July 21st, 2014
Venereal Diseases (also known as sexually transmitted diseases/infections) are often acquired by unprotected sexual encounter (Safe Sex Learn More) with an infected partner. The pathogen (usually bacterial or viral) are transmitted by semen, blood, vaginal or other bodily secretions. Some of these infections are also transmitted by non-sexual means such as:
Many Venereal Diseases are asymptomatic (Asymptomatic Wiki Page) (at least in the early course of illness) and thus remains concealed for a long period of time.
The appearance, severity and characteristics of individual Venereal Diseases may vary depending upon the infecting pathogen. However, for most part, following sign and symptoms are usually common to most sexually transmitted infections (HIV Prevention Learn More):
Based on the causative organism, the symptoms may appear within a few weeks and may last for some days up to a few years. In some cases, symptoms may resolve spontaneously within a few weeks, yet in most cases antibiotic therapy is needed to address the illness.
Make an appointment for screening tests and Venereal disease counseling if:
According to the latest reports of Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year more than 20 million new cases are reported in United States. Additionally,
Following are some most frequently encountered pathogens that may lead to acute/ chronic sexually transmitted disease.
You may also get infected without any sexual activity, by Giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium (Cryptosporidium Wiki Page), shigella and hepatitis A, B and C virus (Oral Sex STDs).
The risk factors include:
Having unprotected sex: Penetration in anus or vagina by an infected partner (without physical barriers like condom or vaginal diaphragm) can result in transmission of infected agents. Risk may also be increased by inconsistent or improper condom usage.
According to a research, STIs dwell more commonly in men who have sex with other men, young people and minority communities (2).
STDs caused by bacteria are fairly easier to treat (with the help of antibiotics) as compared to most viral venereal diseases. Based on infection type, the treatment may be:
If you have STI then your partners with whom you have or had sexual activity with over past 3 months-1 year, need to be informed so they can get tested and screened. Official, confidential notifications to the partner limit the STIs spreading effectively, especially syphilis and HIV.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/sti-estimates-fact-sheet-feb-2013.pdf
Brody, S., & Weiss, P. (2011). Heterosexual anal intercourse: Increasing prevalence, and association with sexual dysfunction, bisexual behavior, and venereal disease history. Journal of sex & marital therapy, 37(4), 298-306.
Rompalo, A. (2011). Preventing sexually transmitted infections: back to basics. The Journal of clinical investigation, 121(12), 4580-4583.
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