
6. Inability to conceive.

It is worth emphasizing that most sexually transmitted diseases are highly treatable, but only with timely consultation with a doctor, proper diagnosis and timely initiation of the therapeutic process.

Therefore, if you detect at least a few of the above symptoms, it is recommended to immediately consult a specialist and undergo the necessary examination.

Successful treatment of sexually transmitted infectious diseases begins with testing. After a diagnosis has been made and a characteristic pathogen has been identified, the doctor will determine which medications will be most effective and efficient in a particular clinical case.

Read also:

How to treat .

Causes .

Read about how to get tested for STDs for men.

Types of drug therapy

Medicines against genital tract infections are very diverse. Drug therapy is divided into several types. Let's look at them in more detail

Today, antibiotic therapy is considered the most effective way fight against sexually transmitted infections. The choice of medication is individual and is made by the attending physician based on the results of a preliminary culture of the infection, which allows one to determine its sensitivity to certain antibiotics. In most cases, patients are prescribed drugs belonging to the following groups:

1. Fluoroquinolone.
2. Cephalosporin.
3. Penicillin.
4. Tetracycline.
5. Macrolide.
6. Aminoglycosides.
7. Nitroimidazole derivatives.

The following factors are contraindications to taking antibiotics:

1. The patient's age is under 16 years.
2. Liver pathologies.
3. A pronounced tendency to allergic reactions.
4. Kidney pathologies.
5. Individual intolerance to some components of the drugs.
6. Pregnancy.
7. Lactation period.
8. The presence of a sexually transmitted infection of a fungal or viral nature.

Drugs are prescribed to improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs. These medications are classified as auxiliary medications and are prescribed to almost all patients. The most common representatives of this pharmaceutical group include:

• Aescusan;
• Trental;
• Chimes.

Antiviral agents are necessary for viral infections. Mostly for these purposes, patients are prescribed medications such as Penciclovir, Valaciclovir, Famacyclovir, Acyclovir, Arbidol, Peramivir, Orvirem, interferon preparations, Cycloferon, Amiksin.

The following factors are contraindications to antiviral therapy:

1. Pregnancy.
2. Breast-feeding.
3. Previously undergone liver transplantation.
4. The patient's age is under 18 years.
5. Renal dysfunction.
6. Individual intolerance.
7. Disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system.
8. Blood diseases.

Antifungal agents are used to treat sexually transmitted infectious diseases, the development of which is provoked by fungal pathogens. In this case, patients are prescribed Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, Irunin, Mikosist, Diflucan, Oronazole.

The following types of antifungal antibiotics are also used:

1. Nystatin.
2. Amphotericin B.
3. Pimafucin.
4. Levorin.
5. Natamycin.

The presented pharmacological group has the following contraindications:

1. Pregnancy.
2. Lactation period.
3. Allergic reactions to allylamines.
4. Diseases of the endocrine system.
5. Kidney failure.
6. Impaired liver function.

In addition, patients are required to be prescribed immunostimulants that help the body fight pathogens and increase its level of resistance. These medications are necessary for a successful treatment process, since in most cases, sexually transmitted infectious diseases develop precisely against the background of decreased immunity.

Possible side effects

With a long course drug treatment it is likely that unwanted manifestations will occur side effects. The most common of them are:

1. Nausea.
2. Attacks of vomiting.
3. Dizziness.
4. Painful sensations in the lower abdomen.
5. Headache.
6. Stomach upset.
7. Diarrhea.
8. The appearance of allergic rashes.
9. Dysbacteriosis.

If such painful signs appear, you should urgently seek advice from your doctor. The patient may need to adjust the dosage or change the medication.

Features of drug therapy

Both sexual partners must undergo treatment. During the treatment process it is necessary to use contraception. The duration of the therapeutic course and the choice of drugs should be prescribed only by a specialist based on the diagnosis and taking into account the state of health, individual characteristics patient.

In order for treatment to produce favorable results, it must be regular and systematic. You cannot prescribe medications yourself, change the dosage or stop taking them, even if external painful symptoms disappear.

The medicine must be taken at the same time to constantly maintain a certain concentration of the active substance in the blood.

When taking medications for a long time, especially antibiotics, do not forget to take probiotics and special yoghurts to maintain normal intestinal microflora and prevent dysbiosis.

Treatment of sexually transmitted infections with medications is considered effective and in an effective way solutions to this problem. However, to achieve favorable results and minimize the likelihood of developing undesirable side effects, the therapeutic course should be prescribed exclusively by a qualified specialist and take place under his full supervision.

Sexually transmitted diseases are quite serious modern problem. The scale of such diseases cannot be fully revealed, since most people, having learned about their problem, are afraid to consult a doctor. Most often, patients are not even aware of their problems, since many sexual diseases do not show serious noticeable symptoms. Female genital infections, such as mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, etc., occur without any symptoms at all.

Causes of sexually transmitted infections in the world.

The reason for the emergence of more and more new varieties of sexual diseases is, of course, modern ecology and unprotected sexual intercourse. The current generation has a very weak immune system, due to which such infections are easily transmitted and are increasingly appearing among modern youth. The body simply cannot cope with the natural fight and protection against this type of infection.

All existing on this moment venereal diseases are named after Venus, who was the goddess of love bonds. HIV, syphilis, genital herpes, lymphogranulomatosis venereum, goronea are the most popular sexually transmitted diseases. Diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse are the most popular infectious diseases. A disease like gonorrhea affects about 260 million people every year around the world! But to this day AIDS is the most terrible problem of humanity.

But also every day new sexually transmitted infections appear: trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, chlamydia, genital herpes, urethritis, ureaplasmosis, papilloma virus, bacterial urethritis, and don’t forget about HIV infections.

The most common infections in the world

Scientists are still arguing about the appearance of these diseases on earth. Some say that they were brought by sailors from exotic islands, where, as is known, most sexually transmitted infections originated. Others are even inclined to believe that it was the goddess of love who rewarded all the “naughty” with such charms. Whether this is so, we can only guess.

What are sexually transmitted infections?

Almost all sexually transmitted infections are treatable, but diseases such as HIV, HPV, and hepatitis B are incurable. You can only stop the progression of the disease with the help of drugs and a serious course of treatment. But, unfortunately, not everyone succeeds in curing sexually transmitted infections, since they find out about the problem too late, and not everyone has the opportunity to undergo such expensive treatment.

Classification of sexually transmitted infections

Types of sexually transmitted infections:

1. Even despite constant advances in the field of medicine and research by microbiologists, the use of more and more new antimicrobial drugs does not always have the desired effect in the treatment of sexual diseases. These diseases include female genital infections, such as:
vulvar infections;
· vaginal infections.
And in particular, these are the more common genital herpes, candidiasis or thrush, vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis.

2. Sexual diseases are divided into a number of genitourinary infections. These include: urine sexually transmitted infection in the form of inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), as well as any inflammation of the urinary tract - urethritis, vesiculitis, endometritis, etc.

3. Genital viral infections:
· AIDS or HIV infection, the causative agent is the immunodeficiency virus.
· Genital herpes, the causative agent is the herpes virus of the second type.
· Infections caused by the human papillomavirus - papillomas and condylomas of the genital tract.
· Hepatitis B virus.
· A group of viruses called cytomegaloviruses causes the disease cytomegaly.
· And one of the varieties of the smallpox virus causes molluscum contagiosum disease.
· And also don’t forget about Kaposi’s Sarcoma.

4. Genital fungal infections. This type of infection includes pathogenic and opportunistic fungi. Such fungi are not part of the normal microflora of the body, but opportunistic fungi can be present in our body, but only in small quantities. In case of any disturbances, the relationship between the normal environment and opportunistic fungi provokes the appearance of mycoses or, as they are otherwise called, fungal infections.
Genital fungal infections include: any type of candidiasis (yeast), which has a huge number of associated names - thrush, genital fungus, urogenital candidiasis and mycosis, vulvovaginal mycosis.

5. Male genital infections are also quite common and very dangerous. These are male gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, gardenerosis, genital warts, ureplasmosis, molluscum contagiosum, etc.

Diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections. Methods for detecting viruses and infections in the early stages

When visiting doctors who specialize in identifying these diseases, tests can be taken in various ways. The most popular is scraping from the vagina, cervical canal, cells from the urethra, or in other options a blood test is taken. But this method can not detect all sexually transmitted infections.
The most accurate analysis at the moment is the polymerase procedure - this is a molecular diagnostic that allows you to detect any pathogens of sexually transmitted infections. It also identifies pathogens that are already for a long time live in this organism, the procedure occurs without the use of a culture method, which greatly simplifies the task of identifying diseases and infections of the genital tract. In cases of genital herpes and papilloma viruses, such an analysis is necessary. The accuracy of this method is 100%.

This method is very expensive and requires compliance with many rules and the presence of the necessary equipped laboratory. Only a highly qualified doctor can carry out this type of research, observing all the rules when conducting this analysis. But do not forget that no matter how accurate the analysis, there is always the possibility of false results. This happens in the case of contamination of the analysis, the pathogen entered the analysis already dead from a long course of treatment, and when the infection was overcome by the patient’s immunity, it was at the stage of being eliminated from the body.

To ensure accurate results, it is better to combine several different research methods.

For example, taking a special blood test (enzyme immunosorbent test) is a type of laboratory test that studies the manifestation of the immune system’s reactions to a pathogen. This type of research is quite often used to determine any sexual diseases.

There is also a type of analysis called bacteriological culture. This analysis is carried out in this way: a sample is taken of secretions and placed in a special environment that promotes the rapid proliferation of pathogens and then their reaction to different kinds antibiotics. This method is not relevant for complex stages of the disease, since this type of analysis lasts about 14 days. If it is possible to take other tests, then it is better to seek help from them. But it is also necessary to carry out such an analysis in conjunction with the others to identify the response to antibiotic treatment.

The most famous type of diagnosis

This is a smear test that has been around for many years and checks the health of a woman's vaginal flora. A standard gynecological analysis of discharge is performed to determine the current state of the vaginal microflora. IN in good condition microflora maintains an acidic environment, preventing the proliferation of various microbes. And with any violations, the reverse process occurs. This smear must be taken immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse, and if you have the following symptoms:
· Painful sensations in the abdominal area.
· The appearance of various types of discharge.
· Pain, itching and other painful manifestations on the genitals.

Taking a smear and checking yourself for any fungal and viral infections is recommended for all women, especially pregnant women, patients treated with antibiotics or medications that damage the entire immune system of the body.

How should you treat sexually transmitted infections?

How to get rid of such terrible diseases than to treat sexually transmitted infections? There are several ways to treat both diseases and infections of the genital organs in the world. For example, diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis and chlamydia are treated with special antibiotics (one tablet each).

Diagnoses such as HIV and herpes are treated under the influence of antiretroviral drugs; these types of drugs can extinguish the source of the disease for some time, but are not able to completely cure it. How to treat sexually transmitted infections is a complex question, because the process of such treatment is difficult, but science in our world does not stand still, and every day it comes up with more and more new methods of combating this disease.

Hepatitis B is treated with immunomodulators and antiretroviral drugs. They are designed to fight viruses and slow down liver destruction.
Due to the fact that sexually transmitted diseases and infections progress every year, they become increasingly difficult to treat. They develop a kind of resistance to many types of antibiotics, thereby reducing treatment options to a minimum. For example, gonorrhea has become unresponsive to standard antimicrobial therapy, which has led to drug instability of the gonococcus.

To protect yourself, it is worth remembering that modern medicine has protective vaccines against diseases such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus. They are a great way to prevent such diseases from occurring. The hepatitis B vaccine, according to research, has saved more than 1.4 million people from cancer and liver disease (chronic) through childhood immunization. And the human papillomavirus vaccine, when properly vaccinated, has saved more than four million women worldwide from dying from cervical cancer. There are no good and 100% vaccines against diseases such as herpes and HIV, although there have been successes in development. And vaccines against gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia are still being developed.

Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

To prevent any sexually transmitted viruses and fungi, the following measures exist:

· Circumcision is suitable for men. It reduces the risk of HIV infection by 65%. It also protects against any existing sexually transmitted infections (herpes and human papillomavirus, etc.).
· Use of a special gel - tenofovir. Helps prevent female genital infections. This is a bactericidal agent that has gone through many stages of inspection and testing. It has been proven to prevent and protect against diseases such as HIV.

What sexually transmitted infections are transmitted?

All sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections are transmitted to your partner in most cases. It is important to remember that both partners need to treat such diseases, because if you are treated and your partner is not, then there is a high chance that after recovery you will catch the same disease again. You should also remember that men experience symptoms extremely less often than women, so you should immediately tell your partner about possible problems.

Let's look at some sexual diseases in more detail.

3. Bacterial sexual disease mycoplasmosis is caused by microbes that live on the mucous membrane of the genital urinary organs. This type of disease is asymptomatic and is quite difficult to identify. They can be present in the body of a healthy person, but in case of complications they cause inflammation of the uterus, appendages, and bacterial vaginosis.

4. Another bacterial disease is ureaplasmosis. The causative agent is microbacteria located on the genitals, or more precisely on the mucous membrane. Just like microplasmosis, this disease is asymptomatic and is detected only through complex laboratory tests. For women, this disease threatens miscarriages, premature birth, fetal infections, and infertility.

5. Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of another sexually transmitted infection - trichomoniasis. This disease can be contracted through oral or anal sex, and there is a possibility of infection through household means (through wet towels). It manifests itself in women in the form of painful sensations during sex and urination, as well as yellow or greenish discharge (foamy), redness of the genitals. This disease is very dangerous for pregnant women, causes premature birth, miscarriages, affects the cervix, and causes erosion.

6. One of the popular sexual diseases is genital herpes. It affects during any sexual intercourse. Symptoms are irritation, swelling of organs, subsequently bubbles with liquid appear, they open, and ulcers form in their place, which take quite a long time to heal. Very dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause fetal death or problems with the nervous system.

7. A viral and rather dangerous disease, cytomegalovirus, is transmitted not only through sexual intercourse, but also through kissing, and in everyday life through salivary secretions. This disease does not manifest itself with any symptoms; it is quite difficult to notice its presence. People with low immunity are more susceptible to this disease. Dangerous during pregnancy, causes nervous disorders in the fetus and is often fatal.

8. One of the most dangerous viral diseases is the human papillomavirus. It occurs differently in all people and has different types and subtypes, as well as the appearance of different symptoms: warts, papillomas, condylomas, genital cancer. It does not appear on diagnostics and is quite difficult to detect. Very high risk of disease. If the disease is detected early, it can be treated and symptoms can be eliminated. But remember that this disease provokes stress and hormonal changes, so pregnant women, postpartum women, and women during menopause need to be constantly examined for the presence of such an infection.

9. An increased number of bacteria in a woman’s vagina causes a disease called bacterial vaginosis. A large number of harmful bacteria begins to destroy all the beneficial ones, such a violation leads to an imbalance of the microflora. This is more dysbacteriosis than a serious sexually transmitted infection. This disease manifests itself as white vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.

10. And don’t forget about candidiasis. This is an overabundance of Candida fungi. Symptoms of this disease are heavy vaginal discharge ( white), pain when urinating, itching of the genitals.

STIs (sexually transmitted infections)- a group of diseases that are transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. They affect not only the genitals, but the entire body, and often lead to serious consequences.

STIs have been known to humanity since ancient times, but over time the number of cases of infection does not decrease, but rather increases. As “familiar” infections are overcome, new ones appear. Almost every person is at risk, regardless of gender and social status.

Modern medicine lists about 30 infections that can be classified as STIs. Most of them can be asymptomatic, and this makes them very dangerous for the health of various organs and systems.

Kinds

STIs are classified depending on the causative agent. In total, there are 4 types of sexually transmitted infections:

• bacterial;
• viral;
• fungal;
• protozoans.

Methods of transmission of STIs

STIs are spread through sexual contact—vaginal, oral, or anal. The gender of a person does not matter - they can go from a man to a woman, from a woman to a man, from a man to another man, or from a woman to another woman.

Many sexually transmitted infections can be spread through any contact between the genitals, mouth and anus, even if there is no penetration. For example, genital herpes is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact - microdamages on its surface are enough for infection.

Some STIs are transmitted in other ways. For example, HIV and hepatitis B are transmitted through sharing of injection needles and blood transfusions.

The use of barrier methods of contraception does not always guarantee safety. When using condoms for safe sex, it is important to follow the instructions on the package. Proper Use condoms makes them more effective. The following precautions must be observed:

• check the expiration date and integrity of the packaging;
• wear a condom before sex, not during it;
• use lubricant during sexual intercourse with a condom;
• remove and dispose of condoms correctly;
• never remove a condom and try to put it on again;
• never reuse a condom.

Symptoms

There are seven main signs that indicate an STI. If they are detected, you must immediately consult a doctor: gynecologist or urologist. The doctor will conduct an initial examination and prescribe further tests and examinations.

The presence of an STI may be indicated by:

• rashes and redness in the intimate area;
• increase lymph nodes.

There are quite a few sexually transmitted infections, and each of them manifests itself differently. To describe them you will need a whole medical reference book. Here we will consider only the most common STIs, which can be contracted by every person on the planet, regardless of gender, age and social status.

Syphilis is an infectious disease that has been known to mankind since ancient times. The causative agent is a bacterium called spirochete pallidum. You can become infected with syphilis through any sexual contact. The first symptoms appear 10 days after infection - a hard chancre appears on the genitals or perineum (less often, other parts of the body). Over time, similar rashes appear in oral cavity and on the fingers. There is a significant increase in lymph nodes, especially in the inguinal and cervical ones.

There are three stages of syphilis in total. In the absence of timely treatment, the disease can develop into a more severe form. As a result, ulcers spread throughout the body, including the mucous membranes. The patient is worried about inflammatory processes, headaches, aching bones, and deterioration in general health. At the third stage, meningitis may occur - inflammation of the membranes of the brain. Complications of syphilis can lead to paralysis and even death.

Chlamydia- one of the most insidious sexually transmitted diseases. Most people in the early stages of the disease have virtually no symptoms. In women they are less noticeable than in men, and may not appear at all. However, chlamydia is one of the main causes that leads to ectopic pregnancy, inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs and female infertility.

In male patients, chlamydia manifests itself with a number of characteristic symptoms. They are bothered by cutting pain during ejaculation and urination. This is caused by inflammation of the epididymis and urethra, which is caused by bacteria.

Gonorrhea - Another fairly common STI, especially among people aged 15 to 24 years. Like chlamydia, it can be spread through oral, vaginal or anal contact. And just like with chlamydia, most infected women do not notice any symptoms in the first stages. However, in men, gonorrhea appears almost immediately. Patients are concerned about purulent discharge from the urethra, painful and frequent urination, and discomfort in the anal area.

In the absence of timely treatment for gonorrhea, complications arise. Women experience bloody discharge after sex and cutting pain during it, body temperature rises and worsens general state body. Gonorrhea at any stage requires quick and effective treatment.

Trichomoniasis- a bacterial infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. At first, the disease does not show itself at all. The first symptoms appear approximately two weeks after infection. Men feel a burning sensation in the urethra, and discharge from the penis may appear.

In women, trichomoniasis manifests itself more clearly. Patients are worried painful sensations during sexual intercourse, which is caused by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the genital organs. One of the characteristic symptoms is thick yellow-green vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.

Genital herpes- a viral disease with extremely high susceptibility. It is transmitted not only through sexual intercourse, but also through skin-to-skin contact. The causative agent is herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). A day after infection, small blisters appear on the external genitalia. They are accompanied by itching and slight tingling. Over the next few days, the blisters turn into painful sores, fever and enlarged lymph nodes are observed.

Rashes are only the visible part of the disease. Even after they disappear, the herpes virus remains in the body for life. Lack of treatment in pregnant women can lead to serious complications, including fetal death.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)- sexually transmitted viruses. HPV types 16 and 18 are one of the main causes of cervical cancer in women. Regardless of gender, the disease manifests itself in the same way - in the form of small warts in the perineum and anus. In men, they can be hidden behind the foreskin and in the urethra. An asymptomatic course of the disease is also possible. In this case, the presence of infection can only be determined using special tests.

Ureaplasmosis- a disease that tends to be chronic. The causative agent is a single-celled microorganism called ureaplasma. Modern medicine classifies it as a conditionally pathogenic flora. This means that a small amount of ureaplasma is present in a healthy person. The disease begins when microbes become active and multiply rapidly, thereby displacing healthy microflora.

The first symptoms appear after 14-20 days. Patients experience inflammation of the genitourinary system, burning sensation when urinating, cloudy vaginal discharge. Women may be bothered by pain in the lower abdomen and cervicitis. Over time, the disease becomes chronic, which entails many complications:

• stricture (narrowing) of the urethra;
• cystitis, etc.

Untimely treatment of the infection often leads to infertility, missed abortion and premature birth.

Mycoplasmosis - like ureaplasmosis, it is caused by opportunistic microorganisms that can be in a “dormant” state in the body of a healthy person. However, sometimes mycoplasmas provoke a number of diseases of the genitourinary system. In women they appear nagging pain lower abdomen, burning sensation when urinating and pain during sexual intercourse.

HIV or human immunodeficiency virus - the most dangerous sexually transmitted disease. HIV does not make itself felt immediately - incubation period The disease lasts from 21 to 90 days. Symptoms appear only at the stage of manifestation of the infectious process.

Patients complain of inflammation of the lymph nodes, chronic weakness, headaches and loss of appetite. Characteristic sign HIV is an inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) that does not go away long time. In patients, the body temperature rises to 37-37.5 degrees, but it is not possible to normalize it with the help of antipyretic drugs.

The lack of antiretroviral therapy has an extremely negative impact on the patient's condition. The body is attacked by all kinds of viral and bacterial diseases: pneumonia, herpes, tuberculosis, candidiasis. As a result, AIDS develops.

Diagnostics

There are quite a lot of pathogens that are included in the group of STIs. Modern medicine offers many diagnostic methods that can be used to detect them and prescribe an effective treatment regimen. Conventionally, they can be divided into several groups:

• microscopic methods;
• cultural methods or cultures;
• DNA diagnostics.

After detecting symptoms that indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted infection, you should immediately consult a doctor. Women should make an appointment with a gynecologist, male patients with a urologist. If there obvious signs venereal disease (chancres or other rashes on the genitals), you need to go to a venereologist.

Despite the extensive choice of diagnostic methods, an accurate laboratory method does not yet exist. If you suspect an STI, you cannot use just one method; most often they are used in combination for the most reliable result. Diagnosis often takes a lot of time on the part of the patient.

The first thing a person who is concerned about the symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection should do is take a smear for microflora. This is a standard procedure, which is also performed during a routine examination by a gynecologist or urologist. In men, a smear is taken from the urethra, in women - from the vagina and urethra.

To the very simple methods Bacterial culture also applies. The doctor takes a certain amount of genital secretions for analysis. The taken material is placed in a nutrient medium, which promotes the rapid proliferation of bacteria: both “correct” and pathogenic.

In addition to microbiological analysis, if necessary, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is prescribed. With its help, you can identify antibodies with which the body fights STIs. For some diseases that affect the entire body (syphilis, HIV), a blood test is performed (HIV determination and Wasserman reaction).

The most accurate diagnostic method is PCR (polymerase chain reaction). It allows you to identify hidden diseases characterized by an asymptomatic course. The infection is detected using DNA testing. This method is effective in cases of suspected HPV and other diseases that can remain dormant in the body for a long time.

In addition to examination by highly specialized specialists, patients with STIs may sometimes need the help of other doctors. Some diseases affect not only the genitourinary system, but also other organs. This applies to infections such as:

• syphilis;
• HPV, herpes, etc.

They can affect vision, joints, skin, circulatory system, and anus. Depending on the type of complications, it is necessary to contact an immunologist, proctologist, dermatologist, infectious disease specialist and other specialists.

It is important to remember that in the case of an STI, only a doctor can make a diagnosis. Many diseases have almost identical symptoms, so self-medication can only aggravate the situation and lead to dangerous complications.

Treatment

Treatment of STIs involves individual and A complex approach to every patient. The main methods of treatment include the following types of therapy:

• antibacterial;
• immunostimulating;
• antiviral;
• physiotherapy;
• vitamin therapy.

Effective treatment is impossible without a combination of several types. It should be aimed at correcting the condition of the whole organism, and not just the genital organs. Local treatment gives only short-term results and, as a rule, does not eliminate the infection 100%.

A lasting therapeutic effect can be achieved with the help of complex drug therapy. In this case, local antibacterial agents (suppositories, creams, gels or ointments) and oral medications for oral administration. Sometimes invasive treatments such as injections or IVs may be needed.

Before taking any medications, you must be tested for susceptibility to antibiotics. Modern pharmacology offers a huge selection of antibiotics against STIs in different release forms and price categories. But not all of them are equally effective; drugs must be selected based on individual factors. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to self-medicate.

Correctly selected treatment with antibiotics and antiviral drugs lasts from 7 to 10 days. In cases where the disease becomes chronic, therapy is extended to 21 days. As a rule, the patient is advised to have sexual rest during treatment. Sometimes a second course of therapy may be prescribed, but the treatment regimen changes.

Treatment of both partners is imperative, otherwise re-infection cannot be avoided. You shouldn’t be ashamed of sexually transmitted diseases—it’s easy to get infected with them, and every person who is sexually active is at risk. The main method of prevention is trust sexual relations, refusal of promiscuous sex life and the use of barrier contraception. Even after complete recovery, it is necessary to take a control smear and undergo regular examinations.