Sexually transmitted diseases, known as STDs, are diseases that can be prevented through protected sex. Although some STDs can be cured with the right treatment, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, for example, others have no cure and can be very debilitating, as in the case of AIDS, in which the person's immune system is extremely weakened, exposing it to various infectious agents.
The treatment of STDs is done according to the cause and may aim to eliminate the causative agent, usually bacteria, or to relieve symptoms, as in the case of diseases caused by viruses, such as herpes and HPV, for example, already that antivirals are unable to expel the virus from the body. Furthermore, it is determined by the urologist, in the case of men, or by the gynecologist, in the case of women.
Symptoms vary between men and women, but, in general, there may be discharge, blisters or sores in the genital area, and pain or burning when urinating. Find out what are the symptoms of STDs in men and symptoms in women.
The best way to prevent an STD is to use a condom in all intimate contacts, as it prevents direct contact between the genitals, in addition to preventing contact with the infectious agent.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by viruses that, when in contact with the genital mucosa, cause symptoms such as sores or blisters in the genital region that contain a virus-rich liquid, in addition to pain and burning when urinating. In addition to being transmitted through unprotected intimate contact, genital herpes can also be transmitted through direct contact with blisters or sores. Learn how to identify the symptoms of genital herpes.
This STD is not curable, as the virus cannot be eliminated from the body, but the symptoms can be controlled with the use of antiviral drugs, such as Acyclovir or Valacyclovir, twice a day or according to the urologist's recommendation, at men, or gynecologists, in the case of women. Find out more about treatment for genital herpes.
HPV
HPV, also called cock's crest, is an STD caused by the Human Papilloma Virus that causes the formation of warts in the genital region, which do not cause pain but are contagious, transmitting the virus from one person to another. See how to identify HPV.
The treatment for HPV is done with the objective of decreasing the symptoms and eliminating the warts, being usually done with drugs capable of relieving the symptoms, reducing the chances of transmissibility and preventing the progression to cancer, such as Podofilox, Retinoids and the Acid trichloroacetic. Find out all about HPV treatment.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas sp. , which can infect both men and women, causing symptoms such as yellow-green and smelly discharge in women, and itching and sensation when urinating or during ejaculation. Learn how to differentiate the symptoms of trichomoniasis in men and women.
Trichomoniasis, in addition to being transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, can also be transmitted through sharing wet towels, for example. Treatment is indicated by the urologist or gynecologist and is usually done with the use of antibiotics, such as Tinidazole or Metronidazole, for 5 to 7 days. It is recommended that during treatment the person avoid having sex, as the disease is easily transmissible. Understand how to treat trichomoniasis.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis , which is usually asymptomatic but can also cause symptoms such as yellow discharge, in the case of women, as well as pain and burning when urinating which can also be felt in men. Multiple sexual partners, frequent vaginal douching and lack of protection during intercourse are factors that can increase the chances of infection with the bacteria. Find out what the symptoms are and how Chlamydia transmission occurs.
This disease is curable if the treatment is performed as indicated by the doctor and is usually done with the use of antibiotics for about 7 days, such as Azithromycin, for example. The correct treatment is able to eliminate the bacteria and, thus, avoid complications such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and infertility. Understand how chlamydia treatment is done.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an STD that can be cured with appropriate treatment, which is usually done with antibiotics such as Azithromycin and Ceftriaxone for 7 to 14 days or according to medical advice. Treatment with antibiotics is able to eliminate the bacteria that causes the disease, with remission of the disease. Even if the sexual partner does not show symptoms, it is also important that he undergo treatment to prevent the transmission of the disease. Learn more about treatment for gonorrhea.
Symptoms of gonorrhea usually appear after 2 to 10 days of contamination and can be transmitted through unprotected intimate contact, from mother to child during delivery and, more rarely, through the use of contaminated underwear and objects. See how to get it and how to know if it is gonorrhea.
AIDS
AIDS is usually transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, however the virus can be transmitted from person to person through exchange of needles or contact with blood of infected people. AIDS symptoms can appear 3 to 6 weeks after contact with the HIV virus and include fever, malaise and weight loss. Find out what are the main symptoms of AIDS.
Treatment is done through the use of several drugs that act against the HIV virus, in addition to drugs that can increase the person's immunity.
Syphilis
Syphilis is an STD that, when treated correctly and according to medical advice, has a cure. The first symptom of syphilis is a sore on the genital area that does not bleed and does not hurt and that usually arises after unprotected intimate contact with an infected person. Know what are the symptoms of syphilis.
When syphilis is not treated correctly, the disease can evolve and can be classified according to symptoms into:
- Primary syphilis: it is the initial stage of the disease and is characterized by the presence of small reddish wounds, called hard cancer, on the genitals; Secondary syphilis: which is characterized by the presence of pink or brownish spots on the skin, mouth, nose, palms and soles. In addition, there may be involvement of the internal organs due to the spread of the bacteria; Tertiary syphilis or neurosyphilis: occurs when secondary syphilis is not treated correctly, leading to larger lesions on the skin, mouth and nose. In addition, in tertiary syphilis, the bacterium can invade the central nervous system, reaching the meninges and spinal cord and causing symptoms such as memory loss, depression and paralysis, for example. Learn how to identify and treat neurosyphilis.
Treatment is usually done with the use of Penicillin G or erythromycin, which are antibiotics capable of eliminating Treponema pallidum, which is the bacterium that causes syphilis. Understand how treatment for syphilis is done.
Also watch the conversation between nutritionist Tatiana Zanin and Dr. Drauzio Varella about STIs, in which they discuss ways to prevent and / or cure the infection:
