Venereal Diseases (STDs) are a group of diseases that can be transmitted through sexual contact. We categorize them as those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Infection can occur not only during vaginal intercourse but also during oral or anal contacts.
During sexual intercourse with an infected person, our health is at risk of various venereal diseases that cause pain, itching, burning, and other unpleasant symptoms. Moments of pleasure can cost us a visit to the doctor and the need for pharmacological treatment.
In this article, we explain the various sexually transmitted diseases, who is vulnerable to them, and how to protect against them.
Who Is Vulnerable to Contracting Venereal Diseases?
Most sexually transmitted diseases occur among young people, between 15 and 24 years old, living in large urban areas. However, everyone is susceptible to venereal diseases, regardless of gender and age, especially those with high sexual activity, not using condoms, frequently changing partners, and practicing various non-standard sexual techniques. The incidence of diseases increases among homosexual men not in stable relationships.
Factors that increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases also include low socioeconomic status, belonging to racial and national minorities, as well as substance abuse, which increases the tendency to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
Venereal Diseases Caused by Bacteria
Gonorrhea – infection occurs through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria that thrive in warm and moist places, such as the vagina, cervix, anus, or throat. In women, gonorrhea often shows no symptoms, but watery greenish discharge, pain during urination, burning sensation in the intimate area, and heavy menstruation may occur. In men, symptoms may include testicular pain, purulent discharge from the urethra, inflammation of the foreskin, and burning during urination.
Syphilis – an infectious disease caused by spirochetes (a type of microorganisms) developing in blood and other bodily fluids. The most common route of infection is sexual intercourse with an infected person, but infection can also occur through kissing if bacteria are present in the throat of the infected person. Syphilis is usually asymptomatic in most individuals, but symptoms such as sores on the genitals or vulva, rash on the palms and soles of the feet may appear. Untreated syphilis can lead to damage to the nervous system, circulatory system, bones, joints, and mental disorders.
Chlamydia – transmitted through sexual contact or damaged skin and mucous membranes. In 70–80% of cases, infection is asymptomatic and is diagnosed only when it causes complications. In men, the disease can cause epididymitis. In women, the infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, resulting in infertility.
Venereal Diseases Caused by Viruses
HIV – a virus that attacks the human immune system. Infection usually occurs through the exchange of bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, blood, or breast milk. For most of the time, the disease shows no symptoms. The presence of the virus gradually weakens the immune system, and as the disease progresses, it leads to AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Genital Herpes – caused by viruses related to the same group as the varicella-zoster virus, shingles, and mononucleosis. It manifests with burning and itching of the genital organs or around the anus, pain during urination. Small blisters filled with clear fluid may also appear, which, when ruptured, form painful, reddened ulcers.
Viral Hepatitis – a liver disease caused by viral infection. The disease is transmitted through contact with semen, blood, vaginal secretions, or ejaculate from an infected person. The incubation period of the disease lasts from 6 to 23 weeks. Symptoms of viral hepatitis may be invisible, meaning the disease may be asymptomatic, or the patient may only report fatigue and weakness. Full-blown disease involves: jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, high fever, sore throat or cough, dark urine, and light stools.
Genital Warts (HPV) – the disease is caused by the human papillomavirus, which leads to the formation of warts in different locations. One of their types is genital warts located in the vagina, cervix, vulva, penis, or around the anus. Women infected with the virus should undergo regular cytological examinations because various types of HPV viruses can cause cervical cancer.
Venereal Diseases Caused by Protozoa and Fungi
Trichomoniasis – also known as trichomoniasis, is a disease caused by parasites inhabiting the vagina of women or the urethra of men. Symptoms of the disease usually appear within a month of parasite infection. In women, rare, frothy, yellow, or greenish vaginal discharge with a fishy odor is typical. In men, atypical discharge from the urethra or penile pain may occur.
Venereal Diseases Caused by Parasites
Pubic Lice – a disease caused by the human pubic louse. The most common symptom is intense itching of the skin – in men in the scrotum and penis area, and in women around the labia and pubic mound.
Scabies of the Genital Area – a disease caused by the human scabies mite. Typical symptoms include itching of the genitals, pubic mound, abdomen, groin, and thighs.
Prevention – How to Reduce the Risk of Infection?
STD prevention involves protecting oneself during sexual intercourse. However, hormonal contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. It is recommended to use condoms, both male and female, and oral sex wipes. Also, having sex with one stable partner minimizes the chances of infection.