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Sexually transmitted disease
Is AIDS a sexually transmitted disease?
AIDS is caused by the infection of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as HIV, which leads to significant immune deficiency characterized by the disease. The main route of transmission is through sexual contact. It spreads quickly and has a relatively high mortality rate. Currently, there is no effective cure, making it one of the major lethal infectious sexually transmitted diseases in humans.
How to determine if you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease
Common sexually transmitted diseases include gonorrhea, syphilis, genital warts, AIDS, genital herpes, etc. When a sexually transmitted disease occurs, there are usually some special symptoms. In women, there are often purulent secretions in the vagina and local swelling and pain; men may experience burning, itching, and swelling at the urethral opening, along with some sticky secretions, often accompanied by frequent urination, urgent urination, and painful urination. If it's syphilis, there is usually a hard lump in the genital area with superficial ulcers, which is a manifestation of primary chancre. In patients with genital warts, there typically appear nipple-like or cauliflower-like growths around the genitals and anus. If infected with HIV, the early stages usually involve fever, as well as symptoms like nausea, vomiting, whole-body rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
How long is the incubation period for sexually transmitted diseases?
The incubation period of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) varies, which is a rather general question. Firstly, it is important for patients to understand what STDs are; they are a collective term for sexually transmitted infections, consisting of various diseases such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, genital warts, and gonorrhea, which are among the most common. STDs share a common characteristic of being transmitted through high-risk sexual behaviors. Typically, the incubation period for syphilis is 40 to 90 days, for HIV it is about three months, genital warts can have an incubation period ranging from three months to half a year, and gonorrhea tends to manifest symptoms quickly. Once infected with gonorrhea, symptoms such as abnormal discharge, discomfort during urination, frequent urination, urgent urination, and painful urination may appear within a week. Therefore, if one engages in high-risk sexual behaviors and wishes to be reassured through testing, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a medical examination after a week.
How to treat sexually transmitted diseases?
The treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) cannot be generalized, as different STDs require different treatment approaches, and there are many types of STDs with completely distinct treatment methods. Some STDs are caused by viral infections and require antiviral medication for treatment. Other STDs result from bacterial infections or other pathogens, typically necessitating the use of antimicrobial and antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, some STDs, like genital warts, are primarily treated with physical therapy, usually without the need for oral or topical medications for follow-up treatment. Therefore, before treatment, it is crucial to identify the specific type of STD and select a targeted treatment plan based on the disease.
Are sexually transmitted diseases contagious?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as STBs, are infectious diseases that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, similar sexual activities, and indirect contact. These diseases can not only cause lesions in the urinary and reproductive organs but also invade the corresponding lymph nodes through the local lymphatic system, and potentially spread hematogenously to major tissues and organs throughout the body. STDs significantly harm the physical and mental health of patients, impacting the individual's family and society immensely. Over 95% of STDs are transmitted through sexual activity, with other similar sexual behaviors, such as oral sex, anal sex, masturbation, kissing, touching, etc., also increasing the risk of infection. Indirect sexual contact, such as through contact with contaminated clothing, public items, and communal sanitary facilities, accounts for a smaller portion of transmissions. Infection can also occur through contaminated blood and blood products, such as through the transfusion of blood or blood products contaminated with STD pathogens or through shared injection needles among drug users. Additionally, vertical mother-to-child transmission can happen if the infected mother passes the infection to the fetus via the placenta, during birth through the birth canal, or through breastfeeding. Therefore, STDs are transmissible.
Is genital warts a sexually transmitted disease?
Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted disease, commonly occurring among individuals who are sexually active or engage in promiscuous activities, particularly those with multiple sexual partners, who are considered high-risk. This disease also has a contagious incubation period that varies in length, generally from half a month to eight months. If infected with this disease, it is crucial to seek formal medical treatment. Initially, the warts should be removed with laser treatment, followed by antiviral medications and drugs to boost the immune system. Regular exercise to strengthen immunity is also recommended during treatment, and sexual contact should be avoided. Spicy and irritating foods should be avoided, and undergarments should be thoroughly sun-dried and disinfected to prevent cross-infection. When bathing in public baths, it's best to avoid sharing items or sitting directly on unclean surfaces.
What are the symptoms of syphilitic disease?
The symptoms of syphilitic disease are diverse, and syphilis is divided into early syphilis and late syphilis. In the early stages of syphilis, during the primary phase, it usually presents as a hard chancre on the genital area, without obvious pain. In secondary syphilis, it manifests as polymorphic roseola, usually appearing as patches of varying sizes on the trunk, covered with scales, with no significant itching. In tertiary or late syphilis, there can be damage to multiple systems including bones and nerves. Once syphilis is diagnosed, it is essential to treat it early. Early treatment generally leads to good outcomes, with most people recovering. If it progresses to late stages, treatment outcomes are relatively poor. The first choice of treatment for syphilis is long-acting penicillin.
Can you still get pregnant if you have a sexually transmitted disease?
Women can still get pregnant after being treated and cured of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If a woman becomes pregnant without completely curing the STD, it may be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breast milk after birth. Therefore, it is crucial to seek timely treatment to prevent these pathogens from infecting the fetus and causing developmental abnormalities. In everyday life, it is essential to maintain personal hygiene and avoid unsafe sexual practices with either the same or opposite sex. When suffering from an STD, it is important to practice good personal hygiene, keep the genital area clean, and use cleansers to clean the external genitalia before sexual intercourse as a preventive measure.
Is a positive mycoplasma test definitely a sexually transmitted disease?
Mycoplasma positivity does not necessarily indicate a sexually transmitted disease. Mycoplasma infection is a common reproductive system disease in clinical practice, and it can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, and related conditions. Mycoplasma infection falls under the category of sexually transmitted diseases because it is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Current medical technology can cure mycoplasma infection. Treatment can include the use of azithromycin or doxycycline. There are many types of mycoplasmas. Pneumonia mycoplasma can cause pneumonia and upper respiratory tract symptoms. Ureaplasma urealyticum and other reproductive tract mycoplasmas cause infections in the urinary and reproductive systems. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)