Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Signs, Symptoms and Causes

It is generally through sexual contact that STDs or sexually transmitted diseases or STIs or sexually transmitted infections are acquired. Sexually transmitted diseases are caused by organisms that could pass from one person to another through vaginal, blood, semen, and other body fluids.

There are also nonsexual kinds of transmission such as an infected to her baby from pregnancy to birth or through shared needles or blood transfusions.

People who may seem to be in the best of health may be the one to infect you especially when they are not even aware that they have the infection. Some people do not show symptoms even when they have STDs which is why the term ‘sexually transmitted infections’ is more preferred than ‘sexually transmitted diseases’.

STDs have several signs and symptoms which could most often be hardly noticeable until a partner is diagnosed or health complications happen. They may include:

  • Bumps or sores on the rectal area, genitals or in the oral area
  • Burning or painful urination
  • Discharges from the penis
  • Unpleasant-smelling discharges from the vagina
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Lymph nodes that are sore and swollen especially the groin area
  • Lower stomach pain
  • Rashes on feet, trunk or hands

Depending on the organism, symptoms may appear a few days after infection or could take years to show.

Consult a doctor right away if:

  • You are experiencing STD signs and symptoms
  • You are active sexually and you’ve been infected with an STD

Arrange for an appointment with a doctor:

  • When you are 21 years old and want to become sexually active or vice-versa
  • Before involving in a sexual relationship with a new partner

The following can cause sexually transmitted diseases:

  • Viruses (HIV, human Papillomavirus, genital herpes)
  • Bacteria (Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis)
  • Parasites (Trichomoniasis)

The main reason for getting infected is engaging in sexual relations, but getting infected without sex can also be possible such as Giardia intestinalis, shigella, and the viruses of Hepatitis A, B, and C.

If you are sexually active you have a high risk of getting infected and here are some factors that could up the ante:

  • Unsafe sex. Sexual activity such as anal or vaginal penetration without using latex condom stand a high risk of getting infected with STD. Inconsistent and improper condom usage also increases the risk.

Oral sex needs a dental dam so infection cannot be passed.

  • Multiple sex partners. You are more exposed to acquiring STD when you have multiple sex partners.
  • Have a previous STD history. If you have STD such as Chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea or syphilis that has not been treated and you engage in unprotected sex with a partner who has HIV, you will get infected right away. You can also get re-infected if your current partner has not been treated.
  • Sharing of needles. Injecting drugs and sharing the needles can spread a lot of serious infections such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV. If you get infected with HIV while sharing needles, there’s a good chance that you can pass it sexually.

Different Types of Hepatitis – Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis

Swelling or inflammation of the liver is described as hepatitis. This happens when the liver has been exposed to substances which can harm it such as alcohol or an effect from a viral infection.

There are other types of hepatitis that may afflict, but will not permanently damage the liver.

Other types can last for many years leading to liver scarring such as cirrhosis. In serious health conditions, it may cause liver failure or liver function loss or liver cancer which could eventually lead to death. These long-lasting types of hepatitis are referred to as chronic hepatitis.

The first symptoms of hepatitis that is developed by infection could be compared to symptoms of the flu:

  • Jaundice which is yellowing of the skin and eyes
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Being sick
  • Headache
  • High fever
  • Feeling sick

When it is already chronic hepatitis, these will be the symptoms:

  • A sense of being unwell
  • Extreme fatigue all the time
  • Jaundice
  • Depression

In most cases, there are hardly noticeable symptoms in cases of hepatitis which could make infected people unaware that they have it.

Types of hepatitis

 

Hepatitis A

The most common viral hepatitis, it is caused by the virus from hepatitis A. It is very common in places where there are poor sewage and sanitation disposals.

You can also become infected when travelling to countries where hepatitis A occurs frequently.

Eating or drinking something contaminated with the feces from hepatitis A infected people will transmit the infection.

After three months, symptoms and infection will go away. There is no special treatment program for hepatitis A except to provide relief from the symptoms.

The best protection against hepatitis A is vaccination. It is highly recommended if you plan to travel to countries where hepatitis A is common.

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus causes hepatitis B. This can be found in body and blood fluids, such as vaginal fluids and semen, so it can be transmitted during birth from an infected mother, unprotected sex and needle-sharing when drugs are injected.

It is a fairly uncommon infection that is usually confined to groups such as users of drugs. Most people could fight off the virus and recover fully after a few months. However, some people develop chronic hepatitis B which could lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Hepatitis B vaccination is available for protection and prevention. It is recommended for high-risk people such as healthcare workers and drug users that inject drugs.

Hepatitis C

Found in the blood and, to some degree, in the vaginal fluid, semen, and saliva of an infected person, the hepatitis C virus causes hepatitis C.

Blood-to-blood contact is the usual spread of the infection since the hepatitis C virus is concentrated in the blood.

It is commonly spread by sharing needles among drug users when injecting drugs. It does not show any symptoms which are the main reason why people are unaware that they have the infection.

Only a few people will be able to ward off the infection and become free of the virus. In most people, it will develop into chronic hepatitis C leading to liver failure and cirrhosis.