Table of contents:

1. The most common sexually transmitted diseases
2. How can you become infected?
3. What symptoms may suggest an STD infection?
4. Specialists treating sexually transmitted diseases
5. Diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases
6. Follow-up and treatment
7. Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

Sexuallytransmitted diseases (STDs) are a major health problem worldwide, affecting not only the physical, but also the mental and social aspects of life. From infection to effective treatment, the issue of STDs requires a holistic approach, including education, prevention, diagnosis and effective therapeutic strategies.

The most common sexually transmitted diseases

The most common sexually transmitted diseases include:

• syphilis,
• gonorrhoea,
• chlamydiosis,
• cervicella,
• genital herpes and human papilloma virus (HPV) infections.

Sexually transmitted diseases, photo: panthermedia

Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also a serious threat. In the countries of the European Union, the last 10 years have seen an increase in diagnoses of sexually transmitted diseases: particularly syphilis and gonorrhoea. The incidence of these diseases exceeds 1 million cases per day worldwide. This gives an alarming figure of 376.4 million new infections per year.

How can one become infected?

STDs can be transmitted through various forms of sexual activity. The most common routes of infection include unprotected sexual intercourse (anal, oral, vaginal) and contact with infected genitals. HIV and HCV can also be contracted through contact with the blood of an infected person, sharing needles (in the case of drug abusers) and through transmission of infection from an infected mother to her child during childbirth.

Understanding the different routes of transmission is crucial for effective infection education and prevention!

What symptoms may suggest an STD infection?

The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can vary and depend on the type of infection and the stage of the disease. Some STDs can be asymptomatic, which means that the infected person may be the source of the infection without even realising it.

Sexually transmitted diseases: diagnosis, photo: panthermedia

The most common symptoms include:

• pain and burning during urination,

• discharge or discharge from genitals,

• pain, itching in the genital area,

• unusual skin lesions, ulcers,

• fever, weakness,

• irregular menstrual bleeding,

• enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the groin,

• pain in the lower abdomen,

• pain during intercourse.

Specialists treating sexually transmitted diseases

If a sexually transmitted disease is suspected or diagnosed, it is important to contact the appropriate specialist. A venereologist (in Poland usually a dermatologist-venereologist) is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of venereal diseases.

Specialists treating sexually transmitted diseases, photo: panthermedia

Infectious diseases, e.g. HIV, HCV, are dealt with by infectious disease specialists. However, in practice, patients are often initially referred to a primary care physician, a gynaecologist for women and a urologist for men. Subsequently, they are referred to the appropriate outpatient clinics. It is worthemphasising that consulting the right specialist is crucial for correct diagnosis and effective treatment.

Diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases

The process of diagnosing sexually transmitted diseases involves a variety of tests, depending on the type of infection and symptoms. These tests can include blood tests, urethral, vaginal and cervical swabs, as well as molecular techniques such as PCR tests (allow detection of genetic material of pathogens).

There is no single diagnostic method that is universally effective for all sexually transmitted diseases. The doctor may opt for a set of different tests to obtain a comprehensive diagnosis.

Follow-up and treatment

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, follow-up is crucial. Treatment usually includes antibiotics, antiviral drugs or surgical procedures, depending on the type of infection. At the same time, it is extremely important to inform the partner or sexual partner and to have regular follow-ups after treatment.

Sexually transmitted diseases: prevention, photo: panthermedia

Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted disease prevention plays a key role in protecting sexual health. Here are some key steps you can take to minimise the risk of infection:

• Using condoms. Condoms significantly reduce the risk of transmission of infection.

• Avoiding risky sexual behaviour, such as unprotected intercourse or intercourse with an unfamiliar partner.

• Regular screening for sexually transmitted diseases especially after changing sexual partners.

• Vaccinations. For some sexually transmitted diseases, such as human papilloma virus (HPV), vaccination is available.

• Talking to your Partner. It is important to talk openly with your partner about your health history, STD testing and attitude towards prevention. A shared awareness and commitment from both partners is key to maintaining sexual health.

• Testing for infections before a planned pregnancy.

• Sex education. Increased knowledge of safe sexual practices is key to effective prevention.

Early detection of sexually transmitted diseases is crucial for effective treatment and minimising the risk of transmission to others.