Very well-known, yet not taken very seriously. STDs can affect both men and women of all social classes and ages, and can lead to serious health complications. Contrary to what most people think, these diseases are not only transmitted through sexual intercourse itself, but also through kissing or even masturbation if performed after touching an infected person.

What are STDs?

STD stands for sexually transmitted diseases, which are mainly spread through unprotected sex with an infected person. They can appear through discharge, sores, warts, or blisters in the genital area. Among the most well-known STDs are syphilis, gonorrhea, HPV, herpes, chancroid, and AIDS, but there is an extensive list of diseases in this category. They are also commonly known as venereal diseases. Each one causes distinct symptoms in the body and affects different areas. Some are completely curable with treatment while others are not. Some cause very uncomfortable symptoms, and others are totally asymptomatic. In addition to sexual contact, STDs can be contracted through kissing, masturbation, and through blood transfusion when the donor has the virus. Transmission can also occur during pregnancy or childbirth if the mother is infected. Sharing contaminated needles can also lead to infection.

STD Symptoms

Many STDs are completely asymptomatic, which is very concerning. First, because it can worsen the patient’s condition since it may take longer to discover and begin appropriate treatment. Second, because without symptoms, the carrier does not use protection and ends up infecting others. The best way to prevent or properly treat is through regular medical checkups. Visit your gynecologist regularly and get to know your body—if you notice any different sign, see your doctor immediately. Even asymptomatic STDs cause changes in the body, especially in vaginal discharge, so always stay alert!

Strong Odor

Vaginal odor is quite characteristic, but when it changes—often becoming foul or very strong—something may be wrong. It is normal for women to notice changes in the smell of their vaginas when urinating or even in the odor of their underwear. In fact, this is a highly recommended practice for women—smelling your used underwear is a great method to check on your intimate health. Some STDs alter the vaginal pH, and the presence of bacteria completely changes the natural odor of the vagina.

Itching

Itching in the intimate area does not necessarily mean you have an STD, as it can be caused by many factors such as allergy to an intimate product or even by candidiasis. But it can also be a sign of an infection or bacteria present in the area, so it’s best to investigate and confirm that everything is okay, or, if not, start proper treatment as soon as possible.

Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a common sign among all women, especially those of reproductive age. It’s also very common in the days leading up to the menstrual period. However, if the vaginal discharge comes with uncomfortable symptoms like itching, bad odor, and a greenish or yellowish color, this indicates an infection. This is also a typical sign of a well-known STD, gonorrhea.

Genital Warts

The presence of warts on male or female genital organs can be a warning sign for infections and STDs, specifically HPV. In women, untreated HPV can worsen and lead to more serious problems, such as cervical cancer.

Pain and Difficulty Urinating

This is a very common symptom for various health problems, especially urinary tract infections, but pain and difficulty urinating can also be a sign of STDs. For men, difficulty urinating can indicate gonorrhea or chlamydia, which causes intense pain in the urethra and difficulty urinating. If you notice any of these symptoms or any other sign that your body is different—with a distinct odor—see your doctor immediately. Tests like the Pap smear and other more specific ones will provide a reliable diagnosis and effective treatment.

STD Treatment

STD treatment varies depending on the disease. That is why a medical consultation and more specific tests are indispensable to determine and diagnose the exact disease so that treatment can start as soon as possible. Unfortunately, some have no cure, and the recommended treatment is just to control symptoms and provide a better quality of life for the patient.

AIDS

AIDS, which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is contracted through the HIV virus. This disease completely affects the immune system, leaving the body extremely susceptible to all other diseases. Transmission occurs through vaginal, anal, and oral sex without protection, during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding from mother to baby when the woman is HIV positive, or through sharing needles or blood transfusions with contaminated blood. AIDS is one of the STDs that has no cure. Treatment consists of antiretroviral drugs, which are provided free of charge by the public health network (SUS). This medication focuses on strengthening the affected immune system to reduce the viral load and also lower the chances of the patient developing other illnesses, such as respiratory and heart diseases, which are very common in HIV patients.

HPV

Also known as rooster’s crest because of its appearance when manifested, HPV or condyloma acuminatum is considered a common—even simple—infection, but if not treated correctly it can trigger cancer. HPV treatment can be with medication or, in some cases, surgically. Medication does not eliminate the virus, since there is no treatment that provides that effect. Instead, it is focused on controlling the symptoms, which can be very uncomfortable and painful due to the lesions that appear. In more specific cases, surgical removal of the lesions may be recommended.

Gonorrhea

The well-known gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The disease affects the genital organs, cervix, rectum, eyes, and throat. If untreated in time, it can worsen and cause irreversible infertility. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics to fight the bacteria in the body. Usually, within the first few days of treatment, the symptoms already become less bothersome; however, the medication should be taken until the last day of the medical prescription and the treatment must be followed strictly.

Syphilis

Syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum, is characterized by the presence of genital sores or some lumps in the groin, often mistaken for swollen lymph nodes. In more advanced stages, it is common to see spots all over the body, paralysis in the limbs, hair loss, and even blindness. The treatment is with an injectable antibiotic that is highly effective in combating the bacteria that cause syphilis. A single dose of the injection within the first year of infection can treat the disease. If the disease was contracted over a year ago, more doses of the injectable antibiotic may be needed. Photo: Bru-nO