- Main venereal diseases
- 1. HIV
- 2. Gonorrhea
- 3. Chlamydia
- 4. Syphilis
- 5. Venereal lymphogranuloma
- 6. HPV
- 7. Hepatitis B
- 8. Genital herpes
- How to avoid
Venereal diseases are those that are transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal intercourse, that is, without a condom. Venereal diseases can also be called sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, and, even if there are no evident and characteristic signs and symptoms of the disease, it is possible that there is transmission to the sexual partner.
The main venereal diseases are gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV and HIV infection, and it is important that the infection is identified, preferably, in the early stages of the disease, as it is possible that the treatment will start soon afterwards and increase the chances of cure. It is important that the treatment is done by the couple, since even if there are no signs and symptoms of the disease, there can be transmission and infection.
Main venereal diseases
There are several diseases that can be transmitted sexually, the main ones being:
1. HIV
HIV infection is a venereal disease that is easily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, but the virus can also be transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person or through the sharing of syringes and needles in which at least one of the people carry the virus.
Main symptoms: The symptoms of HIV infection are difficult to identify, since they can be similar to influenza, the onset of the disease. Some of the symptoms that can appear about 2 weeks after contact with the virus are headache, low fever, night sweat, inflamed ganglia, mouth sores and sores, excessive tiredness and sore throat, for example. However, in some people the disease can remain silent for up to 10 years.
How is the treatment: The treatment for HIV infection is done with the combination of antiretroviral drugs that work by decreasing the rate of replication of the virus, increase the number of cells in the immune system and control the disease. It is important that treatment is done according to the doctor's guidance and use a condom at all times to avoid transmission of the virus. See how HIV treatment should be done.
2. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae that can be transmitted sexually and can be easily combated through the treatment indicated by the doctor. However, if the infection is caused by resistant bacteria, popularly known as supergonorrhea, treatment can be more complicated.
Main symptoms: Symptoms of gonorrhea usually appear about 10 days after contact with the bacteria, the main ones being pain and burning when urinating and abdominal discomfort. Infected men may also have sore testicles, inflamed penis skin, and yellowish fluid seep out of the penis, while women may experience bleeding between menstrual periods and after intercourse and similar yellowish discharge. put it.
How is the treatment: The treatment for gonorrhea should be done by the couple, since even if there are no symptoms, there is a risk of transmission. The use of antibiotics, such as Azithromycin or Ceftriaxone, is usually indicated in order to eliminate the bacteria, and it is important that the treatment is carried out in accordance with the doctor's guidance, even if there are no more symptoms, to ensure that the bacteria has actually been eliminated..
Although gonorrhea has a cure, the person does not develop immunity against the disease, that is, he may have the disease again if he comes into contact with the bacteria. Therefore, it is important that the condom is used in all sexual relations.
Understand how gonorrhea is treated.
3. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most frequent venereal diseases and is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis , which can infect both men and women during unprotected oral, anal and vaginal intercourse. In the case of men, the infection is more frequent in the urethra, rectum or throat, while in women the infection in the cervix and rectum is more frequent.
Main symptoms: Chlamydia symptoms can appear up to 3 weeks after contact with the bacteria, but even if there are no signs or symptoms, the person can transmit the bacteria. The main symptoms related to the infection are pain and burning when urinating, pain or bleeding during intercourse, pain in the pelvic area, pus-like vaginal discharge in the case of women, and swelling of the testicles and inflammation of the urethra in the case of men. See how to identify chlamydia.
How is the treatment: The treatment of chlamydia should be by the couple, even if the partner does not show symptoms, being recommended the use of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, preventing transmission. Although the treatment is able to cure the disease, the person does not develop immunity and, therefore, it is important to continue using the condom to prevent infection from occurring again.
4. Syphilis
Syphilis, also called hard cancer, is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which is transmitted through unprotected sex and which is often not noticed, only when the disease is already in more advanced stages, called tertiary syphilis. This is because the signs and symptoms are often confused with those of other diseases and disappear after some time.
Main symptoms: The first symptom of syphilis is the appearance of a wound that does not hurt, itch or cause discomfort in the genital region and that disappears alone without treatment. A few weeks after the disappearance of this wound, other symptoms appear if it is not identified and treated, such as red spots on the skin, mouth, palms and soles, muscle pain, sore throat, weight loss and lack of appetite, for example, which can also disappear over time. However, the disappearance of symptoms does not mean that the bacteria has been eliminated from the body and the disease has been cured, it is important that the person goes to the doctor to identify the disease and start the appropriate treatment. See more about syphilis symptoms.
How is the treatment: The treatment of syphilis must be done by the couple through the injection of Benzetacil, which works by decreasing the rate of proliferation of the bacteria and promoting its elimination. The time of treatment depends on the stage of infection and the amount of bacteria present in the body, which can vary from person to person. In addition, even when it is verified through tests that the amount of bacteria in the body is undetectable, it is necessary to use a condom, since the person does not acquire immunity.
Learn more about syphilis by watching the following video:
5. Venereal lymphogranuloma
Venereal lymphogranuloma, also known as LGV or mule, is also a disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis that is transmitted from one person to another through unprotected intercourse, being more frequent in men. The diagnosis of LGV is made by assessing the signs and symptoms presented by the person and the result of complementary laboratory tests.
Main symptoms: In LGV the bacteria reaches the genitals and lymph nodes present in the groin, leading to the appearance of inflamed and fluid-filled sores in the genital region. In addition to the wounds, fever, malaise, headache, inflammation in the rectum and swelling in the groin may also be noted.
How is the treatment: The treatment of venereal lymphogranuloma is done with antibiotics that should be used according to the medical indication. In addition, it is important to pay attention to intimate hygiene and use condoms in all sexual relations.
6. HPV
HPV, also called condyloma acuminata, is a venereal disease caused by Human Papillomavirus, which is highly infectious and can be transmitted through unprotected sex through contact with lesions or secretions from an infected person. The disease has a chronic evolution and, in some cases, if it is not identified and treated, it can progress to cervical cancer in women.
Main symptoms: The main symptom of HPV infection is the appearance of warts on the genital area which, due to their appearance, are popularly known as cock crest. These warts can be large or small, skin-colored, pink or brownish and can appear along with other symptoms such as itching and discomfort in the genital area and bleeding during intercourse, however these symptoms are rare to happen.
How is the treatment: The treatment for HPV aims to alleviate the symptoms and treat the lesions, since the existing remedies are not able to eliminate the virus. Therefore, it is important that even if the lesions disappear, the condom is used, as the person can still carry the virus and transmit it to someone else. It is usually indicated by the doctor to use ointments such as Podofilox or Imiquimod and remedies to strengthen the immune system, in addition to carrying out cauterization to eliminate warts.
HPV is curable when the immune system clears the virus naturally, without signs or symptoms of infection appearing. Understand when HPV is curable.
7. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus and can be transmitted through unprotected sex, since the virus can be found in blood, semen and vaginal secretions, and can be easily transmitted during sexual intercourse.
However, infection with the hepatitis B virus can also occur in other ways, such as contact with the blood or secretions of an infected person, sharing of personal items such as a razor blade, or through the use of materials contaminated with the blood or secretions, such as syringes and needles used when injecting drugs or tattooing. Learn more about hepatitis B.
Main symptoms: The symptoms of hepatitis B usually appear about 1 to 3 months after contact with the virus to start appearing and are usually related to changes in the liver, since this virus has a predilection for this organ. Therefore, nausea, vomiting, fever, yellowed eyes and skin, abdominal pain, dark urine and light stools can be noticed.
How the treatment is done: The treatment of hepatitis B is done according to the stage of the disease, most of the time being indicated only rest and hydration, since the virus can be eliminated by the body. However, in more severe cases, the use of some antiviral and immunomodulatory remedies, such as Interferon and Lamivudine, may be recommended.
Hepatitis B is a disease that can be prevented through vaccination, in which the first dose is given in the first 12 hours of the baby's life and the following doses in the first month of life and in the 6th month, totaling 3 doses. However, even if all doses have been given, it is important to use condoms so that other venereal diseases can also be prevented. See more about the hepatitis B vaccine.
8. Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a venereal disease caused by the herpes virus that is transmitted from person to person through unprotected sex when it comes in contact with the liquid released from the blisters that are formed in the genital region due to the presence of the virus.
Main symptoms: The main symptom of genital herpes is the appearance of blisters in the genital region, about 10 to 15 days after contact with the virus, which can lead to burning, pain and discomfort in the region. These blisters usually burst and give rise to small wounds at the site. The presence of wounds at the site may favor the entry of other microorganisms into the body, resulting in secondary infections. Learn how to identify the symptoms of genital herpes.
How is the treatment: The treatment for genital herpes is done with the use of antiviral drugs, such as Acyclovir and Valacyclovir, which can be used in the form of ointments or pills, and which work by decreasing the rate of replication of the virus and the risk of transmission for other people. In addition, as the blisters can cause pain and discomfort, the doctor can also indicate the use of anesthetic ointments.
How to avoid
The main way to prevent venereal diseases is through the use of condoms in every sexual relationship, even if there is no penetration, because if one of the people is infected, only contact with the mucosa or lesions can be enough for transmission of the infectious agent.
In addition to using condoms, one of the ways to prevent HPV is through vaccination, which is made available by SUS for girls aged 9 to 14 years and boys between 11 and 14 years old. There is also the vaccine against hepatitis B, which is given in three doses. However, even if all doses of vaccines have been administered, it is important that condoms continue to be used, as it guarantees protection against other sexually transmitted infections.
Find out how to use a condom correctly and clarify the main doubts by watching the following video:
