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sexually transmitted

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What are the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and their treatments? If you’re having regular unprotected sex and with multiple partners, you’re becoming a high-risk candidate for sexually transmitted diseases or STD’s. Sexually transmitted diseases or STD’s are infectious and highly contagious diseases that are spread from person to person through sexual contact. If left untreated, it can lead to serious permanent damage, like infertility and even death. Here are the most common STD’s and their treatments:

1. Chlamydia - is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis. It is spread from person to person through sexual contact and even through oral-genital contact. You can also catch Chlamydia eye infection if the infected fluids are spread to the eyes. The problem with Chlamydia is that there are hardly any symptoms to make you think that you have it and so it can easily be spread to both men and women. The reported symptoms include having a burning sensation while peeing and discharge from the genitalia (for both men and women), pain in the lower abdomen and pain while having sexual intercourse (women). Treatment includes a round of antibiotics that must not be interrupted otherwise you have to start over again from the beginning. To check if the Chlamydia has been treated, a follow-up check-up with your doctor is necessary. Meanwhile, refrain from penetrative sex until you’ve been given the all-clear.

2. Genital Herpes - is caused by the virus HSV-2 or Herpes Simplex Virus - 2. HSV-2 is usually acquired during direct sexual contact and mostly affects the genital area. HSV-1 is the virus that causes cold sores in the mouth. People with the virus in their system don’t normally know they have it until they have the actual outbreak in their genital area. This usually involves sores that turn into watery blisters that last from 2 to 4 weeks. There is currently no treatment for genital herpes although they may prescribe antivirals to contain the virus from multiplying. What doctors can also do is alleviate the pain and suffering caused by the symptoms by prescribing painkillers.

3. Genital Warts - are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and appear on the skin as white or fleshy-colored bumps, in singles or in groups, mostly in the genital area for both men and women. People with the HPV don’t necessarily know they have it and as such can pose a danger of infection for their sexual partners. Treatment of genital warts usually include podophyllin resin (applied by doctors and nurses on the genital warts to stop their cell growth); podopfilox lotion/gel may be applied by the patient at home; and, cryocautery or cryotherapy that freezes persistent warts. When other options have been exhausted, patients may elect to turn to electrocautery, laser treatments and surgical excision.

4. Gonorrhea - is probably the most common STD globally. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrheoae and is passed through penetrative vaginal, oral or anal sex. In oral sex, the bacterium can pass from the genitals to the throat or from the throat to the genitals. Common symptoms include yellow to greenish vaginal discharge in women and white or yellow discharge in men. Both will also experience pain while urinating. Once gonorrhea is confirmed, the patient will be treated to a round of antibiotics and will be required for a follow up check up. If treatment is unsuccessful, as some bacteria are shown to be resistant to some antibiotics, stronger medicine may be necessary.