STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease): A Complete Guide
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Sexually transmitted disease (STD) and/or infections (STI) are major public health concerns worldwide, with significant impacts on individuals and communities. While STDs refer to the symptomatic stages of these infections, STIs include cases where no symptoms are present. Despite this distinction, the terms are often used interchangeably.
What is STD and its impact ?
STIs have a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide. The global prevalence of STD highlights the urgent need for effective prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies. STIs testing can male you more well-aware of your status.
- Global Impact: Over a million people contract an STD/STI daily, underscoring the critical need for widespread education about STD test to increase awareness.
- Prevention and Treatment: Early diagnosis and effective treatment are key to controlling the spread and minimizing their health consequences.
What is the most common STD ?
The landscape of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is vast and varied, with different pathogens causing a broad spectrum of diseases. In both Thailand and globally, certain STDs are more prevalent, each with its own mode of transmission and potential health consequences.
Major STD that impact long term health:
- HIV Infection: this can cause long-term health implications without prompt treatment.
- Hepatitis B and C: leading to serious liver disease such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Hepatitis C: leading to liver disease and autoimmune disorders.
- Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis): a bacterial infection which can cause a rash, genital lesion, or no symptoms at all. This can cause long-term health implications without prompt treatment.
Chronic and Recurrent STD:
- Herpes simplex types I and II: mostly causing painful blisters.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): linked to genital warts and cancers.
Other treatable common STD:
- Neisseria Gonorrhea (NG): left untreated can cause joint infection and infertility
- Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT): left untreated can cause joint infection and infertility
- Mycoplasma Hominis: (MH) often asymptomatic but can cause urethritis.
- Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG): vary in clinical manifestation, resistant strain, difficult to treat
- Ureaplasma Parvum (UP): often asymptomatic but can cause urethritis.
- Ureaplasma Urealyticum (UU): often asymptomatic but can cause urethritis.
- Haemophilus Ducreyi (HD): a bacterial infection causing genital ulcer called Chancroid
- Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV): a parasitic infection leading to vaginal irritation.
- Gardnerella Vaginalis (GV): a bacterial infection leading to vaginal discharge.
- Monkeypox (MPOX): presented with internal and external painful skin lesions
How is STD transmitted?
STDs do not discriminate in their methods of transmission, spreading through a variety of sexual and non-sexual activities. Educating oneself about these transmission routes is a vital step towards adopting protective measures and safe sex practices, significantly reducing the risk of spreading. Awareness of these transmission routes is essential for effective prevention:
- Sexual Contact: Including oral, vaginal, and anal sex, which are the primary modes of transmission.
- Non-Sexual Means: Such as sharing needles, syringes, or sex toys, underscoring the importance of hygiene and caution in personal practices.
- Less Common Activities: Including rimming, which also carries risks of transmission.
What are symptoms of STD? When to Seek Testing
With up to 90% of STDs potentially asymptomatic, STD testing becomes essential after unprotected encounters or if you suspect exposure. Understanding STD symptoms is crucial for timely intervention. Often, STDs may not manifest clearly, making awareness and vigilance key.
- Systemic Signs: Fever, sore throat, and general discomfort could hint at an STD.
- Genital Symptoms: Be alert to any rashes, bumps, or unusual discharge.
- Urinary Symptoms: Experiencing pain during urination or changes in frequency? It might be a sign.
- Extra-genital Symptoms: Symptoms can also appear in the throat or anal region, such as pain, discharge, or bleeding.
What is the treatment for STD?
H.U.M. Clinic offers state-of-the-art STD treatment, aligning with international best practices to ensure effective care. Our treatment spectrum covers a broad range of STDs, and we personalize each treatment plan to fit the individual’s condition and needs.
- Treatment Modalities: Depending on the STD, treatments may include oral medications and/or intramuscular injections.
- Specific Treatments Offered: HIV and Hepatitis B & C treatment
- HIV Treatment: Comprehensive HIV Care
- Hepatitis B treatment
- Hepatitis C treatment
- Prevention Medication:
- Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV: HIV PrEP
- Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV: Emergency HIV PEP
- DoxyPEP
