Sexually transmitted diseases– one of the serious social and psychological problems of our time. Their social significance is determined by their high prevalence, the severity of the consequences for the health of sick people, the danger to society, and the impact on the reproduction of offspring. The causative agents of these diseases are transmitted from person to person mainly through sexual contact as a result of casual relationships with unfamiliar or unfamiliar people. In 1974, on the recommendation of the WHO, it was decided to replace the term “sexually transmitted diseases” with “sexually transmitted diseases,” abbreviated as STDs.
In recent years, the incidence of STDs has increased significantly, which is due to:
- with early onset of sexual activity;
- with frequent changes of sexual partners;
- neglecting the use of condoms;
- with insufficient sex education;
- with self-medication, etc.
Most sexually transmitted diseases are highly treatable. Without treatment, some of them can lead to minor health problems, but others lead to infertility, severe damage to the heart, blood vessels, and joints. Some sexually transmitted infections can “sleep” in the body for a long time, without showing their presence in any way, but at the same time have a detrimental effect on the body. It is important to know the manifestations of these diseases in order to consult a doctor in time. The earlier treatment is started, the higher its effectiveness.
“Classic” sexually transmitted diseases include syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, etc. In addition, sexually transmitted diseases include chlamydia, urogenital candidiasis, genital herpes, viral hepatitis, AIDS, etc.
Syphilis
Syphilis- a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by treponema pallidum (spirochete), occurring with periodic remissions and exacerbations, as well as the formation of foci of inflammation in tissues and organs.
Infection occurs mainly through sexual contact, possibly through domestic contact, through kisses, bites, household items (spoons, glasses, toiletries), and can also be transmitted to offspring (congenital syphilis).
Syphilis is characterized by a long-term (without treatment) course with periods of exacerbation and subsidence.
There are three clinical periods of the disease:
Primary– a hard chancre appears at the site through which the microbe entered the human body. More often it occurs on the genitals, round in shape, up to the size of a ten-kopeck coin, dirty gray or red in color in the form of an ulcer, painless. 1-2 weeks after the onset of the ulcer, the nearest lymph nodes enlarge (if the ulcer is localized in the mouth, the submandibular nodes enlarge, and if the genital organs are affected, the inguinal ones become enlarged). The ulcer (chancroid) heals on its own within 3-6 weeks. after occurrence.
Secondary- characterized by a symmetrical pale rash over the entire body, including the palms and soles, appearing 6-8 weeks after the appearance of chancre. The appearance of a rash is often accompanied by headache, malaise, and fever (as with the flu). Lymph nodes throughout the body enlarge. Secondary syphilis occurs in the form of alternating exacerbations and remissions (asymptomatic periods). In this case, hair loss on the head is possible, as well as the appearance of flesh-colored growths on the genitals and in the anus (condylomas lata).
Tertiary– without appropriate treatment, irreversible changes occur in internal organs, bones, mucous membranes and skin. Tubercles and gummas form on the skin, internal organs, bones and nervous system. The decay of gums causes irreversible changes in the internal organs and systems of the body.
Syphilis in pregnant women
In some women, the disease occurs without any clinical manifestations. But more often there are patients with skin rashes. Currently, a woman who has syphilis can give birth to a healthy child if she undergoes treatment on time.
Diagnosis of syphilis
At the slightest suspicion of syphilis, you must immediately consult a venereologist and undergo the necessary tests.
Syphilis is a highly contagious disease that poses a danger to others and is detrimental to health, and therefore requires immediate examination and treatment in a specialized institution.
Specific treatment is prescribed to a patient with syphilis after diagnosis. The main direction in treatment is the use of antimicrobial drugs active against Treponema pallidum. A patient who has had sexual contact with a patient with syphilis must be examined and, if indicated, receive preventive treatment.
After complete specific treatment of syphilis, serological blood tests often remain positive for a long time, so it is necessary to be regularly monitored by a doctor.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by gonococcus. Gonorrhea most often affects people aged 20-30 years. In most cases, infection occurs through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral). As a rule, the source of infection is women, since their disease can be asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose. It is possible for a newborn to become infected from a sick mother during childbirth.
Symptoms of the disease appear 3-5 days after infection. Women experience yellowish-white discharge, pain in the lower abdomen and intermenstrual bleeding, but there may be a complete absence of any symptoms.
In men, the primary form of infection is gonorrheal urethritis, which is characterized by itching and burning of the external opening of the urethra, which intensifies with urination. Then profuse purulent discharge begins, as well as severe redness and swelling of the external opening of the urethra.
There are two forms of gonorrhea:
- acute (up to 2 months);
- chronic (more than 2 months).
Gonococcus can enter the human body simultaneously with other sexually transmitted infections (ureaplasma, chlamydia, gardnerella, trichomonas), which leads to a mixed infection of the genitourinary tract. The most common combination of gonococcal infection with chlamydia and ureaplasma. Given that these infections are not sensitive to most drugs used to treat gonorrhea, additional laboratory tests and longer therapy are required.
Gonococcal infection can cause:
- urethritis
- proctitis
- stomatitis
- pharyngitis
- gonorrhea eyes
Complications of gonorrhea
- In men, the most common complication is inflammation of the epididymis - epididymitis.
- In women, the most common complication of gonorrhea is inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages, which are one of the main causes of female infertility. At the same time, the intrauterine device and menstruation increase the risk of inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages.
- When gonococci spread to other organs, disseminated gonococcal infection occurs. This affects the joints, skin, brain, heart and liver.
- When gonococci get into the eyes, gonococcal conjunctivitis occurs.
Diagnosis of gonorrhea
Symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose gonorrhea. Confirmation of the diagnosis by laboratory methods is necessary.
Diagnosis of acute gonorrhea in men is usually based on the results of a general smear. For chronic gonorrhea in men, as well as for any form of the disease in women, more accurate research methods are needed - PCR or culture.
Sexual partners
If you are cured but your sexual partner is not, you can easily become infected again.
It is very important to tell your sexual partners about the disease, even if they are not worried, and to encourage them to get tested and treated. After all, being asymptomatic does not reduce the risk of complications.
Trichomoniasis
The incubation period is from 3 days. up to 3-4 weeks (on average 5-6 days)
There are several forms of trichomoniasis:
Acute form.
In acute cases, men experience abundant purulent discharge from the urethra, which may be scanty, watery, mucopurulent or mucous, itching, burning in the urethra, pain when urinating.
In women with an acute course of the process, patients complain of a burning sensation in the genital area, itching and pain. When examined, the skin of the labia majora and the mucous membrane of the vaginal vestibule are red, swollen, covered with gray purulent mucous discharge, which shrinks into crusts, and when removed, erosions are found on the mucous membrane. Under the influence of copious gray-yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor, dermatitis occurs on the inner surface of the thighs. Pain in the lower abdomen. Painful urination
Chronic form.
It is characterized by an asymptomatic course when more than 2 months have passed since infection. Periodic exacerbations can be caused by a decrease in the body's resistance, excessive alcohol consumption, and impaired ovarian function. Depending on how frequent the relapses are and how hard they are tolerated, trichomoniasis is classified as uncomplicated and with complications.
Trichomonas carriage.
Trichomonas carriage is a form of the disease in which there are no symptoms.
Routes of infection.
The source of infection is a sick person or a Trichomonas carrier. Infection occurs through sexual contact. It is almost impossible to become infected through everyday means (swimming in a pool or river, in the shower). However, in semen, urine and water, the pathogen remains viable for 24 hours.
Diagnostics.
Diagnosis is made based on clinical signs and laboratory tests.
Treatment.
Treatment is prescribed only after examination and laboratory examination, the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient. Treatment of trichomoniasis is carried out on all sexual partners if one of them has an infection (trichomoniasis).
Chlamydia
Chlamydia- disease caused by chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.
Chlamydia affects people of any age. The disease is transmitted sexually, by airborne droplets or by contact. Chlamydia in women can cause bartholinitis, cervicitis, urethritis, salpingoophoritis, etc.
In men it can cause urethritis, prostatitis, proctitis, etc.
Symptoms of urogenital chlamydia in women are observed in 1/3 of cases of the disease:
- mucous-purulent discharge from the cervical canal and/or vagina;
- pain in the lower abdomen; when urinating;
- spotting after sexual intercourse and between menstruation;
- chronic pelvic pain;
- infertility.
Symptoms of urogenital chlamydia in men are observed in 2/3 of the disease:
- mucous and mucopurulent discharge from the urethra;
- painful sensations when urinating;
- pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the perineum;
- erectile dysfunction.
In addition, depending on the location of the pathological process, individuals of both sexes may experience discharge and discomfort in the anorectal region, hyperemia of the conjunctival mucosa, lacrimation, arthralgia, and hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the pharyngeal wall. But more often, this disease occurs without any symptoms and is difficult to diagnose in a laboratory. All this complicates the treatment process, without which serious complications are possible.
The infection can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. It has been noted that more than half of children born to mothers with chlamydial infection suffer from conjunctivitis and pneumonia. Pregnant women with chlamydia infection may have the following complications:
- ectopic pregnancy
- spontaneous abortion
- non-developing pregnancy
- premature birth
- weak labor
- fever during childbirth
- gestosis
- polyhydramnios
- placentation abnormalities
- premature placental abruption
- intrauterine fetal hypoxia
As a rule, chlamydia in pregnant women is asymptomatic. The presence of infection can be indicated by cervicitis and pseudo-erosion of the cervix.
Diagnosis of chlamydia.
Laboratory investigations: bacteriological examination; direct immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies; enzyme immunoassay (ELISA); RNA, DNA hybridization; nucleic acid amplification method, polymerase chain reaction, ligase chain reaction.
Patients with urogenital chlamydia should be screened for other STDs!
Treatment.
Effective treatment of urogenital chlamydia helps prevent severe complications and infection of sexual partners and newborns.
Antibiotics active against chlamydia trachomatis are the drugs of choice.
With timely detection and adequate treatment, the prognosis is favorable.
2 weeks after completing the course of treatment for chlamydia, the patient undergoes clinical and laboratory control. Women undergo a control study during the next 1-2 menstrual cycles. In men, observation continues for another 3-4 months.
Chlamydia is a disease that often has no symptoms. Therefore, many patients do not even suspect the presence of chlamydial infection and do not undergo examination and treatment. Currently, about 70% of women with cervical infection and 50% of men with urethral infection suffer from this disease.
To prevent the spread of the disease, all women are tested for the presence of chlamydia in the body before childbirth and termination of pregnancy. Couples coming to a family planning clinic are screened for chlamydial infection. If it is detected, both partners undergo treatment for chlamydia.
Prevention.
The main method of prevention is the exclusion of casual relationships and the use of barrier methods of contraception.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis(synonym - thrush) is a fungal disease of the mucous membrane of the genital organs, which is caused by excessive proliferation of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (Candida).
Candida is a microorganism that is constantly present in small quantities in the body of a healthy person (on the skin, in the oral cavity, in the gastrointestinal tract, in the genitourinary system). However, the balance of microorganisms can be disturbed, which leads to excessive proliferation of candida and, as a result, candidiasis.
The acute form of candidiasis (thrush), if left untreated, can lead to a chronic one. The chronic form is characterized by numerous relapses, the causes of which in most cases are secondary infections. As a rule, such patients are diagnosed with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (dysbacteriosis) and various gynecological diseases that reduce local immunity.
One of the main features of candidiasis infection is multifocality. Yeast-like fungi affect the genitourinary tract, and sometimes the internal genital organs. Due to its high adaptability, candidal infection penetrates various organs, leading to changes in their functions.
Quite often, thrush appears in pregnant women, as a result of changes in the body, hormonal changes and a decrease in local immunity. In such cases, a woman should be more attentive to her body and not delay the visit to a specialist.
More than 50% of women experience this disease throughout their lives, especially residents of hot countries. Thrush also affects women with weakened immune systems, who have hormonal imbalances and bacterial flora. Exacerbations are usually provoked by the following reasons:
- pregnancy, altered hormonal status
- surgical interventions
- endocrine diseases
- infectious diseases
- taking hormonal contraceptives
- taking antibiotics, corticosteroids, cytostatics
- drinking alcohol, sweets, spicy foods.
Candida can coexist with other sexually transmitted infections. Candidiasis can sometimes result from antibiotic treatment for other STDs or other infectious diseases.
Clinical picture of candidiasis.
Candidiasis (thrush) has the following clinical forms:
- acute
- chronic
- candidiasis
The main symptoms of acute candidiasis are:
- curdled leucorrhoea
- burning, itching in the external genital area
- increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane to water and urine
- pain after intercourse
- bad smell
As a rule, acute candidiasis lasts no more than 2 months. The patient experiences redness of the mucous membrane, swelling, and rashes in the form of blisters. If the disease lasts more than 2 months, then it becomes chronic. Patients complain of itching and burning, which intensify in the premenstrual period and decrease in the postmenstrual period.
In patients suffering from diabetes, myxedema, and ovarian hypofunction, candidal vulvitis can spread to the inguinal-femoral folds of skin and the perianal area.
There are no clinical manifestations of candidiasis. Urogenital candidiasis can infect the sexual partners of candidiasis carriers; a woman with this diagnosis can infect newborns during childbirth. As a rule, tests of such people show the presence of pseudomycelium.
The disease can spread to other organs. The use of antibiotics, damage to the skin and mucous membranes, and surgery leads to a generalized form.
Diagnosis of candidiasis (thrush).
Diagnosis of candidiasis (thrush) is based on clinical manifestations and microscopic examination.
Treatment of thrush.
To successfully treat thrush and prevent relapses, complex therapy is necessary. To treat acute forms of the disease, local antifungal therapy is used. In more complex cases, not only etiotropic treatment is required, but also the elimination of predisposing factors.
For thrush treatment to be effective, it is necessary to temporarily abandon bad habits, antibiotics, cytostatics, corticosteroids, and hormonal contraceptives.
Prevention of candidiasis.
Prevention of candidiasis (thrush) is:
- observing personal hygiene rules;
- timely treatment of acute forms of the disease;
- reducing contact with candida carriers.
How to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases?
This section is very important!
First of all, it should be noted that a person’s appearance, level of education, social and marital status cannot say anything about the presence or absence of sexually transmitted diseases. Most sexually transmitted diseases are often asymptomatic. In this case, a person may not even suspect that he is sick.
You can protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases by following simple safety rules:
- Try to avoid multiple and casual sexual relationships.
- Be sure to use a condom when having sex with someone you don’t know or with someone who has multiple sexual partners.
Other methods of prevention when contacting a non-regular (casual) partner without a condom do not provide any guarantees.
Similar prevention methods include:
- washing immediately after contact of the external genitalia with water or soap and water;
- washing the vagina or rectum with a shower, enema or douche;
- washing the vagina or rectum with chlorine-containing antiseptics (Gibitan, Miramistin, Chlorhexidine) or introducing them into the urethra;
- the use of contraceptive creams and suppositories (spermicides), such as Pharmatex and spermicides containing 9-nonoxynol (Nonoxynol, Patentex Oval).
These methods can be used, but should not be relied upon. At the same time, a few words should be said about the dangers of some of these methods.
For example, washing the vagina (douching) promotes the movement of pathogens to the upper parts of the female genital organs, causing complications.
Spermicides containing 9-nonoxynol (Nonoxynol, Patentex Oval) were ineffective for the prevention of gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV infection.
Drug prevention.
If you have had contact with a non-regular (casual) sexual partner without a condom, as well as in the event of a condom rupture, contact while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or rape, consult a doctor, he will prescribe you preventative medication (preventive treatment). Preventive treatment regimens correspond to treatment regimens for a fresh, uncomplicated infection. Drug prophylaxis after casual sexual intercourse is a last resort (backup) method of preventing sexually transmitted diseases. It cannot be performed frequently and cannot be considered as an alternative to a condom. In addition, such prevention does not prevent the development of viral diseases (genital herpes, human papillomavirus/genital warts infection, HIV infection). It is effective only against bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, syphilis, trichomoniasis).
You can also convince your casual sexual partner to come to an appointment with a venereologist and be examined for sexually transmitted infections.
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is a complex, multifaceted task. Dealing with it on your own is not only difficult, but completely impossible. This can be explained by a number of different reasons.
First, sexually transmitted diseases are not easy to diagnose.
Secondly, their treatment uses complex medications, which, if used incorrectly, will cause more harm than real benefit. And many other factors.
Patients often wonder whether quick treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is possible, and what are the features of the medications used in your therapy. How can you get rid of pathologies of various origins, and what rules of therapy should you remember? 
- Antibiotics for STDs
Antibiotics for STDs
Antibiotics for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases act as almost the main drugs. They are prescribed to a significant number of patients who present with symptoms characteristic of this group of diseases.
Today, the pharmaceutical industry annually produces a lot of different medications. But choosing an antibiotic becomes a difficult task. Everything is only complicated by the fact that not all tablets act on all types of pathological microorganisms.
This is one of the common mistakes that people make when trying to heal on their own. This is the use of antibiotic drugs for viral or fungal diseases.
A serious mistake only leads to the development of various complications, including the addition of pathogenic microorganisms that are drug-resistant. As a result, even a seemingly harmless disease begins to pose a serious danger to humans.
Today, a variety of antibiotics are used in medical practice for sexually transmitted diseases in men and women. The choice of drugs depends largely on the origin of the pathogen and the severity of the infectious disease. It also depends on the characteristics of individual tolerance, which vary quite a lot for each person.
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases: syphilis
Treponema pallidum is a pathogen that causes a disease popularly known as syphilis.
The first mentions of this serious illness date back to the 15th century.
Many patients mistakenly think that this disease has long been defeated. And it is impossible to become infected with it, excluding some special circumstances. This opinion is incorrect.
Syphilis is widespread in the world. Several tens of millions of cases of initially diagnosed disease are registered annually. Treponema pallidum is distinguished by its ability to affect not only the genital tract, but also the body as a whole, which only makes the disease more dangerous.
Treatment of this venereal disease in men and women depends on the stage at which the disease was caught.
- Primary form
Accompanied by the formation of hard chancre on the mucous membrane or skin. This is the name of the place where Treponema pallidum first came into contact with an uninfected organism.
A chancre initially looks like a small lump on the skin, the surface of which is ulcerated. The ulcer is distinguished by its regularity and roundness of shape. It is painless and does not cause any discomfort to the patient. Therefore, it is difficult to make a diagnosis unless a thorough examination is carried out.
In the treatment of the primary stage, preference is given to penicillin drugs. Doctors prefer to prescribe Bicillin-1, three injections of which are enough to defeat the disease.
If a person suffers from intolerance to a penicillin antibiotic, alternative medications may be prescribed. Such as Ceftriaxone, Ampicillin, Erythromycin, etc.
- Secondary form
At the second stage, syphilis is diagnosed most often, as doctors note.
First of all, during this period, various rashes on the skin attract attention. During this period, the disease can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing brain damage. As in the case of the primary form, preference in treatment is given to penicillins. Bicillin-1 is administered into the patient’s body 6 times in the form of injections. 
Alternative drugs would be Doxycycline and Ceftriaxone.
- Tertiary form
It is characterized by damage to all systems of the human body. During this period, treponema can be found in any part of the body; the disease is often visible to the naked eye.
Patients diagnosed with tertiary syphilis are prescribed sodium salt of benzylpenicillin. The drug is administered in a course over 4 weeks, and after 14 days the therapy is repeated.
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases: gonorrhea
Among the drugs for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in women and men, drugs designed to fight gonococci are often used. Pathogenic microorganisms, shaped like coffee beans, cause a disease known as gonorrhea.
Gonorrhea is a disease that can affect the mucous membranes of the rectum, eyes, vaginal area in women and the penis in the stronger sex. The incubation period of the disease is usually short.
Patients of any gender complain of attacks of itching in the genital area, burning, and profuse purulent discharge from the genital tract. It is difficult to ignore such symptoms. Therefore, most patients attend a medical consultation, even if they do not want to do so.
The infection is considered quite dangerous. Since it easily affects surrounding tissues, involving the kidneys and pelvic organs in the pathological process.
The result is infertility, and with weakened immunity, even septic processes. If the disease can be diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is quite quick. It is recommended to inject Ceftriaxone or Cefotaxime into the body once. 
An alternative may be Cefixime. At the same time, we will take Azithromycin tablets at a dosage of 1 g.
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases: trichomoniasis
Pathogens are mainly found in the genital area. But, as doctors note, there is a possibility of their detection in the oral cavity and in the anus.
Trichomoniasis is an insidious disease characterized by difficult diagnosis. The fact is that with this disease the symptoms that the patient may complain about are minimal or completely absent. Most often, representatives of the fair sex suffer from the manifestations of the disease.
A woman who turns to a doctor for help may complain about:
- pain during sex that was not there before.
- discharge from the vaginal area with purulent impurities,
- various unpleasant sensations when trying to empty the bladder.
Trichomoniasis in women provokes the development of infertility.
In representatives of the stronger sex it is often the cause of the formation of prostatitis. Doctors recommend Metronidazole tablets as the main treatment. 
The drug is taken in a course of 7 days. The average daily dose is about 1000 mg, divided into two doses.
Ornidazole can be a replacement for Metronidazole.
Local treatment does not give a pronounced effect due to the ability of the microorganism to exist inside cells.
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases: chlamydia
If treatment for skin and venereal diseases is required, a person may well be diagnosed with chlamydia.
Today, this disease is perhaps the most common of all diseases transmitted from person to person sexually.
Chlamydia is an infection that tends to exist in a latent form for a long time. The patient either has no complaints at all, or his complaints are very scant and nonspecific. Most often, representatives of the stronger sex complain of symptoms of urethritis, such as painful urination, frequent urge to go to the toilet, etc.
In women, chlamydia can be more pronounced, accompanied by symptoms of pain in the vagina, itching, burning. Symptoms tend to worsen after sexual intercourse. Like trichomoniasis, chlamydia often causes infertility if the patient does not take the time to get rid of pathogenic microorganisms.
For patients suffering from symptoms of chlamydia, a course of Azithromycin is recommended. 
An alternative may be Doxycycline. The duration of taking medications, as well as their dosage, are selected individually and depend on many factors.
If treatment for chlamydia is required in a pregnant woman, preference is given to Erythromycin.
Treatment of other venereal pathologies
There are other bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotic therapy. True, as doctors note, these diseases are rare in the practice of venereologists.
Mainly in endemic areas where certain types of pathogens exist.
- lymphogranuloma venereum type– pathology that develops due to infection with one of the varieties of chlamydia is treated with Doxycycline or Erythromycin (the course and dosage are chosen individually, but usually 100 mg of the first drug is prescribed daily or up to 500 mg of the second drug);
- inguinal granuloma is also rare, since the pathogen lives and is able to reproduce mainly in the tropics, the disease is treated with either Doxycycline or Co-trimoxazole in dosages similar to the previous case;
- chancroid– also a pathology, the probability of encountering which in Russia tends to zero; treatment can be carried out with the help of Azithromycin, Ceftriaxone, Erythromycin.
The last 3 infections are a real rarity in Russia.
Although the likelihood of becoming infected with them exists, it is minimal. Only people traveling abroad to regions considered endemic are at serious risk.
Features of taking antibiotics for venereal diseases
It is not enough to choose the right pills for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. They also need to be applied correctly.
For patients suffering from STDs, the doctor usually gives a number of recommendations. They will strengthen antibacterial therapy and make treatment faster and more effective. 
- for the period of taking the drug, give up active sexual life, giving preference to coitus with a condom, or better yet, excluding relationships altogether;
- bring your sexual partner to the appointment so that he can be checked and, if necessary, undergo therapy, which will help avoid the reinfection process;
- carefully observe the dosage of drugs, refusing to independently increase or decrease this indicator, as this contributes to the development of drug resistance or undesirable side reactions;
- carefully follow the recommendations regarding the duration of therapy, which will also help not only to effectively complete the course of therapy, but also to avoid the development of resistance in microorganisms;
- undergo control tests after treatment to make sure that the disease has been defeated completely and irrevocably.
Antiviral and antifungal agents for sexually transmitted diseases
Drugs for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in men and women often include antiviral agents. After all, the fact is that STDs can be provoked not only by bacterial, but also by viral pathogens.
The peculiarity of viral diseases is that they cannot be treated with antibiotics.
A common mistake that patients make is trying to take antibiotics without a doctor’s indication for a viral infection. This is not only ineffective, but also dangerous.
The question often arises about which infections cannot be completely cured.
Diseases that develop due to a virus entering the body are one of them. For example, herpes, which is treated with Acyclovir, cannot be completely defeated. The pathogen only falls asleep in the body, but is not completely eliminated from it.
The situation is the same with the human papillomavirus, HIV, cytomegalovirus and a number of other diseases.
Among the drugs with antiviral activity, Acyclovir, Ganciclovir, Valciclovir and other drugs are prescribed. They are produced in ointments to be applied to the affected areas. Also in tablet form to more effectively fight viral particles inside the body. The duration of use and dosage characteristics are determined by the doctor. It is based on the symptoms of a viral STD, the characteristics of its course and other indicators.
Doctors often classify drugs with antifungal activity into a separate group. These include, for example, Fluconazole, Nystatin, etc.
There are not so many fungal infections that affect the urinary and reproductive systems. First of all, medications are aimed at suppressing the activity of candida. This is a conditionally pathogenic fungus. Can cause a lot of inconvenience to the patient. Especially if you ignore the minimal symptoms of the disease for a long time.
Antiseptics and medications for local therapy for venereal diseases
Drugs for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases are not limited to drugs aimed directly at pathogens.
Therapy is always complemented by other medications. They are aimed at reducing local symptoms and accelerating the onset of healing.
First of all, antiseptics are prescribed to patients of both sexes. Antiseptic drugs do not allow the development of secondary type infections, which can cause serious harm to the body against the background of a weakened immune system. Also, thanks to the action of antiseptics, it is possible to quickly overcome the primary type of infectious process. This allows you to avoid various complications. Instillations and douching of antiseptics effectively help cope with pathology.
In addition to antiseptics, patients are also prescribed local therapy. These can be ointments that contain antibiotics, antifungals, and antiviral components.
Medicines locally increase the concentration of the main active substance. This allows you to defeat the disease faster, using a lower dosage of a systemic drug.
Vitamin complexes and immunomodulators for sexually transmitted diseases
Many patients believe that their treatment ends with a course of antibacterial agents.
As soon as the symptoms of infection disappear, treatment of the disease stops, and the doctor’s recommendations are ignored. Meanwhile, the body needs support during the main therapy, as well as recovery after it. For this purpose, patients are primarily prescribed immunostimulants.
Medicines that have a stimulating effect on the immune system allow you to quickly defeat the disease. The drugs activate the body’s own defenses, direct them to fight infection, which undermines the human body.
In modern medical practice, various schemes and courses of use of immunostimulating drugs are used in the treatment of STDs. Most often, the medication is prescribed together with the main medicine. It is recommended to take it for at least another 7 days after stopping the antibiotic or other drug that affects the pathogen.
In addition to immunostimulants, patients suffering from STIs are recommended to undergo a course of vitamin therapy. Vitamins will act on the body as antioxidants. Will ensure more stable functioning of the restored immune system. They will help protect a weakened body from the negative effects of environmental factors.
Possible side effects of therapy for sexually transmitted diseases
Unfortunately, even ideally selected therapy may not be suitable for the patient due to the individual characteristics of his body. In this case, they talk about intolerance.
Intolerance– a condition in which it is impossible to continue treatment according to the chosen regimen.
Due to the fact that the patient is unable to take the prescribed drug due to severe side effects. The patient may suffer from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe headaches.
Allergic reactions to medications are also considered intolerance.
They pose a serious danger, as they can lead to the development of anaphylactic shock.
Allergy to treatment– one of the most serious types of intolerance.
When the first signs of an allergic reaction appear, patients are advised to interrupt therapy and seek help from a doctor.
The doctor will assess the situation and adjust the treatment based on whether the patient is allergic to a particular drug.
Why is it important to see a doctor if you have sexually transmitted diseases?
Not all patients understand why self-treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is not only ineffective, but also dangerous.
Venereal pathologies are very similar in symptoms to each other. This is the first difficulty the patient will encounter.
It is impossible to make a correct diagnosis without conducting a series of examinations. Consequently, therapy also cannot be prescribed correctly.
We must not forget that antibiotics, antivirals and other drugs have their side effects. Their severity increases with the dose. Therefore, if the patient chooses the wrong dose of the drug, he risks serious complications.
We must not forget about the compatibility of medications. The patient may have chronic pathologies that require constant medication. It is worth considering their compatibility with therapy prescribed for STDs.
Treatment of venereological diseases is a task that is best entrusted to a competent doctor. The venereologist will be able to correctly correlate the symptoms seen in the patient with the test results. Having made a diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe the optimal and, what is also important, safe method for correcting pathological changes.
If you suspect a venereological disease, contact the author of this article, a venereologist in Moscow with many years of experience.
Our expert - gynecologist Marina Vedeleeva.
Dangerous Thirty
The topic is very prosaic - sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Almost every one of us has met them in person at least once in our lives. By the way, there are more than 30 of them: from the deadly HIV infection to the banal chlamydia, which, by the way, also cannot be called trivial. Moreover, in terms of prevalence in Russia, it is in second place after the flu.
Of course, most STDs are curable, but not all. For example, you will never be able to get rid of genital herpes - treatment only softens the course of the disease and reduces the frequency and severity of relapses. Only those under 25 have a chance to get rid of (HPV) forever. Later, it will not be possible to destroy the virus; the point of treatment is to eliminate changes in the tissues affected by the virus. By the way, it is believed that the human papillomavirus can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva and penis. The genital herpes virus also affects sperm, and if a woman is infected with it during pregnancy, it can cause severe congenital diseases of the fetus.
Treatment will be successful only if it is started without delay and completed. How to spot the very first danger signals?
The alarm has been declared!
There are seven main signs that you should not delay visiting a doctor if you discover them.
Itching and burning in the intimate area.
Redness in the genital area and anus, sometimes - ulcers, blisters, pimples.
Discharge from the genitals, odor.
Frequent, painful urination.
Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the groin area.
In women - pain in the lower abdomen, in the vagina.
Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
However, for example, syphilis or chlamydia can appear several weeks after infection, and sometimes STDs can generally run latent for a long time, becoming chronic.
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Chlamydia
Symptoms. 1–4 weeks after infection with it, patients develop purulent discharge, painful urination, as well as pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, bleeding between menstruation in women, and pain in the scrotum and perineum in men.
Why is it dangerous? In women, it can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes, cervix, pathologies of pregnancy and childbirth, diseases of the liver, spleen; in men - to inflammation of the epididymis, prostate gland, bladder, and impaired potency. Newborns may develop conjunctivitis, nasopharyngeal lesions, and pneumonia.
Trichomoniasis
Symptoms. They can appear 4–21 days after infection, sometimes later. Women experience copious foamy discharge of a white or yellowish-green color with a pungent odor, causing severe itching and irritation of the genitals, as well as pain, burning during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. Men experience a burning sensation when urinating, mucopurulent discharge from the urethra. However, this disease is often asymptomatic.
Why is it dangerous? In women, the cervix and inner layer of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and urinary tract are affected. The infection can even cause peritonitis! In men, the prostate gland, testicles and their appendages, and urinary tract are affected.
Mycoplasmosis (in men - ureaplasmosis)
Symptoms. It may reveal itself 3 days after infection, or maybe a month later, manifested by itching and discomfort in the genital area, scanty transparent discharge, and painful urination.
Why is it dangerous? A common complication of trichomoniasis in women is inflammation of the genital organs; in men, a disorder of spermatogenesis.
Gonorrhea
Symptoms. 3–7 days after infection, women experience yellowish-greenish vaginal discharge, frequent, painful urination, pain in the lower abdomen, and sometimes bloody discharge. However, for most representatives of the fairer sex, the disease goes unnoticed for a long time. Men experience pain and burning when urinating, yellowish-greenish purulent discharge from the urethra.
Why is it dangerous? In women, the urethra, vagina, anus, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are affected. In men, the internal genital organs develop chronic inflammation of the epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate, which threatens impotence and infertility.
Syphilis
Symptoms. The incubation period of the disease is from 3 to 6 weeks. The first sign is a round ulcer (chancre). In women, it lives on the labia or vaginal mucosa (sometimes in the anus, in the mouth, on the lips), in men - on the penis or scrotum. In itself, it is painless, but a week or two after its appearance, the nearest lymph nodes enlarge. This is the time to start treatment! This is the first stage of the disease, when everything is still reversible. 2–4 months after infection, the second stage develops - a rash “spreads” throughout the body, high fever and headache appear, and almost all lymph nodes become enlarged. In some patients, hair falls out on the head, and wide condylomas grow on the genitals and in the anus.
Why is it dangerous? This disease is called slow death: if not fully treated in time, serious problems arise with the musculoskeletal system, irreversible changes occur in the internal organs and nervous system - the third stage of the disease begins, in which approximately a quarter of patients die.
Forget about the Internet!
Noticed something is wrong? It’s better to play it safe and hurry to see a doctor, rather than look for symptoms and treatment methods on the Internet.
How are STDs diagnosed? First, an examination by a doctor, then tests and studies. The most modern method of DNA diagnostics: PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For examination, scrapings are taken from the urethra, vagina and cervix.
Doctors also use the ELISA method (blood is taken from a vein or a scraping is made and the presence of antibodies to STDs is determined), bacterioscopy (most often detects gonococci and trichomonas) and many other diagnostic methods.
STDs are treated with antibacterial drugs, as well as local procedures (washing the urethra in men, sanitizing the vagina in women and other procedures). At the end of the course of treatment, you must undergo a follow-up examination - take several tests to make sure there is no infection in the body.
How to protect yourself?
The classic self-defense against STDs is the condom. High quality and correctly sized.
Emergency drug prevention is also used - a one-time dose or injection of antibacterial drugs, which can only be prescribed by a dermatovenerologist. The procedure helps prevent gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, syphilis and trichomoniasis. But this method cannot be used often.
But as for douching after sexual intercourse with special gels or chlorine-containing antiseptics, most experts believe that this does not reduce the risk of infection.
A sexually transmitted disease is transmitted from person to person through a disordered intimate life, lack of barrier protection, or through contact with the patient’s personal hygiene items. Infectious diseases of the genital area are studied by the science of venereology.
Causes of disease development
The main reason for the spread is indiscriminate communication with unverified partners. Venereal diseases are the result of damage to the body by viruses, infections, bacteria or protozoal microorganisms.
Some infections can be transmitted during childbirth, breastfeeding, or the use of poorly sterilized medical or cosmetic instruments.
What are the most common sexually transmitted diseases?
Among the large number of STIs, the most common are:
- syphilis;
- gonorrhea;
- trichomoniasis;
- chlamydia;
- mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis;
- genital herpes;
- papilloma virus;
- cytomegalovirus;
- HIV and AIDS.
Each of these diseases affects the human body in its own way, manifesting itself with specific symptoms and provoking the development of serious complications.
Stages of sexually transmitted infections
There are two main stages of venereological disease - acute and chronic. The acute form develops in the first days after infection. It is characterized by the presence of specific symptoms (discharge, discomfort, redness, rashes, itching, painful urination).
After this, a stage comes when the symptoms cease to appear, the person thinks that he is healthy, and does not undergo examination and treatment. In fact, the pathogen continues to settle in the body, only the depressed immune system no longer fights it. Venereal disease in the chronic stage is dangerous not only due to severe complications, but also the likelihood of infection of loved ones who come into daily contact with the patient and his personal belongings.
Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases
Quite often, sexually transmitted diseases can be mild and practically asymptomatic. Experts consider this phenomenon to be very dangerous, since the disease affects the human body, actively progresses and becomes chronic, which cannot be effectively treated.
A venereal disease can be diagnosed by the following symptoms:
A sexually transmitted infection in a chronic form causes the development of appendages in men. In addition, the disease has a negative impact on the functioning of the body as a whole, disturbances in the functioning of the adrenal glands and the cardiovascular system appear, and atherosclerosis develops.
STDs provoke a decrease in immunity, as a result of which the body becomes unstable to the effects of external adverse factors, viruses and bacteria. Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases cannot be ignored. It is better to visit a doctor once again, get tested and start timely treatment.
Diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases
The disease does not make itself felt immediately, but after a certain time after infection, so a person may not even suspect that a dangerous virus or infection has “settled” in his body. Similar symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases cause difficulties in diagnosis.
It is very important for a specialist to responsibly approach the choice of research methods, otherwise it is possible to make an incorrect diagnosis, treat the wrong venereological disease and thereby further aggravate the situation. Most often, the following laboratory tests are performed to diagnose STDs:
- vagina or cervical canal allows you to determine the presence of gonococci and trichomonas, in some cases chlamydia and ureaplasma are detected. This is the simplest and most accessible research method, but it has very low information content and a high degree of error in determining the pathogen.
- A blood test - based on the main indicators in the biomaterial, you can also detect the presence of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases in the body. A blood test allows you to monitor the development of pathology and its treatment.
- Sowing - bacterial inoculation of microflora on a nutrient medium is the most accurate research method that allows you to determine the presence of an infection, its form, the causative agent and its sensitivity to certain medications.
Before collecting material for laboratory testing, you must abstain from sexual intercourse for three days and not visit the toilet for 3 hours before taking a smear. In this case, the result of the study will be as accurate and informative as possible.
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
Timely diagnosis increases the chances of a favorable outcome several times. The main active substances in the treatment of venereological diseases are antibiotics and sulfonamides.
Most bacteria develop resistance to certain antibiotic drugs over time, so it is recommended to do an antibiogram when conducting laboratory tests. This will allow the doctor to build a competent treatment regimen and cure the patient much faster.
If the disease is not detected on time, this is fraught with serious troubles and disruptions in the functioning of men and women. In this case, it is not the fact of the infection itself that causes the greatest danger, but its possible consequences for the body.
Consequences of sexually transmitted infections
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases should be carried out on time. If this does not happen, the virus or infection establishes itself in the body and causes the development of serious consequences. Each infection has its own specific effect on the body or its individual systems:
HIV is a topic for a separate article. This virus affects the entire human body - from the lymphatic system to the cornea of the eye. As already mentioned, signs of sexually transmitted diseases do not appear in the first weeks of infection, which greatly complicates the examination of the patient. The human immunodeficiency virus is no exception. The patient does not begin timely treatment and, not knowing about the presence of infection, infects loved ones who are in constant contact with him.
Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases
The most common way to protect against contracting sexually transmitted diseases is a condom. It is very important to be able to correctly use this barrier method of contraception and use it for all sexual intercourse.
Only with regular adherence to preventive measures can you not worry about such a nuisance as sexually transmitted diseases. Photos of the consequences of such infections, presented on medical information resources, encourage people to take care of their health.
You can protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections by having a discriminating intimate life. It is optimal to have a connection with only one permanent partner, but he must be verified.
If there is unprotected contact with a person who may have an STD, the genitals should be treated with antiseptics within the first two hours.
What to do after unprotected intercourse
It is important to understand that not all infections may present with specific symptoms. Venereal diseases in women and men can be asymptomatic. That is why after unprotected sex it is necessary to undergo an examination to identify the presence of infections and treat them before the diseases become chronic.
Taking any pharmacological drugs intended to treat pathologies with similar symptoms is strictly prohibited. Prevention should become regular and carefully observed at every sexual contact.
Venereology As a field of medical science, it studies sexually transmitted infections (STIs): their clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment methods and prevention. Currently, the term “sexually transmitted diseases” has given way to a broader concept – sexually transmitted diseases (infections) (STDs, STIs). Today, sexually transmitted diseases occupy one of the first places in terms of prevalence, second only to colds. Anyone can become infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), regardless of gender, age or nationality.
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