The most common infections transmitted through sex. Symptoms of STIs

The negative side of sexually transmitted infections is that certain types of pathology are difficult to treat. The only option for the patient is to promptly detect inflammation, i.e., the first signs and symptoms of STDs and get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. This increases the likelihood that complications will not arise, and the underlying health problem can be eliminated in a short time.

The first signs of sexually transmitted diseases in women

There are seven main early signs of sexually transmitted diseases in women, which, if discovered, do not require postponing a visit to the gynecologist:

Unusual copious discharge from the genitals, having an unpleasant odor and a specific consistency.

Frequent urination, accompanied by pain and general discomfort.

Enlargement of regional lymph nodes (especially the groin area).

Pain in the lower abdomen and inside the vagina.

Painful menstruation (previously uncharacteristic).

Discomfort during intimacy, a feeling of the presence of a foreign object, general inflammation of the mucous membrane of the genital tract.

Along with the listed symptoms of venous diseases, a woman will notice redness of the genital area and anus, and in certain cases, erosions, blisters, and rashes.

Symptoms of STDs in women

The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases that occur in women are similar only at first glance. Signs such as discharge and rash may differ in color, consistency, and location; an increase in temperature is not always relevant, and enlargement of the lymph nodes is not a phenomenon characteristic of every sexually transmitted infection. Therefore, in order to differentiate pathology, not one symptom is taken into account, but a complex of them.

List of STI infections in women

Chlamydia

The first signs of STDs in women are observed 1–4 weeks after infection. The woman develops purulent discharge, urination becomes painful, and the unpleasant sensation spreads to the lower abdomen and lumbosacral back. Noteworthy is the fact that bleeding occurs between menstruation.

If you ignore the listed symptoms of STDs in women and do not begin treatment for the pathology, there is a high probability of inflammation of the fallopian tubes and cervix. Chlamydia also negatively affects the course of pregnancy and creates additional difficulties during labor. A newborn whose mother is sick with the venereal disease in question may develop conjunctivitis, inflammation of the nasopharynx and lungs.

Trichomoniasis

Changes in health status become noticeable between 4 and 21 days from the moment of infection.

The course of this disease confirms that the first signs of sexually transmitted diseases in women do not always appear in the form of purulent vaginal discharge. With trichomoniasis, the patient notes copious discharge of a foamy consistency. They are white or yellowish-green in color and are accompanied by a pungent odor. As it is released, the secretion comes into contact with the genital tract, which causes severe itching, intense irritation of the genitals, and pain - both at rest and during urination.

A woman prefers to maintain sexual rest, since intimacy causes discomfort due to extensive inflammation inside the organs of the reproductive system. Quite often, the pathology occurs without pronounced symptoms of an STI.

It is important to identify the disorder as early as possible, since the complications that it entails are serious - damage to the cervix and inner layer of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, ureters, and urethra. Along with diseases such as cystitis, endometritis, a critical condition defined as peritonitis may develop. Its signs are persistently high body temperature, abdominal pain, and sepsis.

Mycoplasmosis

The disease develops rapidly. The first symptoms of STIs in women are detected 3 days after contact with an infected partner. In rare clinical cases, detection occurs only after a month. Noteworthy is the incessant itching and discomfort in the area of ​​the external and internal genital organs. Urination causes excruciating pain, discharge from the urogenital tract is insignificant, more often transparent.
Unlike men, in whom mycoplasmosis causes problems with sperm production, the functional activity of the reproductive organs of women is not affected, and the main health problems are reduced to chronic inflammation of the genital organs.

Syphilis

A common venereal disease caused by the penetration of the pale spirochete into the body. The first signs of STIs in women are noticeable only after 3 weeks from the moment of infection (this is the minimum period).

Identifying the infection is quite simple: the obvious symptoms of STDs in women are limited to extensive enlargement of the lymph nodes, the appearance of roseola (red spots) and chancre. The patient’s general condition undergoes sudden changes - a period of remission may be replaced by an exacerbation. At the time of development of pink and red multiple spots on the surface of the skin, the level of body temperature rises.

Hard chancre is a specific neoplasm that clearly indicates the presence of syphilis. A well-defined erosion with a hard bottom is approximately 1 cm in diameter. The inflammatory element heals on its own; timely treatment will help speed up this process. If the enlarged lymph nodes are located near the chancre, they are absolutely painless.

Among other manifestations of sexually transmitted infections, massive hair loss attracts attention. If the patient does not seek medical help for a long time, extensive damage to internal organs occurs, which in 25% of cases leads to death.

Gonorrhea

Common infection. Women never experience an STD without symptoms: within a week (on average) after infection, vaginal discharge characteristic of gonorrhea appears. Pathological masses have a yellow or slightly greenish color and an extremely unpleasant purulent odor. Due to constant contact of secretions with the mucous membrane of the bladder, cystitis develops - inflammation of this organ. Urine excretion becomes more frequent, the process is painful, constant nagging pain in the lower abdomen occurs, and additional bleeding occurs between menstruation.

Against the background of these signs, body temperature rises, general malaise occurs, problems with the condition of the skin, the disease also affects the condition of the hair. If a sexually transmitted infection is ignored for a long time, the spleen and liver suffer. The immune system reduces its natural properties.

Often, gonorrhea is detected only when they contact a gynecologist or urologist with complaints of suspected cystitis, adnexitis or endometritis. Gonorrhea tends to involve the tissue of the anus, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes in the main pathological focus. The most serious complication of the disease is infertility.

Laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in women

When the doctor collects maximum information regarding the condition of the disease, clarifies the existing complaints and conducts an examination, the patient needs to undergo a series of tests. Since the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women resemble those of many other diseases, laboratory testing includes the following aspects:

1. Culture of secretions. The procedure, carried out in a bacteriological laboratory, takes a long time (at least 1 week), although its result unmistakably indicates an existing health problem.

2. Microflora smear. A sample of discharge from three points of the genital canal is taken from the patient using a special medical probe. Then the material is placed on a glass slide, stained with a special medium to more accurately study the composition of the secretion, and carefully examined under a microscope. In this way, a pathogen of bacterial and fungal origin is detected. Viruses cannot be detected using a smear.

3. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). A sample of vaginal discharge is examined. The result of the study is ready 5 hours (on average) after taking the analysis.

4. PCR. The most informative analysis to confirm the preliminary diagnosis. To perform a polymerase chain reaction or DNA test for the pathogen, a sample of urine or genital discharge is taken from the patient. The duration of the study on average does not exceed 2 days, the accuracy of the analysis is up to 95%. The method allows you to identify latent or chronic infections. If the patient has purulent inflammation, it is recommended to do ELISA or culture.

5. To determine specific antibodies, venous blood is taken. The purpose of the study is to determine whether an immune response will occur to the presence of a specific pathogen. The method is effective in cases where it is necessary to confirm infections of viral origin (HIV, genital herpes) and syphilis. Since antibodies to bacteria remain in the blood for quite a long time (including after a therapeutic course), the method is never used to diagnose bacterial STIs, including chlamydia. You can read more about testing for STDs on our website.

In addition to the tests listed, the venereologist prescribes a biochemical and clinical blood test, which reveals leukocytosis and an increase in ESR.

Not all sexually transmitted infections can be treated - genital herpes and human papillomavirus infection, for example, can only be stopped. The need for long-term treatment and the wide range of possible complications should serve as motivation for early consultation with a doctor.

In the last decade, not only in Russia, but throughout the world, there has been a tendency towards a significant increase in infectious pathology, which is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, although at the same time this is not the only way to become infected. We can talk long and hard about the reasons for the increase in the number of these diseases; only one thing remains clear: the main problem lies in freer sexual relationships between people, as well as frequent casual relationships.

Relatively recently, these diseases were called sexually transmitted diseases; currently, according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), they are called sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which include a group of diseases for which the most common method of transmission is through sexual intercourse. Many authors believe that it is most correct to use the term, but the essence of this group of diseases does not change.

Signs STD appear over a certain period of time, from approximately 2 – 3 days to several months. The main manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases If they appear, you should immediately consult a doctor, they may include:
in men - discharge from the urethra (observed with gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia), burning and pain during urination.
in women - burning, cramping, pain when urinating, unusual vaginal discharge, as well as pain in the lower abdomen (with chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis).
Also, rashes on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and skin can serve as signs of an STI. First of all, when STD symptoms patients immediately contact one of the clinics, however, some diseases can only be treated in a dermatovenerological dispensary. A similar situation is observed in. If the patient is not referred to the specialist, the doctor writes a referral to the appropriate specialist.

1. Syphilis is a classic infectious disease related to STIs, chronically occurring, with primary damage to the organs of the central nervous system (neurosyphilis, or tabes dorsalis), as well as internal organs and the skeletal system.
The causative agent of syphilis is Treponema pallidum, which has the shape of a spiral.
The initial symptom of the disease is chancre, which looks like a small, painless ulcer with a dense bottom. Subsequently, general symptoms characteristic of any cold are added (malaise, headache), characteristic fullness. All these signs reflect different stages of the disease.

2. – just like syphilis, it is a classic STI, characterized by damage to the mucous membrane of the genitourinary system, as well as the mucous membrane of the mouth and rectum. The causative agent of gonorrhea is the gram-negative bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which has the appearance of a diplococcus, similar in appearance to coffee beans. The causative agent of gonorrhea has become a “superbug” due to the high resistance of this bacterium to antibiotics.
The leading symptom of this disease should be the appearance of yellowish-white discharge from the urethra.

3. Candidiasis is a fungal disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida.
In the clinic, in men, this disease manifests itself as a strong burning sensation on the glans penis and the appearance of a white coating on it, and in women, intense itching in the perineum and vagina, with gray “curdled” discharge.

4. Genital herpes is a viral infection of the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system, caused by the herpes simplex virus Herpes simplex.
The disease is also characterized by rashes on the face and buttocks with the appearance of specific blisters - urticarial rash. The rash is accompanied by general symptoms characteristic of any cold, such as malaise, headache, fever up to subfebrile levels (37 - 38 degrees)

5. – the most common disease in the group of STIs, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. Characteristic symptoms of the disease are foamy, profuse discharge of different colors; they can be yellow, green or gray with a very unpleasant odor. The disease is accompanied by painful itching in the perineum and vagina, as well as pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

7. Mycoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by microorganisms - mycoplasmas. There are 14 types of mycoplasmas that can cause disease in humans. In the female body, mycoplasmas cause endometritis, salpingitis, as well as inflammatory diseases of the cervical canal and external genitalia. The disease is characterized by clear discharge and a burning sensation during urination; pain often occurs in the perineum and groin area, which can intensify during sexual intercourse or immediately after it.

8. Ureaplasmosis is a bacterial infection caused by the gram-negative bacterium Ureaplasma. Like many other STIs, ureaplasmosis has nonspecific symptoms of the disease - burning, itching, discharge from the urethra. Most often, ureaplasmosis has no symptoms (especially in women), and minor symptoms in men do not give reason to consult a doctor.

9. Gardnerellosis is a disease that is characterized by an imbalance between lactobacilli, which maintain an acidic environment in the vagina, and gardnerella, which alkalize the environment, resulting in the activation of this type of bacteria and their competitive colonization in the vagina. Frequent changes of sexual partners are one of the most common causes of this pathology, in which copious discharge appears from the vagina, most often white or transparent, with a specific smell of “rotten fish”. In advanced cases, gardnerella causes inflammatory diseases of the cervix. With significant contamination, it is transmitted to a sexual partner, causing urethritis.

10. Cytomegalovirus infection is a viral disease caused by CMV, a virus belonging to group 5 of herpes viruses. CMV infection is part of the group of so-called TORCH syndrome, the presence of which, especially in a pregnant woman in the first trimester, causes congenital pathology of the fetus with further developmental anomalies. Signs of infection include increased body temperature, enlarged lymph nodes, cervical erosion, inflammatory diseases of the ovaries, and possible dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.

11. Genital condylomas - condylomas, which are outgrowths of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, anus, and less commonly the mouth. The etiology of the disease is human papillomavirus (HPV). Condylomas vary in size and are soft to the touch. In 60% of cases, infection with this virus is possible through sexual contact with a partner who has condylomas or is a carrier of the infection.

12. Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease that can be sexually transmitted, which manifests itself as damage to the skin and, in rare cases, mucous membranes. The causative agent of the infection is one of the smallpox viruses. A specific sign of the disease is papules, which in adults are localized in the anogenital area, less often on the abdomen or inner thigh. Papules are small in size, dense to the touch, and become softer over time. Papules are accompanied by itching and are almost never accompanied by pain.

13. Phthiriasis - unlike all of the above infections, this disease is caused by insects, in particular by pubic louse. The main symptom of the disease is unbearable itching, which intensifies significantly when bitten by lice, after which scratches form.

14. Scabies is a disease caused by the scabies mite. The leading symptom in the clinical picture of the disease is itching and rash, which is papulovesicular in nature. When scratching these elements, they very often become infected with the formation of pustules.

15. Soft chancroid is an infectious disease belonging to the group of STIs. In Russia, the disease is very rare and sporadic. A red spot forms, with a blister in the center, which over time turns into an ulcer, in place of which a scar forms after 2 weeks.

Diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases

Diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections, is based on general clinical data, such as examination of the patient, if he has specific symptoms characteristic of a particular disease belonging to the group of STIs, such as pain when urinating, urticarial rash, the presence of ulcers on the glans penis and vagina, and also itching and characteristic discharge characteristic of a certain nosology.

The final and most accurate research method is laboratory analysis, which includes various methods for verifying the pathogen, such as:
1. microscopic method - a method of detecting a pathogen in a discharge under a microscope.
2. bacteriological method - taking a sample of discharge and inoculating it on a nutrient medium, followed by microscopy. This technique also makes it possible to determine the resistance of a certain type of pathogen to antibacterial therapy, which allows the doctor to prescribe rational treatment.
3. serological study - a method based on the determination of specific antigens of the pathogen in biological material. Recently, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence method (IIF) have been increasingly used.
4. polymerase chain reaction is a modern, highly sensitive method for diagnosing infectious diseases, allowing to detect the presence of genetic material of the pathogen in the discharge even in the smallest quantities.
5. examination of blood serum for the presence of specific antibodies to the pathogen allows us to give not only a qualitative assessment, but also a quantitative one, which can indicate the dynamics of the disease and correctly selected therapy.

List of STI infections in women, how tests are taken, first signs

• Smearfor microflora. A sample of discharge from 3 points of the genital canal is taken from a woman with a special probe. Next, the material is placed on glass, stained with a special acidic medium for a detailed study of the composition of the secretion, and carefully examined under a microscope. This method identifies pathogens of fungal and bacterial origin. Viruses cannot be detected using a genital swab.
• Culture of secretions. The culture procedure is carried out in a bacteriological laboratory and takes a long time (about a week). The result of this examination unmistakably indicates the presence of any disease.
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction). One of the most informative tests that allows you to accurately confirm a preliminary diagnosis. To perform it or pass a DNA pathogen test, a sample of discharge from the genital canals or urine is taken. The duration of a study using this method does not exceed two days, the accuracy of the analysis is up to 95%.
• ELISA – transcript (linked immunosorbent assay). If a woman has purulent inflammation, specialists prescribe ELISA. A sample of discharge taken from the vagina is examined. The study is carried out quite quickly, its result is ready 5-6 hours after taking the sample.
• Blood analysis. To determine specific antibodies, a venous blood test is prescribed. The purpose of such a study is to determine whether an immune response will occur to the presence of a particular pathogen. This method is effective when it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of viral origin (genital herpes, HIV) and syphilis. The method is not used to diagnose bacterial infections, including chlamydia.

In addition to the tests listed, the venereologist prescribes a clinical and biochemical blood test, which can reveal an increase in ESR and leukocytosis. Not all sexually transmitted infections in women can be treated; for example, human papillomavirus infection and genital herpes can only be stopped.

The need for long-term treatment of these diseases and a wide range of complications should motivate you to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Treatment

A number of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases respond quite well to treatment with modern medications, but it is recommended to start treatment as early as possible, before serious inflammatory processes begin.

Appropriate therapy for STIs is prescribed according to a special scheme only by the attending physician based on the results of the examination. Depending on the pathogen, complex treatment is used, since the complex course of such diseases requires the use of not only drug therapy.

Most sexually transmitted diseases can be successfully treated, but today there are some that are incurable:

• herpes type 1 and 2;
• hepatitis C;

Important! To avoid relapse, after completing the course of treatment for an STI, a woman must take all tests again. This will ensure that the disease is cured.

Complications and consequences

Delayed treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in women or its complete absence, as well as self-medication, causes the following serious complications:

• transition of the disease to the chronic stage;
• spread of infection throughout the body;
• infertility;
• development of cancer of the cervix, rectum, etc.

Prevention

It is much easier to prevent any disease than to cure it, and diseases included in the list of STIs are no exception. You can protect yourself from these diseases by the following methods:

• using a condom protects against many infections;
• by avoiding contact with people at risk (alcoholics, drug addicts, etc.), you can avoid many risks;
• You can only engage in non-traditional forms of sex (anal, oral) with a partner with whom you have a trusting relationship and whose health there is no reason to doubt.

The additional use of special medications can help in some cases to cope with certain types of infection. However, these drugs have contraindications and side effects. They should be used irregularly, for example, at the first contact with a partner as additional protection along with a condom.

Sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted in most cases through sexual contact. It is important to remember: unprotected sex, promiscuity and a sick partner are a high risk of contracting such ailments. Diagnosis of such diseases is somewhat difficult due to the late onset of the disease and the paucity of symptoms. Their treatment is problematic, since the resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is increasing every year.

STIs have severe complications, so the appearance of specific symptoms: rashes, discomfort, irritation, uncharacteristic discharge from the genitals is a signal to consult a doctor.

Diseases that can be contracted through sexual contact are dangerous for both men and women. First of all, infections affect the organs of the genitourinary system. A sick person not only suffers himself, but is also a source of infection for those with whom he has sexual relations, and sometimes even just contacts in everyday life. Many STDs occur with hidden symptoms. Some pathogens are capable of spreading through the blood throughout the body, which leads to severe, often irreparable consequences. Early diagnosis of such infections plays an important role.

Content:

General characteristics of STDs

The prevalence of diseases transmitted to people through sexual contact is due to the fact that symptoms of infection appear only 1-4 weeks after sex. All this time, the carrier of the infection is able to transmit it to other people, without even suspecting that he is contagious. The incubation period can be much longer, and sometimes the disease is practically asymptomatic until complications arise.

The contagiousness of diseases transmitted primarily through sexual contact is very high. In women, the risk of infection is increased due to the anatomical structure of the genitourinary organs. The likelihood of the disease increases with repeated intercourse with the same infected partner or with contact with different sexual partners. The most important factor that increases the body's susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections is weakened immunity. Therefore, the likelihood of infection is increased in pregnant women or in people who have undergone any surgery (especially if organ implantation has been performed, after which drugs that reduce immunity are usually prescribed).

Addition: Adolescents are at increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Even many adults have only vague ideas about the signs and consequences of such diseases. What can we say about boys and girls who are just beginning to gain sexual experience? They receive information about disease prevention mainly from each other.

Ways of spreading infections

Transmission of STIs from one person to another is possible in the following ways:

1. Sexually. Moreover, the likelihood of infection is high with any method of sexual contact.
2. In contact with areas of the patient’s skin that have characteristic rashes or sores.
3. Through contaminated blood. For example, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis can be contracted from a dentist, surgeon, or gynecologist through the use of insufficiently sterile instruments, as well as through blood transfusions or the use of reusable syringes and needles. The risk of infection through the hematogenous route is especially high among homosexuals and drug addicts.
4. Domestic use when using shared towels, washcloths, and bed linen. Such infection occurs much less frequently, since most STD pathogens quickly die outside the human body; direct bodily contact with the patient is necessary for their transmission.

Infection of the fetus in utero or during its passage through the birth canal is possible, as well as infection of the infant if it is cared for by infected adults.

What are the dangers of STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases have varying degrees of danger. Some of them (for example, gardnerellosis, thrush, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis) are quite easily curable. Their pathogens are considered opportunistic, that is, they are present in the healthy microflora of organs. They have a pathogenic effect only when present in excess, and one of the mandatory treatment methods is the prescription of drugs containing lactobacilli, which normalize the composition of the microflora. Other STDs, such as HIV or advanced syphilis, are deadly and cannot be cured.

There are sexually transmitted infections that remain in the human body forever (for example, herpes viruses or HPV). Often they do not pose an immediate threat to life, but occur with frequent painful relapses. The human papillomavirus can cause the appearance of genital warts on the genitals and the occurrence of cervical cancer.

Getting into the woman’s genitals, the infection causes the development of severe inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages. The consequences may be the inability to get pregnant or miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy, complicated childbirth. In addition, infection of a pregnant woman affects the intrauterine development of the fetus and the health of the child in the future.

The consequences of sexually transmitted diseases are not only physical suffering, but also complications in sexual life.

Types of sexually transmitted infections

There are currently approximately 30 known sexually transmitted infections. Based on the type of pathogen, they are divided into the following types:

The most common diseases in women are gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, genital herpes, gardnerellosis, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis. In men, infection with syphilis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, chlamydia, and ureaplasmosis is most often observed.

Symptoms in men and women. When is a visit to the doctor necessary?

The severity of symptoms of such diseases may depend on the general health of the woman or man, individual susceptibility to infection, the number and degree of activity of pathogens that have affected the body. Sometimes the presence of one infection (for example, fungal) provokes the proliferation of other pathogens transmitted through sexual contact, which complicates the symptoms.

Symptoms in women

The development of various infectious and inflammatory diseases that spread sexually leads to changes in the vaginal environment and damage to the mucous membranes of the external and internal genital organs, as well as the urinary tract. Manifestations of such processes can be:

• burning and itching in the vulva and vagina;
• pain and increased frequency of urination;
• the appearance of pain in the lower abdomen and lower back;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• disturbance of the nature of menstruation and the appearance of bloody discharge between them;
• the appearance of unusual rashes or ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes.

Particular attention should be paid to vaginal discharge. If they become abundant, foamy, have a yellow-green color due to impurities of pus, or a strong unpleasant odor appears, it is necessary to undergo an examination.

Symptoms in men

When infected with sexually transmitted infections, after some time, just like in women, inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) and bladder (cystitis) develops. In addition, the process in men extends to the prostate gland and genitals. This leads to pain in the scrotum and testicles. Urination and sexual intercourse become painful. Pus is discharged from the urethra.

The severity of symptoms is often milder than in women. Often, inflammatory diseases in men occur in a latent (hidden) form. This does not reduce the degree of contagiousness and severity of the consequences of such diseases.

What to do if you suspect an infection

You should pay attention to the appearance of alarming signs and symptoms, even if a considerable amount of time has passed since the moment of “dubious” sexual intercourse. If infection is suspected, women should contact a gynecologist as soon as possible, men should contact an andrologist or urologist. If a rash is detected, you must visit a skin and venereal disease clinic and get tested for sexually transmitted infections.

Many clinics have anonymous rooms where you can undergo an express examination and get advice from a dermatologist-venereologist about treatment.

Video: What signs can you use to guess that you are infected with sexually transmitted diseases?

Review of the most common diseases

Diseases transmitted through sexual contact often occur in a person together. For example, syphilis is often accompanied by gonorrhea, and thrush or gardnerellosis facilitate the reproduction in a weakened body of many other infections transmitted during sex.

HIV infection

HIV infection leads to suppression of the immune system. The disease lasts for years, and the person’s condition invariably worsens. The last stage of the disease is AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The patient develops severe bacterial, fungal and other infections that a healthy body can easily cope with.

Without maintenance therapy, irreversible changes occur in the tissues of vital organs, and numerous malignant tumors form. AIDS is often fatal. The drugs used in the last stages of the disease can only slightly alleviate the symptoms.

Syphilis

This is one of the sexually transmitted diseases, known since ancient times. The causative agent is the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The disease develops in stages.

The incubation period lasts depending on the state of immunity for 3-30 days. However, there are no signs of infection.

Primary syphilis. On the genitals (in women, on the labia or in the vagina, in men, on the penis or foreskin), a small round ulcer of dense consistency (chancre) appears, which does not increase in size, but does not heal. It may also appear on the 1st or 3rd finger, in the mouth or on the lips. Sometimes symptoms of a sore throat are felt (sore throat, high temperature). But unlike it, inflammation of the tonsil occurs only on one side. The lymph nodes near the ulcer or source of inflammation become swollen. Primary syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.

Secondary syphilis. It develops approximately 2-4 months after infection. At the same time, a rash appears on different parts of the body, and the patient’s temperature rises. Not only nearby but also distant lymph nodes become enlarged and painful. Hair loss begins on the head, extensive condylomas appear on the genitals and in the anus.

Tertiary syphilis. Bones (in particular, facial bones), skin, nervous system, and internal organs are affected. In various parts of the body, tumors (gummas) appear in the soft tissues, and syphilitic meningitis develops. Brain damage leads to deterioration of vision and hearing, loss of the ability to normal orientation in space. Often the worsening of the disease ends in the death of the patient.

Gonorrhea (gonorrhoea)

Typical manifestations of this disease in women and men are profuse purulent discharge. In women, they appear due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina, cervix and uterine cavity, as well as tubes and ovaries. In men, inflammation of the epididymis, as well as the prostate and seminal vesicles occurs, which leads to the development of impotence and infertility.

Possible damage to the rectum and mucous membranes of the eyes by gonococci.

The incubation period averages 4-7 days. In some women, symptoms of the disease may be absent for a long time, then disruptions in the menstrual cycle appear, bleeding between periods, and infertility develops.

Trichomoniasis

Activation of trichomonas that have entered the mucous membranes of the genitourinary organs occurs approximately 5-21 days after infection. As a result, intense yellowish-white discharge appears with an unpleasant odor. Typical symptoms are also itching and burning in the genitals, especially during urination. Inflammation of the uterus, ovaries and urinary tract in women can spread to the peritoneum and cause peritonitis.

In men, sometimes the symptoms of the disease are smoothed out. The development of infection in the body is indicated by weak purulent discharge from the urethra, decreased potency, pain and increased frequency of urination.

Chlamydia

The incubation period lasts from several days to 1 month, after which the acute stage of the disease begins. Signs of purulent inflammation of the genitourinary organs appear, including copious discharge of greenish mucus.

In women, inflammation of the uterus and appendages occurs. Pain occurs in the lower abdomen and lower back. It is possible to experience bleeding between periods. Infection with chlamydia leads to pregnancy complications or infertility.

Men may develop inflammation of the testicles (orchitis) and prostate gland (prostatitis), which leads to a weakening of potency.

Infected people of both sexes experience cystitis and urethritis. Inflammation can spread to other internal organs (spleen, liver), as well as bones and blood vessels. Possible damage to the conjunctiva and, as a result, loss of vision.

Video: How to become infected with chlamydia. Possible consequences

Genital herpes

You can become infected with herpes viruses by having vaginal or anal intercourse with a partner who has herpes sores in the genitals or rectum. Sometimes there are no external signs of infection, but the person is an asymptomatic carrier of the virus. During oral sex, herpes viruses can enter the genitals and the surrounding area.

Painful bursting blisters appear at the site of the lesion. The resulting ulcers do not heal for a long time. Outbreaks of the disease periodically recur, accompanied by fever, muscle aches, and sometimes a sore throat.

Infection can occur during fetal development or during the passage of the child through the birth canal. Sometimes this leads to a fatal condition in the newborn. In order to reduce the risk of infection during childbirth, the woman undergoes a caesarean section.

Cytomegalovirus infection

The pathogen belongs to the herpesvirus family. In an infected person, the virus is found in semen, genital mucus and other body fluids (urine, saliva, breast milk, tears and blood). In most healthy adults, the infection does not manifest itself in any way. When there is a deficiency of immunity, viruses infect the salivary glands and penetrate the lymph nodes. Atherosclerosis and hypertension are provoked.

In adult patients, complications include hepatitis, inflammation of the colon, esophagus, lungs, and brain (development of encephalitis). Infection with cytomegalovirus accelerates the growth of malignant tumors.

Diagnosis of STDs

Blood and urine tests are usually performed to detect sexually transmitted diseases. Smears from the external genitalia, from the cervix in women, and from the urethra in men are examined. Secretions from the prostate gland are taken for analysis. Methods such as bacterioscopy (detection of microorganisms under a microscope) and seeding of biomaterial are used to establish the type of bacteria and their sensitivity to antibiotics. The most accurate methods for determining the type of sexually transmitted infections are a genetic blood test (PCR) and detection of antibodies to pathogens using ELISA. The treatment process is controlled by the same methods.

Video: Symptoms of STDs. How is diagnostics carried out?

Measures to prevent infection

Infection can be completely avoided only by avoiding sexual contact. To reduce the risk of infection, it is necessary to avoid casual sex. It is advisable to have a permanent partner who you can trust. In any case, vigilance will not hurt. If a person with whom you are supposed to have an intimate relationship shows suspicious external signs indicating a possible sexually transmitted disease, it is better not to risk it and refuse sex.

When having sex with someone you don't know, you should use a condom. Personal hygiene plays an important role, the use of antiseptics for treating the genitals after intercourse.

They are quite widely known to everyone due to the method of their distribution. They plague humanity for many centuries, perhaps even millennia, leading to serious illness, infertility, deformities of newborns and untimely deaths. Doctors have learned to cope well with some infections, but some of them can still either be cured in the early stages of the disease or are still able to resist our efforts.

Before formulating a complete list of STIs, you need to find out what they are, how they threaten people and how they affect the body.

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are transmitted from one sexual partner to another, uninfected one, through unprotected sexual intercourse in any form. Pathogens can be viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.Quite often a mixed form of infection is observed, especially in people who are promiscuous without protection, prone to antisocial behavior, drug addiction, and alcoholism.

Not understanding the risk of contracting some types of STIs can be costly. They can lead to chronic inflammatory processes in the human genital area, cause miscarriage or impotence and prostatitis in men, damage to the immune system, which can cause severe diseases, even fatal.

Some infections only affect the reproductive system, but they can also “spread” throughout the body and cause irreparable harm to health, affecting even the spinal cord and humans.

The only reliable protection against STIs may be caution and attentiveness when choosing a sexual partner, high-quality protection and timely, comprehensive treatment if an infection is detected. Both partners need to be treated.

List of STIs: types, description and signs

Sexual infections include diseases that enter the human body from the outside, from an infected partner, and those whose pathogens normally constantly live on our skin and mucous membranes without causing any harm. These microorganisms are called opportunistic flora.

As long as the body is healthy, and the immune system resists the onslaught of infection and maintains the number of microorganisms at a low, harmless level, the disease does not occur. But during sexual contact with a carrier of the same type or when immunity decreases, the number of pathogens increases sharply and the person becomes ill. Such diseases include the well-known thrush, or candidiasis. Its pathogens are constantly present in the body of every person, but the disease occurs only when a number of conditions coincide.

A number of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases respond quite well to treatment with modern drugs, but it is better to do this as early as possible, before the infection causes serious inflammatory processes.

As a result, adhesions may occur that threaten a woman with infertility, lesions, unpleasant external rashes and even cancerous tumors. There are some STIs that, when left untreated, can be fatal. This is , and . With timely and correct treatment, the life of such patients can be extended for quite a significant time.

Useful video - Signs of STDs.

The concept of STIs, or (sexually transmitted diseases) is somewhat broader than the concept of sexually transmitted diseases. “Diseases of Venus” are included in the list of sexually transmitted infections as its component.

Full list of STIs:

• Syphilis is caused by treponema pallidum, or spirochete, has three stages and can be congenital. Capable of affecting the skin, mucous membranes, soft and bone tissues, and the central nervous system. It is easily transmitted not only through sexual intercourse, but also through blood and household contact with the personal belongings of an infected patient - a carrier of treponema. It manifests itself as a rash, ulcers, and specific formations - chancre and gumma. Secondary and tertiary syphilis can occur in a latent form. If left untreated, it leads to numerous health and mental problems, and then death.
• Gonorrhea is caused by gonococci and affects the mucous membranes of the urethra and, and when the disease spreads, the bladder, conjunctival membranes, pharynx, and oral mucosa. It manifests itself as purulent discharge, burning sensation and pain with frequent visits to the bathroom. Can be acute or chronic.
• Trichomoniasis is very common in all countries of the world and can be transmitted through household means. In men, it manifests itself as painful urination and bloody discharge. Women experience severe redness of the vulva, burning, itching, copious discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse.
• is caused by chlamydia and has a very secretive “character”. Due to the absence of external manifestations, the level of infection spread is very high. In advanced forms, women may experience itching, pain and burning, as well as unpleasant-smelling discharge. Men mainly experience burning and itching when urinating.
• Mycoplasmosis is provoked by opportunistic microorganisms, mycoplasmas, and more often affects women, causing vaginosis and inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs.
• can be transmitted not only sexually, but also during childbirth from mother to newborn. It almost always passes without pronounced symptoms, but with a large number of ureaplasmas in men, signs of prostatitis may appear and classic symptoms of infection may occur - itching, burning and pain.
• Gardnerellosis is a type of bacterial vaginosis associated with the “displacement” of lactobacilli and their replacement with gardnerella and some other microorganisms. It has several ways of appearance, not only sexually. A very common condition.
• Candidiasis, or thrush, is also extremely common and can occur without external influence, such as the use of antibiotics. It manifests itself as abundant cheesy discharge, severe itching, irritation and inflammation. It can affect not only the genitals, but also the oral cavity.
• The human papillomavirus () is transmitted sexually and domestically, has many varieties, some of which can cause cancer and, others provoke the formation of genital warts on the genital and anal mucous membranes. It manifests itself as the appearance of wart-like formations on the skin and mucous membranes, which can be single or turn into continuous affected areas.
• Cytomegalovirus spreads through sexual and household contacts and through various bodily fluids. It is asymptomatic, especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it affects.
• It spreads not only through sexual contact, but also through any contact with infected blood. It develops slowly and attacks the immune system, causing AIDS. Patients most often die from secondary infections, for example, from pneumonia, since the patient’s immune system, killed by the virus, does not resist.
• also have many ways of spread, including sexually. With these dangerous diseases, a change in structure and functioning occurs, which is manifested by a series of characteristic symptoms.
• Lymphogranuloma venereum affects the skin and lymph nodes of an infected person. It is rare in Europe and the Russian Federation, since the main region of its distribution is Africa and South America. Asia and India. Caused by a special type of chlamydia, it manifests itself as blisters, ulcers, inflammation of the lymph nodes, fever, headache and indigestion.

As can be seen from the list, some infections are of a viral nature (CMV, herpes, papillomatosis and condylomatosis, hepatitis, HIV and others), fungal (candidiasis), bacterial (gonorrhea), or provoked by protozoan microorganisms (ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis and others). Accordingly, treatment should be tailored to the specific pathogen. For mixed infections, combined treatment is used.