Sexually Transmitted Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by the spirochete bacterium. It spreads through sexual contact, placental transfer, and blood. Symptoms include a painless but highly contagious sore or ulcer on the genitals, and swollen lymph nodes in the groin. Advanced stages can manifest as skin problems, hepatitis, nervous system issues, or bone problems. Diagnosis is through the VDRL test. Treatment involves penicillin injections. Untreated syphilis can lead to heart and central nervous system complications.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and chlamydia by Chlamydia trachomatis. Symptoms appear several weeks after infection and include pain during urination, greenish vaginal discharge, and pus from the penis in men. Chlamydia symptoms can be similar or absent. Untreated infections can cause infertility due to fallopian tube damage in women and seminal duct damage in men. They can also lead to cystitis and bladder infections. Diagnosis involves culturing secretions. Treatment includes penicillin for gonorrhea and doxycycline for chlamydia.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is common in Asia and Africa and spreads through sexual intercourse or blood. It is preventable with vaccines in national vaccination plans. Symptoms may not appear until 6 months after infection. Chronic infections can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure requiring transplants, and liver cancers.

Herpes

Herpes is caused by the herpes virus, typically located on the genitals. It spreads through sexual contact and causes painful blisters. It can also be transmitted from mother to child through the birth canal.

HPV – Papilloma (Condyloma Acuminatum)

HPV manifests as external genital warts. Certain types of HPV are associated with cervical cancer. It can be detected through abnormal Pap smears and colposcopy. The virus can reside beneath the mucosa and may recur after local surgery or topical treatments.

Trichomonas

Trichomonas is a parasite that causes a grayish, sparkling vaginal discharge, along with swelling and itching. In men, it is often asymptomatic but contagious. Diagnosis is through a culture of vaginal discharge. Treatment involves metronidazole tablets.

AIDS

AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which destroys the body’s defense system against infections and certain cancers. There is no cure, but it can be controlled. HIV is detected through ELISA and Western Blot tests. Being a carrier means the virus is present but may not cause symptoms initially, though it remains contagious. When the immune system weakens, serious infections occur, leading to AIDS. HIV is found in body fluids, with the highest concentrations in semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. Transmission occurs mainly through sexual contact, contaminated needles, or from mother to fetus. Prevention includes condom use, monogamy, and understanding one’s sexual partner. Oral penetration should be avoided.