Educating one’s self about the nature of sexually transmitted disease (STD) is very important. In the past, several epidemics have occurred because people were not scientifically informed about STDs.
STDs are caused by tiny organisms – virus, bacteria, parasite, fungi and single-celled protozoa. These infectious micro organisms like to live in warm and moist parts of the body like the mouth, throat and most especially the genital areas. That is why the transfer of these tiny creatures is called sexually transmitted disease because it mostly occurs during sexual contact, may they be vaginal, oral or anal intercourse.
There are non-sexual means though where these organisms causing STDs are transferred. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS some types of hepatitis virus can be acquired by a person who gets in contact with infected blood. Another means of transmission include pregnant mother to new born child
Some common sexually transmitted diseases are:
Human Papilloma Virus Infection
Human Papilloma Virus infection can occur in the skin and mucous membranes. Genital warts can gown around the vagina’s entrance or on the penis due to infection. These genital warts can be surgically removed.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a curable disease caused by invasion of the bacteria called Treponema pallidum. The symptoms start with a genital sore called a chancre. If this STD is left untreated, it will lead to more serious conditions affecting the brain, heart and vertebrae and even death.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an STD caused by Neisseria gonorrheae bacterial attack on membrane lining of genital organs. Many cases show no symptoms before reaching advanced stages. When symptoms are present a person suffers pain and genital discharges like pus during urination. Men may have swollen testicles. Babies born from infected mother may suffer eyes disease. The Gonorrhea is untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can occur. When no symptoms are present by infection is suspected, urine specimens can be brought to doctors for examination.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused when single celled protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis attack the moist part of the genitalia. The effect can be very itchy but this can be easily eliminated with a dose of antibiotic.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by type 2 of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Sores and blisters are common indicators of herpes infection. Blood test can detect infection when no visible symptoms occur. Many antibiotics can cure herpes like famciclovir (Famvir) and aciclovir (Zovirax).
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the deadliest and most famous of STD in the world today. The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is responsible for AIDS by attaching the person’s immune system. After the attack, the body can hardly supply the needed natural defenses that even the mildest infections can be difficult to fight. Opportunistic infections happen. This is when the parasites, bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms take advantages of the weak immune system. AIDS is actually constituted by several diseases. There is yet no known cure for AIDS and people infected can greatly suffer until death.
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