Today we are talking about sexually transmitted diseases, also known as STDs or venereal diseases, from the name of Venus, who was the goddess of love. Not surprisingly, these diseases, as the name itself suggests, can be contracted mainly during the act and sexual contact. The best known is certainly AIDS, but there are many others much more common and equally fearful. In the course of the video we will learn to recognize these diseases and the main rules to prevent them.
Sexually transmitted diseases can be caused by particular bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi; these microorganisms take advantage of sexual activity to spread from one person to another. Sexually transmitted diseases can affect both men and women at any age. However, adolescents, especially females, homosexual males, and immunocompromised individuals tend to be more vulnerable. STDs are among the most widespread infections in the world and their incidence is constantly increasing, also thanks to the increasingly early onset of sexual activity among young people and the increased tendency to have more sexual partners.
So far, more than twenty sexually transmitted diseases have been identified. In the table you see on the screen, there is a list of the main sexually transmitted diseases, together with their respective causative agents. We recall, in particular, chlamydia, trichomonas infections, viral hepatitis B and C, syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS, genital herpes and papilloma virus (or HPV). All these infections differ from each other in the degree of contagiousness, the symptoms and the course, that is, the times and methods of development of the disease.
As anticipated, sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted mostly through sexual intercourse with an infected partner, especially if not protected by the correct use of a condom. It should be noted that intercourse at risk of contagion does not only concern vaginal intercourse, but also anal and oral ones. Many infections, in fact, are transmitted with organic fluids, such as precoital secretions, vaginal secretions, sperm, blood lost from small lesions and saliva. Often the risk is greater the more energetic the sexual intercourse is; in fact, precisely because the risk of contagion increases if there is exposure to blood, practices such as fisting, anal sex or during the menstrual cycle are considered to be at particular risk. In other cases, even the simple contact of the skin and genital mucous membranes, as happens for example for genital herpes and for acute warts. Although less likely, some infections can also spread with the shared use of already infected towels, toiletries, wet clothing and sanitary ware. In addition, many sexually transmitted diseases can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, during and after childbirth. It is clear, therefore, that some agents responsible for STIs are not transmitted exclusively through sexual intercourse.
An important aspect that many sexually transmitted diseases have in common is the fact that they run asymptomatically, that is, without causing obvious symptoms, at least in the first phase. In practice, not experiencing particular symptoms or disorders, the subject remains unaware of his condition for a long time. This feature clearly facilitates the transmission of the disease, since the subject, even if he does not have symptoms, can still infect other people. Other times the body sends signals, more or less evident, which may indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted infection. For girls, one of the most important indicator signs is the appearance of abnormal vaginal discharge. If these take on a different consistency, color or smell than usual, it is necessary to pay attention and make sure that there is no irritation or inflammation. For the same reason, during normal intimate hygiene operations it is always good to check the genital area, to detect small alterations, redness, swelling, blisters or other abnormal signs. Also pain during sexual intercourse, burning or other disturbances during the emission of urine, or the presence of an abnormal urethral secretion, may indicate an infection in progress. In all these cases and for any other doubts, it is always advisable to talk to your doctor, who can tell you what it is and recommend the most suitable treatment for each case.
Sometimes, the manifestations of venereal diseases arise within a short time. In other cases, they take years before they manifest themselves, and they do so in the most diverse forms; if in a first phase the disease may go unnoticed, even very severe complications may arise after a long time, such as cervical cancer in the case of papilloma virus infection or pelvic inflammatory disease, often resulting from chlamydial infection or gonorrhea in women. In general, we can remember that if sexually transmitted diseases are not recognized and treated promptly, they can lead to even very serious, sometimes irreversible, complications, both in men and especially in women. As mentioned, some infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, causing what is known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). I remember that this pathology, in addition to being very painful, if not immediately treated, can become chronic and cause infertility, extra-uterine pregnancies and preterm birth. Not only that: the lesions and genital inflammation caused by the various STDs increase the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV, which is the AIDS virus.
Many sexually transmitted diseases can be treated effectively, but only if they are diagnosed and treated promptly. So, if you suspect that you have contracted one, it is essential to contact your doctor immediately to find out what to do. Indicatively, as a general reference, if we exclude some forms of viral hepatitis, AIDS and genital herpes, STIs can be cured definitively, as long as the indicated therapy is followed correctly. A very important aspect is that the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases must also be extended to sexual partners who have had in recent months, even when they have no symptoms. Otherwise, in addition to facilitating the spread of the disease, stable couples could risk relapse. in a vicious circle, or in reinfections for the so-called "ping-pong effect". In practice, the untreated partner would risk transmitting the disease again to his or her better half. Another fundamental aspect is the abstention from sexual intercourse, up to upon completion of the therapy and the subsequent medical check-up which will ascertain the eradication of the infection. To reduce the risk of contagion, some vaccines are also available. A vaccine that is recommended for young women is the one for papilloma virus. Another vaccine available is that for hepatitis B and for hepatitis A.
Strategies to combat STDs are mainly based on prevention and responsible sexual behavior. First of all, the most effective method in preventing sexually transmitted diseases involves the use of condoms, to be worn correctly before starting intercourse. Correct use of condoms not only hinders the transmission of infections through body fluids, but also reduces the risk of contracting diseases by simple contact between the genitals, as in the case of genital herpes, acute warts and syphilis. in recent cases, the protection offered by the condom is therefore partial, as the contagion could occur by contact with areas not covered by the condom. Another important preventive aspect is that an "insufficient, incorrect or excessive intimate hygiene, especially with products that are not suitable, it can facilitate infections. It is important to use specific and delicate products for intimate hygiene, so as not to alter the balance of the mucous membranes. Furthermore, it is good to wear underwear made of natural fibers, such as cotton, and avoid nylon, microfibre and clothing that is too much tight, which can hinder the natural transpiration of the skin. To conclude, it is useful to remember that, in general, infections, not only sexually transmitted infections, can be easily prevented with some precautions. Wash your hands, before and after using the toilet and never share underwear or towels, sex toys, toothbrushes, medications, or syringes.
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