Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital contact.

Below is an overview of various STDs with links to more detailed information about them.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, easily transmitted during sex. Most people do not experience any symptoms and therefore do not know they are infected.

In women, chlamydia can cause pain or burning when urinating, as well as vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen during or after intercourse, bleeding during or after intercourse, or between periods. It can also lead to heavy periods.

In men, chlamydia can cause pain or burning when urinating, white, cloudy or watery discharge from the penis, and pain or discomfort in the testicles.

Chlamydia can also infect the rectum, throat, or eyes.

Chlamydia is diagnosed by a urinalysis or a swab taken from an infected area. The infection is easily treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated can lead to serious long-term health problems, including infertility.

genital warts

Genital warts (genital warts) are small growths, bumps, or skin changes that appear on or around your genitals or anus. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are usually painless, but you may notice some itching or redness. Sometimes they bleed.

It is not necessary to have penetrative sexual intercourse to transmit the infection, as HPV is transmitted through skin contact. Genital warts are treated with several methods, including ointments and cryotherapy (freezing the warts).

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), the same virus that causes cold sores.

Some people develop symptoms of HSV a few days after coming into contact with the virus. There are usually small, painful sores or sores that may itch, sting, or hurt when urinating. Once you've been infected, the virus remains dormant most of the time. However, certain triggers can reactivate the virus, causing the sores to reappear, although they are usually smaller and less painful.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a disease caused by bacteria that is easily transmitted through sexual contact. About 50% of women and 10% of men do not experience any symptoms and do not know they are infected.

In women, gonorrhea can cause pain or burning when urinating, vaginal discharge (often watery, yellow, or green), pain in the lower abdomen during or after intercourse, bleeding during or after intercourse or between periods, sometimes causing heavy periods.

In men, gonorrhea can cause pain or burning when urinating, a white, cloudy or watery discharge from the penis, and pain or discomfort in the testicles. Gonorrhea can also affect the rectum, throat, or eyes.

Gonorrhea is easily diagnosed with a urine test or a swab taken from the infected area. The infection is easily treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious long-term health problems, including infertility.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a disease caused by bacteria that, in its early stages, results in a painless but highly contagious sore on your genitals or around your mouth. An ulcer can last up to 6 weeks and then go away.

Secondary symptoms may then appear, such as a rash, a flu-like condition, or uneven hair loss. They may pass within a few weeks, after which there will be a period when you will not experience any symptoms.

Late, or tertiary, syphilis usually occurs many years later and can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, paralysis, and blindness.

The symptoms of syphilis are not always easy to recognize. A routine blood test can most often show the presence of syphilis at any stage. It can be treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin injections. With proper treatment, late stages of syphilis can be avoided.

HIV AIDS

HIV is most commonly transmitted during unprotected sex. It can also be transmitted through contaminated blood - for example, when using a single injection needle.

The HIV virus attacks and weakens the immune system, making it less able to fight infections and diseases. There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments that allow most people to live long and otherwise healthy lives.

AIDS is the last stage of HIV, when your body is no longer able to fight life-threatening infections.

Most people with HIV appear healthy and have no symptoms. When you first contract HIV, you may develop flu-like symptoms with a fever, sore throat, or rash. This is called seroconversion disease.

Usually, a routine blood test is used to detect HIV infection. Some clinics may also offer a rapid test using a fingerstick blood test or a saliva sample.

In women, trichomonas can cause foul-smelling, frothy, yellow or watery vaginal discharge, irritation or itching around the vagina, and pain when urinating. In men, trichomoniasis rarely causes any symptoms. You may experience pain or burning after urination, gray-yellow or gray-green discharge, or inflammation of the foreskin.

Trichomonas can sometimes be difficult to diagnose and your GP may refer you to a specialized clinic for a urinalysis or pap smear. Once diagnosed, trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics.

Pubic lice

Pubic lice are usually transmitted through close genital contact. They usually live in pubic hair, but can also live in underarm hair, body hair, beard, and sometimes eyebrows or eyelashes.

Lice crawl from hair to hair, but do not jump from person to person. It may take several weeks before you notice any symptoms. Most people feel itchy, but you can also find lice or their eggs (nits) on the hair.

Usually, pubic lice are well cured with special creams or shampoos, which can be bought without a prescription at most pharmacies. You do not need to shave off your pubic hair or body hair.

Scabies

The causative agent of scabies is a microscopic mite that makes moves in the skin. Infection can occur through bodily or sexual contact, or through contaminated clothing, bedding or towels.

If you become infected with scabies, you will develop intense itching that gets worse at night. Itching can be localized in the genital area, but also often occurs between the fingers, on the wrists and ankles, under the arms, on the torso or chest. You may develop a rash or small pimples. For some people, scabies can be mistaken for eczema, after reading their price level and reviews of their work on our website.

Description:

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs / STD) - these terms mean infectious diseases, the most common route of infection, which is sexual.

Infections, predominantly sexually transmitted, in domestic medicine are usually classified as a group of sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis, donovanosis,). Other STIs are often transmitted in other ways: parenteral (HIV, B, hepatitis C), airborne (Ebola), direct contact (scabies), vertical (chlamydia, HIV).

Classification:

Diseases such as candidal, nonspecific and bacterial vaginosis caused by opportunistic and saprophytic microflora do not belong to sexually transmitted diseases, but are often considered in conjunction with them (and are mistakenly referred to as them by non-specialists).

bacterial infections.
Inguinal granuloma (lat. granuloma inguinale) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the species Calymmatobacterium granulomatis.
Soft chancre (lat. Ulcus Molle) is a sexually transmitted infectious disease. The causative agent of the disease is the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. The disease is distributed mainly in Africa, Central and South America. It is extremely rare in Russia. (obsolete: lues) - a chronic systemic venereal infectious disease with damage to the skin, mucous membranes, internal organs, bones, nervous system with a successive change in the stages of the disease, caused by bacteria of the species Treponema pallidum (pallid treponema), subspecies pallidum, belonging to the genus Treponema (Treponema). ) (From other Greek τρέπω - I turn, νῆμα - thread) of the Spirochaetaceae family (From other Greek σπεῖρα - curl, χαίτη - long hair).
Venereal lymphogranuloma (Durand-Nicolas-Favre disease) is a chronic sexually transmitted disease. The causative agent is the invasive serovars L1, L2 and L3 of Chlamydia trachomatis. It is characterized by a specific lesion of the inguinal, femoral, iliac and deep pelvic lymph nodes. - an infectious disease, sexually transmitted, caused by chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis). It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. According to statistics, 100 million people in the world fall ill with chlamydia every year, and the number of people infected with chlamydia around the globe, according to the most conservative estimates, reaches one billion. According to WHO and numerous domestic and foreign researchers, it is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, therefore, a serious problem for modern venereology is the search for the most effective means of treating so-called non-gonococcal inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.
Gonorrhea (from other Greek γόνος "seminal fluid" and ῥέω "flow") is an infectious disease caused by gram-negative diplococcus - lat gonococcus. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, sexually transmitted and characterized by lesions of the mucous membranes of the urinary organs. Refers to venereal diseases. With gonorrhea, the mucous membranes are most often affected by the genital tract, but the rectal mucosa, conjunctiva may be affected (in this case, the disease is called).
mycoplasmosis is a disease caused by a specific microorganism Ureaplasma urealyticum (ureaplasma urealyticum), belonging to Gram-negative microbes devoid of a cell wall. An infection can enter the human body at birth from a sick mother: microbes can enter the child's genital tract during childbirth and remain there all their lives, being in an inactive state. So, when examining children, colonization of the vagina with ureaplasmas is detected in 5%.

Viral infections.
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that causes the disease - HIV infection, the last stage of which is known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) - in contrast to congenital immunodeficiency.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (Herpes simplex virus 2, HSV-2, Human herpesvirus 2) is a species of the Herpesviridae family of herpes viruses that cause genital infections in humans (genital herpes). This virus is neurotrophic and neuroinvasive, that is, after infection, it migrates into the nervous system. The virus is especially dangerous for people with a weakened immune system, such as those infected with HIV, as well as for those who have recently undergone surgery for transplantation, since the drugs used in transplantation suppress the immune system. - a type of genital warts are small flesh-colored growths that can appear on the genitals, around the anus, sometimes in the mouth. As a rule, they are caused by a viral infection caused by the pathogen - the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Human papillomavirus (HPV - Human Papillomavirus) - a virus from the genus of papillomaviruses, family of papovaviruses. It is transmitted only from person to person and leads to a change in the nature of tissue growth. More than 100 types of HPV are known. Of these, more than 40 - can cause damage to the anogenital tract (genital organs and anus) of men and women and the appearance of genital warts. Some of them are harmless, others cause , some cause .
Hepatitis B is a viral disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (in the specialized literature it can be referred to as the “HB virus”, HBV or HBV) from the hepadnavirus family. The virus is extremely resistant to various physical and chemical factors: low and high temperatures (including boiling), repeated freezing and thawing, and prolonged exposure to an acidic environment. In the external environment at room temperature, the hepatitis B virus can persist for up to several weeks: even in a dried and inconspicuous blood stain, on a razor blade, or on the end of a needle. In blood serum at a temperature of +30°C, the infectivity of the virus persists for 6 months, at -20°C for about 15 years. Inactivated by autoclaving for 30 minutes, dry heat sterilization at 160°C for 60 minutes, heating at 60°C for 10 hours.
Cytomegalovirus (English Cytomegalovirus, CMV) is a genus of viruses of the herpesvirus family (Herpesviridae). The scientific name is derived from other Greek. κύτος - cell + μέγας - large + lat. virus - poison. A member of the genus Human herpesvirus 5 (HCMV-5, or human herpesvirus type 5) is capable of infecting humans, causing them to have Cytomegaly. (novolat. molluscum contagiosum) is a skin disease caused by one of the smallpox group viruses. The skin is usually affected, sometimes the mucous membranes. The most common infection occurs in children between the ages of one and ten. The infection is transmitted through direct contact with a sick person or through contaminated household items. In a typical case, a viral infection in adults leads to the formation of nodules on the vulva, thighs, buttocks or lower abdomen, raised above the surface of the skin. They have a hemispherical shape. The color matches the normal color of the skin or slightly pinker than it. In the middle of the hemisphere there is an impression, somewhat reminiscent of a human navel. The size of these painless lesions, usually appearing 3-6 weeks after infection, varies from 1 mm to 1 cm in diameter; they are pinkish-orange in color with a pearly top. When pressing on the knot, a curdled cork is released from it, like from an eel. Most often, molluscum contagiosum does not cause serious trouble and disappears on its own within about 6 months; therefore, treatment is not required in all cases.

Kaposi's sarcoma (Kaposi's angiosarcoma) is a multiple malignant neoplasm of the dermis (skin). First described by the Hungarian dermatologist Moritz Kaposi and named after him.

Sexually transmitted infections threaten everyone who has sex. But women are less fortunate than men: they are more likely to contract an STI, and it is more difficult to detect the disease. The only way to protect your health is to get tested every time you have sex without a condom with an untested partner. And sometimes - and with checked.

MIKHAIL MAKMATOV-LYNX

dermatovenereologist

Why are women at greater risk?

Because of the anatomy. The mucous membrane of the vagina and vulva is thinner than the skin of the penis. Therefore, it is more often injured, and it is easier for microbes to overcome the protective barrier. In addition, the vagina is warm and humid, it is a comfortable environment for infectious agents.

Due to the absence of symptoms. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are more often asymptomatic in women than in men. And the external manifestations of syphilis, herpes or human papillomavirus infection are sometimes impossible to notice: a woman does not examine her vulva every day, while a man sees his penis several times a day.

Due to the fact that STIs can be confused with thrush. The characteristic symptoms of female STIs - itching and vaginal discharge - are sometimes similar to those of thrush, or, scientifically, candidiasis. It is a common and harmless disease caused by a fungus (sometimes referred to as "yeast" in tests).

Example

A few years ago, a gynecologist diagnosed Masha with thrush: the girl complained of itching and discharge, and a high concentration of fungi was found in the smear. The doctor prescribed antifungal suppositories for Masha, and after a week of treatment, all the symptoms disappeared.

A year later, Masha again noticed the discharge and felt itchy in the vagina. Shortly before this, the girl had casual sex, but she decided that it was thrush again, found an old recipe and bought candles. A week later, the symptoms disappeared, and Masha forgot about this case.

A few years later, after several unsuccessful attempts to have a child, Masha decided, together with the doctor, to find the cause of the problem. Examinations indicated a chronic inflammatory process in the pelvic organs, and tests for STIs revealed trichomoniasis. After questioning the patient in detail, the gynecologist suggested that the symptoms that Masha herself “cured” with antifungal suppositories were actually caused by the acute stage of trichomoniasis. Then the infection became chronic, and the symptoms disappeared. But the inflammatory process remained and provoked a violation of reproductive functions. Now Masha will have to treat both trichomoniasis and inflammation of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

What can a woman get during sex?

Ten infections are common in Russia. Some are transmitted exclusively during sex, and some are also transmitted through the blood.

Gonorrhea

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

How dangerous. Causes inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdominal cavity, the appearance of adhesions, infertility, damage to the mouth, eyes, bones, joints and other organs. During pregnancy - infection of the fetus, premature birth.

The infection can be difficult to treat because of its resistance to antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis

How dangerous.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia trachomatis

How dangerous. Causes inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdominal cavity, the appearance of adhesions, infertility, damage to the eyes, joints. During pregnancy - infection of the fetus, premature birth.

Genital herpes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1,2)

How dangerous. Causes recurring painful rashes on the labia, perineal skin and in the vagina, urethra. During pregnancy - infection of the fetus, premature birth, the virus remains in the body for life and is transmitted to sexual partners.

Mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium

How dangerous. Causes inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdominal cavity, the appearance of adhesions, infertility, during pregnancy - infection of the fetus, premature birth.

Syphilis

Treponema pallidum

How dangerous. Causes inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdominal cavity, the appearance of adhesions, infertility, damage to the heart, aorta, spinal cord and brain and other organs. During pregnancy - infection of the fetus, premature birth.

Papillomavirus infection type 16 and 18

Human Papillomavirus (HPV - 16.18)

How dangerous. Causes cancer of the cervix, mouth and anus.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus - HIV

How dangerous. It causes progression to AIDS, the addition of infections, malignant tumors, during pregnancy - infection of the fetus.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus, HBV

How dangerous.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus, HCV

How dangerous. Causes cancer cirrhosis, liver cancer, during pregnancy - infection of the fetus.

STIs are one of the most common causes of female infertility. Infections provoke chronic inflammation of the pelvic organs. And inflammation sometimes leads to obstruction of the fallopian tubes: the eggs do not enter the uterus from the ovaries, which interferes with conception or the normal development of pregnancy. To solve the problem, one has to resort to reproductive technologies - such as IVF.

Illiterate doctors say that the more a woman had sexual partners, the higher the risk of infertility. But it's not. Those who practice unprotected sex and are not tested for STIs are at risk.

How often do you need to be checked if nothing bothers you?

Experts advise visiting a gynecologist annually to prevent any "female" diseases. During the examination, the doctor will assess the condition of the genital organs and, if necessary, prescribe clarifying tests.

According to the recommendations of the American Cancer Society, women 30-65 years old should take a vaginal swab every 5 years to determine the human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 by PCR. Ask your gynecologist if you need to have this test soon.

polymerase chain reaction

All women, without exception, should take an HIV test at least once between the ages of 15 and 65.

have had an STI in the past,

having sex without a condom with new partners,

are in an open relationship: when a regular partner has sex with other women or men,

having group sex

are HIV positive,

use drugs intravenously or through the nose,

works in the field of sex services.

Do I need to specifically ask the gynecologist to take tests for STIs?

Yes. During annual preventive visits, the gynecologist examines the genitals, takes a “smear on the flora” from the uterus, performs a colposcopy (examines the cervix through a special device) and does a Pap test, but he does not take material for STI tests by default. Therefore, if you suspect that you have become infected, do not hesitate to tell the doctor about it so that he can conduct the necessary tests.

And unless a smear on flora does not allow to diagnose sexual infections?

More likely no than yes. A vaginal swab is a routine test in gynecology. By arming the eye with a microscope, the laboratory assistant can see and count white blood cells, bacteria that normally live in the female genital tract, fungi and some pathogens, such as gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, in the sample. But if no harmful microbes are found in the analysis, this does not mean that there is no infection. Therefore, you need to double-check the result using a PCR study.

The presence of "malfunctions" can be indirectly indicated by a high content of leukocytes in a smear - they appear at the height of the inflammatory process. A lot of fungi happen with thrush. An excess of bacteria that are not related to STIs occurs with violations of the microflora of the vagina and some other diseases.

“In some situations, it is possible to diagnose an STI based on the results of a smear on the flora, without performing PCR tests. For example, if the causative agent of trichomoniasis is found in the analysis, then the diagnosis is clear. But the sensitivity of a smear to the flora is 40-70%, and if the infection is chronic, it is even lower. Whereas PCR gives the correct result in 90-98% of cases. That is, if the smear on the flora is “clean”, but you suspect that you have become infected, take an additional smear for PCR.

By the way, in addition to PCR for the diagnosis of STIs, there is a high sensitivity method - NASBA (NASBA, RNA determination). It determines very low concentrations of STI pathogens, which often occurs with erased forms of the course of the disease or during the incubation period. A NASBA study is often ordered when PCR results are questionable.”

What to do, if...

Woke up in bed with a stranger

No need

Rinse the vagina with solutions antiseptics (douche) for "emergency prevention". This can seriously harm: douching negatively affects the microflora of the vagina, in addition, there is a risk of "throwing" the infection into other organs of the small pelvis. Studies have shown that douching increases the risk of inflammatory diseases of the uterus and adnexa, ectopic pregnancy, and possibly cervical cancer.

Run to the lab immediately after having unprotected sex. Even modern and accurate PCR tests detect infection only after an incubation period. This takes a few days - there is no point in rushing.

To exclude all STIs, you will have to take tests three times:

In a week after suspicious sexual contact - a vaginal swab to identify pathogens of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, mycoplasma genitalium, herpes simplex viruses, human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 using PCR or NASBA.

After 1-1.5 months donate blood from a vein for syphilis and hepatitis.

In 3 months- blood for HIV and again for syphilis and hepatitis.

If the doctor you went to to get tested for STIs didn't immediately order you to be tested for HPV and herpes, that's fine. He will probably take additional swabs after he rules out bacterial infections.

Gynecologist DOC+

ANNA CANNABICH

Can I get tested for STIs during my period?

“You should not take smears for PCR diagnosis of genital infections on the days of menstruation. It is also undesirable to do this

Immediately after vaginal examinations: ultrasound, colposcopy;

After using vaginal suppositories or douching the day before;

when you take antibiotics.

If there is no time to wait for the end of menstruation, you can use the method of mass spectrometry of microbial markers. But in common practice, it is recommended to wait until the end of menstruation.

I noticed unusual discharge from the vagina, and it itches and itches there

Discharge, itching, and an unpleasant odor do not always mean an STI. In addition to sexually transmitted diseases, these symptoms may have other causes.

Cystitis. If you are worried about itching, burning when urinating, and you often go to the toilet, but there is no discharge and smell, it may be an inflammation of the bladder. With such complaints, it would be right to contact a urologist.

Aggressive sex. Excessive activity sometimes leads to damage to the vulvar mucosa.

First sex. Gynecologists call the burning sensation that appears the day after the first sex in life "defloration cystitis." Therefore, yesterday's virgins should go for an examination to the doctor.

Violation of the microflora. The vagina, cervix and urethra are normally densely populated by representatives of normal and conditionally pathogenic bacterial flora, which do not harm either the woman or her sexual partner. In healthy conditions, lactobacilli dominate among them. But sometimes there is an imbalance: “good” lactobacilli become smaller, they are forced out by other microorganisms. Because of this, bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush) occur. They are not sexually transmitted, but require treatment. To confirm the diagnosis, special tests are needed - complex PCR tests Femoflor and Florcenosis.

In any case, if you are concerned about unusual vaginal discharge, itching, burning, or a rash on the genitals, make an appointment with your doctor. A dermatovenereologist or a gynecologist is suitable - both of them are able to diagnose and treat STIs.

I am planning a pregnancy

STIs can lead to fetal infection, preterm birth, and postpartum complications. Therefore, at the stage of pregnancy planning, it is worth checking for infections by passing a vaginal swab to determine the pathogens of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, mycoplasma genitalia, herpes simplex viruses by PCR or NASBA and blood for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B and C.

I'm already pregnant and I'm worried about the baby's health

In Russia, every pregnant woman who registers at the antenatal clinic is given:

smear on flora,

blood test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C,

a blood test for the detection of herpes by ELISA (as part of the analysis for ToRCH infection).

This set of studies is approved by the Ministry of Health. It almost completely complies with foreign recommendations for screening during pregnancy. Only in the West, women under 25 are advised to detect gonorrhea and chlamydia in a PCR smear instead of our flora smear. Also consider it inexpedient to be surveyed on herpes.

A new guy brought a certificate from a venereologist and asks to show the same

This is normal if you are in a serious relationship. Just make sure your partner has been tested recently. The “older” the certificate, the higher the risk that he became infected with an STI after the analysis. And let's be honest: the best partner is the one you have absolute confidence in, not the one with the perfect background.

What does a certificate of the absence of sexually transmitted infections look like in a healthy man,. Send him the article.

And here is the reference of a healthy woman:

I `m A virgin. Can I have an STI?

Yes. First, you can get infected through anal and oral sexual contact. Secondly, venereal infections are also transmitted in less obvious ways.

While petting, kissing or caressing a partner with your fingers, you can get any STI, but the easiest ones are genital herpes, human papillomavirus and syphilis.

At the dentist, in a nail or tattoo parlor, you can potentially get hepatitis B and C from tools, although the risk is small.

Nasal drug use can transmit hepatitis C. Studies have shown that particles of the virus enter the nasal mucus from cocktail straws that companies take turns using at parties to inhale cocaine or heroin.

In contrast, the microbes that cause STIs do not survive well in the environment. Therefore, they cannot be infected:

from toilet seats

when visiting the pool,

while taking a bath,

from door handles

when using shared clothing, towels or utensils.

How not to get an STI through sex toys?

“Do not share them with your girlfriends or friends, that is, do not let us play for a while. Do not use them with partners whose "purity" you are not sure. Do not bring toys to sex parties and do not pass the device around. There is always a risk of catching an STD in this way. Infectious agents can linger on the surface of the toy (porous material, embossed surface, cracks invisible to the eye, or simply insufficiently thorough processing after use).

You should also not use the same device for anal and vaginal stimulation. If you really want to and if the device of the toy itself allows it, it makes sense to put a condom on it before anal games. But it’s better to get separate toys for different practices.”

Every year, sexual infections develop immunity to antibiotics, so successful treatment is impossible without a comprehensive and individual approach. If you suspect a disease, consult a gynecologist.

Types of STDs

STDs are classified according to the pathogen. In total, there are 5 types of diseases:

The route of transmission of STDs is predominantly sexual. But most of them can be infected not only after sexual contact. Sexually transmitted diseases can also be transmitted through blood (for example, through an injection syringe or transfusion), from mother to child during childbirth, or through breast milk.

There are known cases of infection with STDs by household means - due to the general use of personal hygiene items or visits to public places (saunas, baths, swimming pools, etc.).

But the most common cause of infection is unprotected sexual contact. If it occurs to a carrier of the disease without the use of barrier contraceptives, the probability of infection is almost 100%.

The mucous membrane of the human genital organs is a favorable habitat for many microorganisms. First of all, they are attracted by high humidity and comfortable temperature. Initially, the female vagina is inhabited by healthy microflora. At the same time, its PH level (acid-base balance) ranges from 3.8 to 4.5.

Infections that enter the mucous membranes during unprotected sexual contact are fixed on their surface. Then they begin to multiply rapidly, gradually crowding out healthy microflora. The disease leads to a change in the pH level to more acidic or alkaline (depending on the pathogen). As a result, a concomitant infection joins the underlying disease. Most often these are colpitis, inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs, cervical erosion, bacterial vaginosis, fungal infection, prostatitis.

The lack of timely treatment leads to complications - the disease passes from an acute to a chronic form, which is much more difficult to cure. Among the most negative consequences are male and female infertility, premature birth, fading of pregnancy, and the development of intrauterine fetal pathologies.

Symptoms

The STD group includes dozens of different diseases. Each of them is caused by certain pathogens and is accompanied by individual symptoms. But there are a number of common symptoms and signs that accompany most sexually transmitted diseases. Among them:

• altered discharge from the genitals;
• increase in the number of discharges;
• rashes in the genital area, etc.

Here we look at the most common STDs that anyone who is sexually active can contract. If you find any of them, you must urgently contact a specialist: a gynecologist, urologist or venereologist.

Syphilis - one of the oldest sexually transmitted diseases, its causative agent is pallidum spirochete. There are three stages of syphilis, and each of them is accompanied by its own symptoms. The infection can stay in the body for a long time (sometimes - several years) and does not manifest itself outwardly.

One of the first symptoms of the disease is the appearance of a hard chancre. It occurs in the genital area or anus. Rarely - on the fingers. Over time, the rash spreads throughout the body. The patient is worried about aching bones, fever, headache. In the later stages, vision deteriorates, weakness appears, and immunity decreases. If left untreated, syphilis leads to damage to all organs and systems.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)- the most dangerous STD, which, in the absence of antiretroviral therapy, can develop into AIDS. The incubation period is from 1 to 6 months (most often - 3 months). Among the first symptoms of the disease are acute tonsillitis, enlargement and inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes, prolonged subfebrile body temperature.

Chlamydia - The first symptoms appear about a week after infection. Infected men and women experience mucous discharge from the genitals, cutting pain when urinating, and discomfort during intercourse. It is not uncommon for infected women to experience intermenstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.

Genital herpes- an infectious STD that causes the herpes simplex virus of the first or second type. The initial infection may be asymptomatic. After infection, the virus remains forever in the human body and from time to time manifests itself externally. A characteristic symptom of the disease is a rash in the form of small bubbles on the genitals and in the anus.

They are accompanied by itching, discomfort and burning sensation when urinating. After a few days, the blisters turn into ulcers and crust over. There is weakness, fever and enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes. The herpes virus is especially dangerous for pregnant women and requires urgent treatment.

Gonorrhea- a classic sexually transmitted disease, which refers to STDs. Its causative agent - gonococcus - affects the urethra, cervix, pelvic organs, rectum, pharynx and even eyes. The incubation period is several days. The disease is manifested by acute symptoms - patients are concerned about purulent discharge from the genitals, pain in the lower abdomen, burning during urination and discomfort during sex.

Women experience spotting after sexual contact. When the rectum is affected, gonorrhea causes localized pain and discharge from the anus. Among the complications of gonorrhea are inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, testicles and prostate, male and female infertility, abortion. In the chronic course of the disease, all organs and systems of the body are affected.

The first symptoms appear within a day. The patient is concerned about itching in the hairline area, peeling, dermatitis, papules and sores occur. Left untreated, lice can spread throughout the body, causing comorbidities.

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common STDs in the world. Called Trichomonas. The incubation period is from 7 to 28 days. In women, the disease manifests itself more clearly - in men it can be asymptomatic. Patients have mucous yellowish discharge from the genitals (usually with an unpleasant odor), pain during intercourse, itching during urination.

When the prostate gland is affected, prostatitis occurs in men. Trichomoniasis is especially dangerous for pregnant women - it can cause premature birth and other complications.

Diagnostics

In most cases, the diagnosis of STDs requires an integrated approach. It involves several research methods that allow you to accurately establish the diagnosis and draw up the most effective treatment regimen.

Today, the following types of research are used to diagnose STDs:

• bacterioscopic (smear on flora);
• bacteriological (cultural sowing);
• DNA diagnostics;
• immunodiagnostics.

The choice of a specific study depends on the disease that is suspected in the patient. Only a specialist can prescribe tests after an individual examination and study of the anamnesis.

Bacterioscopic examination is an indispensable part of a routine examination by a gynecologist or urologist. It allows you to identify diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, fungal infections, trichomoniasis, as well as detect inflammatory processes.

For the diagnosis of viral diseases (syphilis, chlamydia, etc.), immunodiagnostics (ELISA-ELISA) is used. Immunodiagnostics allows you to identify specific antibodies to the causative agent of a disease. Thanks to the body's immune response, doctors can make an accurate diagnosis.

The most reliable is DNA diagnostics by PCR. It allows you to detect the pathogen even at its extremely low concentration in the test material. Among the advantages of this method is efficiency. Analysis results are available on the same day.

Material for laboratory research can be:

• blood;
• saliva;
• vaginal secret;
• sperm;
• urine;
• scrapings from mucous membranes.

Treatment

Treatment for STDs may include the following therapies:

• vitamin therapy;
• antibacterial;
• antiviral;
• immunostimulating;
• physiotherapy.

The treatment regimen for STDs is selected individually. The doctor takes into account not only the type of disease, but also the gender of the patient, his age, medical history, as well as the susceptibility of his body to drugs. Today there are more than three dozen STD pathogens. Every year they develop immunity to certain types of antibiotics.

This factor may complicate the treatment of patients who have previously received antibiotic therapy. In such cases, even the highest quality medicines may be ineffective. Because of this, each patient, in addition to the main analysis, must undergo a study of the flora for sensitivity to antibiotics.

If a few years ago the treatment of STDs with antibiotics lasted about a month, then modern medicines can rid the body of the disease in 5-7 days. The duration of the course varies from the stage and form of the disease, the presence of complications and concomitant diseases. Treatment of chronic STDs lasts an average of 21 days.

Antiviral therapy is used to treat viral STDs (genital herpes, human papillomavirus, etc.). Antiretroviral therapy is used to treat HIV infection.

To strengthen the immune system, doctors prescribe the intake of complexes of vitamins and trace elements. In some cases, patients with STDs may be shown immunostimulants.

A complete cure for STDs can only be achieved through an integrated approach. As a rule, sexual diseases require both systemic and local use of drugs - in addition to oral medications, ointments, creams, vaginal tablets and douches are prescribed.

In the last decade, not only in Russia, but throughout the world, there has been a trend 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 with them. It is possible to talk about the reasons for the growth in the number of these diseases for a long time and stubbornly, only one thing remains clear that the main problem lies in freer sexual relations between people, as well as frequent casual relationships.

Relatively recently, these diseases were called sexually transmitted diseases, at present, 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, the most common method of transmission of which is 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 from this.

signs STD appear within a certain period of time, from about 2 - 3 days to several months. The main manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases, with the appearance of which you should immediately consult a doctor, there may be:
in men - discharge from the urethra (observed with gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia), burning and pain during urination.
in women - burning, cramps, 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 STIs. First of all, when STD symptoms patients immediately turn to one of them, however, some diseases can only be treated in a dermatovenerological dispensary. A similar situation is observed in . If the patient did not address the profile, then the doctor writes out a referral to the appropriate specialist.

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

2. - as well as syphilis, it belongs to the classic STIs, characterized by damage to the mucous membrane of the organs of the genitourinary system, as well as the mucous membrane of the mouth and rectum. The causative agent of gonorrhea is Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a gram-negative diplococcus bacterium that looks like coffee beans. The causative agent of gonorrhea has become a "supermicrobe" due to the high resistance of this bacterium to antibiotics.
The leading symptom of this disease should be considered the appearance of discharge, yellowish - white from the urethra.

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

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

5. - the most common disease in the STI group, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. The characteristic symptoms of the disease are frothy, profuse discharge, having different colors, they can be yellow, green and gray with a very unpleasant odor. The disease accompanies excruciating itching in the perineum and vagina, as well as pain and discomfort during 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 genital organs. The disease is characterized by clear discharge and burning during urination, often there is pain in the perineum and inguinal region, which can intensify during sexual contact or immediately after it.

8. Ureaplasmosis is a bacterial infection caused by the gram-negative bacterium Ureaplasma. Like many other STIs, ureaplasmosis has non-specific 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 a reason to see a doctor.

9. Gardnerellosis - a disease 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 change of sexual partner is one of the most common causes of this pathology, in which abundant discharge appears from the vagina, most often white or transparent in color, having a specific smell of "rotten fish". In advanced cases, gardnerella causes inflammatory diseases of the cervix. With significant seeding, it is transmitted to the sexual partner, with the occurrence of urethritis in him.

10. Cytomegalovirus infection - a viral disease caused by CMV - a virus belonging to the 5th group of herpes viruses. CMV - the infection is included in the group of the so-called TORCH - a 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 fever, swollen lymph nodes, erosion of the cervix, inflammatory diseases of the ovaries, and possibly a violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.

11. Genital warts - warts, which are outgrowths of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, the anus, less often the mouth. The etiology of the disease is the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are of different sizes and 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 is manifested by damage to the skin and, in rare cases, mucous membranes. The causative agent of infection is one of the smallpox viruses. A specific sign of the disease is papules, which in adults are localized in the anogenital region, less often on the abdomen or inner thigh. Papules are small, firm 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 - pubic lice. The main symptom of the disease is unbearable itching, which is greatly aggravated by a lice bite, after which scratching is formed.

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 has a papulovesicular character. When combing these elements, they very often become infected with the formation of pustules.

15. Soft chancre - an infectious disease belonging to the group of STIs. In Russia, the disease is very rare and sporadic. A red spot is formed, which has a bubble in the center, which eventually 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 STI group, such as pain during urination, urticaria, 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 of pathogen verification, such as:
1. microscopic method - a method for detecting a pathogen in the discharge under a microscope.
2. bacteriological method - taking a sample of the discharge and sowing it on a nutrient medium, followed by microscopy. This technique also allows you to determine the resistance of a certain type of pathogen to antibiotic therapy, which allows the doctor to prescribe a rational treatment.
3. serological examination - a method based on the determination of specific pathogen antigens in biological material. Recently, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence method (MIF) are used more and more often.
4. polymerase chain reaction is a modern, highly sensitive method for diagnosing infectious diseases, which makes it possible to detect the presence of the genetic material of the pathogen in the discharge, even in the smallest quantities.
5. The study of blood serum for the presence of specific antibodies to the pathogen, allows you to give not only a qualitative assessment, but also a quantitative one, which can indicate the dynamics of the disease and the right therapy.

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