A disease that can be contracted through sexual activity is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Many people have heard about STDs and a few of them would know about it too, but actions are rarely taken to prevent it. It is essential for people to learn more about sexually transmitted infections and diseases to better protect themselves. Detecting the symptoms early is essential to getting the disease out of one’s system.
STDs are hard to detect early, particularly because there are no symptoms. However, there are some common symptoms that make it easier for doctors to reach a conclusion. These symptoms include pain, swelling or itching near the private parts. Painful intercourse, yellowing of the skin, skin rash, painful urination could also point towards a sexually transmitted infection. More often than not these symptoms would be accompanied by weight loss, vaginal discharge, body ache, fever, loose stools or even night sweats. Doctors also make a clearer diagnosis after conducting some tests and gaining sufficient knowledge of a patient’s sexual history.
If these symptoms are hampering a patient’s everyday activities then a consultation is required immediately. A blood test or urine test or the fluid samples of the patient will be required for diagnosis and a treatment plan.
HIV is one of the most dangerous STDs as it cannot be cured. Apart from that most STDs are treatable. However, it is imperative to catch them at a benign stage. There are severe implications of leaving an STD untreated like infertility, increased risk of getting HIV among many others.
Treatment includes the prescription of antibiotics. The course has to be strictly completed to avoid further complications. Once the symptoms subside it will be less likely that a patient could spread the virus. A re-test would be conducted to make sure that the patient does not have the infection anymore. Till then, the patient would be advised to abstain from any sexual activity.
Since STD happens by having sexual relations with someone who has the disease, limiting the number of sexual partners is the best shield against it. Abstinence is a sure shot method of preventing the disease from ever happening. People who have an active sexual life (especially with multiple partners ) should get checked for STDs even though there might be no symptoms. Using good quality protection while having sex could prevent the infection from traveling from one body to the other.
Learning more and more about STDs is all the solution needed to the problem. Even if one person properly knows the signs and symptoms, they can look for the same in themselves or their partners, and protect themselves from having the disease in the first place, than to go through the ordeal of the treatment plan!