Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Complete Guide with FAQs

Introduction

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), are infections spread through sexual contact.
• Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and reduce the spread of infection.

Common STDs and Their Treatments

1. Chlamydia

• Cause: Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic; discharge, pain during urination, pelvic pain.
• Treatment:
  • Azithromycin (single 1 g dose orally).
  • Doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 7 days).

2. Gonorrhea

• Cause: Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Symptoms: Painful urination, discharge, pelvic pain.
• Treatment:
  • Ceftriaxone (500 mg IM single dose).
  • Add doxycycline for co-infection with chlamydia.

3. Syphilis

• Cause: Treponema pallidum.
• Symptoms: Sores, rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes.
• Treatment:
  • Benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units IM single dose for early syphilis).
  • Longer courses for latent or tertiary syphilis.

4. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

• Cause: HSV-1 or HSV-2.
• Symptoms: Painful blisters or sores around genitals or mouth.
• Treatment:
  • Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or Famciclovir (doses depend on acute or recurrent episodes).

5. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Cause: Multiple HPV strains.
• Symptoms: Genital warts, cervical cancer (in high-risk strains).
• Treatment:
  • Topical treatments for warts (e.g., imiquimod, podophyllotoxin).
  • Prevention with HPV vaccines (Gardasil, Cervarix).

6. Trichomoniasis

• Cause: Trichomonas vaginalis.
• Symptoms: Yellow-green discharge, itching, pain during urination.
• Treatment:
  • Metronidazole (2 g orally single dose) or Tinidazole.

7. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• Cause: HIV.
• Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, weight loss, opportunistic infections.
• Treatment:
  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART): Combination of drugs like tenofovir, emtricitabine, and dolutegravir.

8. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV)

• Cause: HBV or HCV viruses.
• Symptoms: Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain.
• Treatment:
  • HBV: Tenofovir or Entecavir for chronic cases.
  • HCV: Direct-acting antivirals (e.g., sofosbuvir, ledipasvir).

Prevention Strategies

• Consistent and correct use of condoms during sexual activity.
• Regular STD screening for sexually active individuals.
• Vaccination for preventable infections like HPV and Hepatitis B.
• Limit number of sexual partners and maintain open communication about health status.
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention.

Complications of Untreated STDs

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, or ectopic pregnancy (e.g., from chlamydia or gonorrhea).
• Chronic pain or systemic infections (e.g., untreated syphilis or gonorrhea).
• Increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV.
• Organ damage, cancer, or death in advanced cases (e.g., syphilis, HIV, HPV-related cancers).

Patient Counseling Points

• Complete the full course of prescribed treatment even if symptoms improve.
• Abstain from sexual activity until the infection is fully treated and cleared.
• Inform sexual partners to seek testing and treatment to prevent reinfection.
• Regularly screen for STDs, especially after unprotected sex or multiple partners.
• Avoid alcohol or specific foods with medications like metronidazole.

Use in Children

• Rare but can occur due to vertical transmission (from mother to child during birth).
• Specialized treatments required based on the infection type.

Use in Pregnancy

• Safe treatments include azithromycin for chlamydia, ceftriaxone for gonorrhea, and penicillin for syphilis.
• Early screening and treatment reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.

Use in Elderly

• Increasing prevalence due to later-life sexual activity.
• Comprehensive evaluation and treatment similar to younger populations.

FAQs About STDs and Medicines

Q1: What are STDs?

• STDs are infections transmitted primarily through sexual contact.

Q2: How are STDs diagnosed?

• Through lab tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, or swabs of affected areas.

Q3: Can STDs be cured?

• Bacterial and parasitic STDs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis) are curable; viral STDs (e.g., herpes, HIV) are manageable but not curable.

Q4: What happens if STDs are left untreated?

• Complications include infertility, chronic pain, organ damage, and increased HIV risk.

Q5: How often should I get tested for STDs?

• At least annually for sexually active individuals, more frequently for high-risk groups.

Q6: Can I get an STD from oral sex?

• Yes, STDs like gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes can spread through oral sex.

Q7: Are STDs preventable with vaccines?

• Yes, vaccines are available for HPV and Hepatitis B.

Q8: Can STDs recur after treatment?

• Reinfection can occur if exposed again; partners should be treated simultaneously.

Q9: What should I do if I test positive for an STD?

• Begin treatment immediately and inform sexual partners. Follow up with additional testing as recommended.

Q10: Can condoms fully prevent STDs?

• They significantly reduce the risk but may not fully protect against infections like herpes or HPV.

Q11: Can pregnant women with STDs be treated?

• Yes, early treatment can prevent complications and reduce transmission to the baby.

Q12: How long do STD symptoms take to appear?

• Symptoms can appear within days to weeks or remain dormant for months or years.

Q13: What is drug resistance in STDs?

• Some STDs, like gonorrhea, have strains resistant to standard antibiotics; treatment requires newer or combination therapies.

Q14: Can I treat STDs with over-the-counter medicines?

• No, most STDs require prescription medications tailored to the specific infection.

Q15: Are home STD testing kits reliable?

• Many kits are accurate for initial screening but confirm results with a healthcare provider.

---

---