{"id":2391,"date":"2021-06-02T14:31:46","date_gmt":"2021-06-02T14:31:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/echavarria-obgyn\/?page_id=2391"},"modified":"2021-06-29T07:57:43","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T07:57:43","slug":"std-treatment-and-prevention","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/echavarria-obgyn\/std-treatment-and-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"STD Treatment and Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

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STD Treatment and Prevention<\/h1>\n<\/div>
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STD Treatment and Prevention<\/h3>\n<\/div>
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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are usually contracted through sexual contact. The organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases can pass from person to person through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or other body fluids.<\/p>\n

Sometimes these infections are transmitted through non-sexual routes, such as from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, through blood transfusions, or through shared needles.<\/p>\n

Sexually transmitted diseases can be contracted from people who seem very healthy and may not even know they have the infection. STDs do not always have symptoms; for this reason, experts prefer the term \u201csexually transmitted infections\u201d rather than \u201csexually transmitted diseases.<\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/strong>
\nSexually transmitted infections (STIs) may have a variety of signs and symptoms or no symptoms at all. For that reason, they may go unnoticed until a complication occurs or the partner is diagnosed with the infection. Signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of an STI include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area<\/li>\n
  • Pain or burning when urinating<\/li>\n
  • Discharge from the penis<\/li>\n
  • Vaginal discharge with an unusual odor or odor<\/li>\n
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding<\/li>\n
  • Pain during sexual intercourse<\/li>\n
  • Swollen, sore lymph nodes, particularly in the groin, but sometimes more widespread<\/li>\n
  • Pain in the lower abdomen<\/li>\n
  • Fever<\/li>\n
  • Skin rash on the trunk, hands, or feet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Signs and symptoms may appear within a few days after exposure, or it may take years for problems to occur, depending on the organism.<\/p>\n

    When to see your doctor<\/strong>
    \nCall your health care provider immediately if any of the following occurs:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • If you are sexually active and may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection<\/li>\n
    • If you have signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Ask for a consultation with a doctor:<\/p>\n

      When you think you are already sexually active or at age 21; whichever comes first
      \nBefore you start having sexual intercourse with a new partner<\/p>\n

      Causes<\/strong>
      \nSexually transmitted infections can be caused by:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Bacteria (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia)<\/li>\n
      • Parasites (trichomoniasis)<\/li>\n
      • Virus (human papilloma, genital herpes, HIV)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Sexual activity plays a role in the spread of many other infectious agents, although it is possible to become infected without sexual contact. Examples include hepatitis A, B and C viruses, and Shigella and giardia intestinal bacteria.<\/p>\n

        Risk Factors<\/strong>
        \nAnyone who is sexually active is at risk of being exposed, to some degree, to a sexually transmitted infection. Factors that may increase that risk includes:<\/p>\n

        Having unprotected sex. Vaginal or anal penetration by an infected partner who does not use a latex condom significantly increases the risk of acquiring an STI. Incorrect or irregular use of condoms can also increase your risk.<\/p>\n

        Oral sex may be less risky, but infections can still be transmitted without the use of a latex condom or mouth guard. Mouth guards (thin, square, rubber, latex, or silicone parts) prevent skin-to-skin contact.<\/p>\n

        Having sex with multiple partners. The risk is greater when you have sex with more people. Whether they are simultaneous partners or consecutive monogamous relationships.<\/p>\n

        Having a history of STIs. If you\u2019ve already had one STI, it\u2019s much easier for you to have another.
        \nAnyone forced to have sex or sexual activity. Coping with rape or assault can be very difficult, but it\u2019s important to get an appointment as soon as possible. Screening, treatment, and emotional support are offered.<\/p>\n

        Alcohol abuse or recreational drug use. Substance abuse can inhibit your common sense and predispose you to risky behaviors.
        \nInjecting drugs. Sharing needles spreads many serious infections, including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
        \nBeing young. Half of STIs occur in people aged 15-24.<\/p>\n

        Men who request prescriptions for drugs that treat erectile dysfunction. Men who ask their doctors for prescriptions for certain drugs, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), have an increased risk of getting an STI. If you ask your doctor for any of these medicines, make sure you are informed and have safe sex.<\/p>\n

        Complications<\/strong>
        \nBecause many people do not have symptoms in the early stages of a sexually transmitted infection, it is important to be screened for sexually transmitted infections to avoid complications.<\/p>\n

        Possible complications include<\/p>\n