STD – Sexually Transmitted Disease
Infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. These diseases can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. STDs may present with a range of symptoms or may be asymptomatic, and they can lead to significant health complications if not treated. Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and trichomoniasis. Preventive measures include safe sex practices, vaccination, and regular screening.
Key Features:
- Pathogens:
- Bacterial STDs: Examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
- Viral STDs: Examples include HIV/AIDS, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B and C.
- Parasitic STDs: Examples include trichomoniasis.
- Fungal STDs: Rare but can include infections like candidiasis under certain conditions.
- Transmission:
- Primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Some STDs, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, can also be transmitted through non-sexual means such as blood transfusions, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
- Symptoms:
- Symptoms vary depending on the specific STD and can range from asymptomatic to severe.
- Common symptoms include genital sores or ulcers, unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, itching, and pain during urination or intercourse.
- Some STDs, like HPV, can lead to cancers (e.g., cervical cancer), while others, like HIV, can significantly impact the immune system.
- Diagnosis:
- Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
- Laboratory tests may include blood tests, urine tests, swabs of affected areas, and culture tests to detect the presence of pathogens.
- Prevention and Treatment:
- Preventive measures include the use of condoms, regular screening, vaccination (e.g., HPV and hepatitis B vaccines), and safe sex practices.
- Treatment varies by type of STD and may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral medications for viral infections, and specific treatments for parasitic infections.
- Partner notification and treatment are also crucial to prevent reinfection and further transmission.
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