Sexually transmitted Diseases

1.

2.

3.

4. Chancroid

-Chancroid is a rare bacterial infection that develops due to Haemophilus ducreyi. It can only spread
through sexual contact.

-It causes painful sores on the genitals. Chancroid can also increase the chance of HIV, and it can make
HIV harder to treat.

Treatment is with antibiotics. Anyone who receives a diagnosis of chancroid should inform any partners
they have had sexual contact with within the past 10 days.

How do you treat chancroid?

-Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection that causes painful open sores, or chancroids, to develop
in the genital area. It can also often cause the lymph nodes in the groin to swell and become painful.

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi. It is rare

in North America and Europe.

Having chancroid also increases the risk of developing other STIs because the sores compromise the skin
barrier and immune system.

People with chancroid should seek medical treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Anyone
diagnosed with chancroid, or who suspects they have it, should also inform recent sexual partners so
they can get tested as soon as possible.

Antibiotics can treat chancroid in most cases.

What are the symptoms of chancroid?

-Most people with chancroid begin to notice symptoms between 3 and 10 days after contracting the
infection.

Some people do not have any visible symptoms of chancroid.

-The most common symptoms of chancroid are painful, red-colored bumps in the genital region that
become ulcerated, open sores.

The base of the ulcer can appear grey or yellow.

-Chancroid sores are often very painful in men but less noticeable and painful in women.

Additional symptoms associated with chancroid include:

 urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra

 abnormal vaginal discharge

 pain and bleeding of the sore

 dysuria, a condition caused by urethral inflammation

Diagnosis

To positively diagnose chancroid, a doctor must identify the presence of H. ducreyi in fluids taken from
the ulcers.

However, a definite diagnosis is not always possible because some of the substances needed to identify
the bacteria are not widely available in the United States. In any case, these tests are accurate less than
80 percent of the time.

To diagnose chancroid, a doctor will ask a person questions about their symptoms, sexual history, and
travel history. Usually, a doctor will make a diagnosis of chancroid if a person’s symptoms match typical
chancroid symptoms, and they test negative for other STIs.

-Risk factors

The number one risk factor for contracting chancroid is through contact with the open sores of a person
who has chancroid.

Additional risk factors for contracting chancroid include:

 unprotected sexual contact or intercourse

 multiple sexual partners

 sexual contact or intercourse with a sex worker

  substance abuse

 rough intercourse

 anal intercourse

 being sexually active

 living in some developing nations, such as parts of Africa and the Caribbean

How is it treated?

A doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend one of the following rounds of
antibiotic therapy for treating chancroid:

 azithromycin: 1 gram (g) orally once daily

 ceftriaxone: 250 mg intramuscular (IM) once daily

 ciprofloxacin: 500 mg orally twice daily for 3 days

 erythromycin base: 500 mg orally three times a day for 7 days

It is essential to take all the medications a doctor prescribes. Chronic or untreated chancroid infections
are more difficult to treat because the bacteria can spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor will assess chancroid symptoms 3 to 7 days after prescribing antibiotic therapy. If symptoms
remain, a doctor might:

 reassess their diagnosis

 ensure a person is taking their medications properly

 test for other STIs, including HIV

 explore whether the strain of H. ducreyi is resistant to the antibiotic prescribed

Recovery time from chancroid mostly depends on the severity of the infection and the size of the sores.
Large ulcers from chancroids can take more than 2 weeks to heal fully.

-Prevention

Using protection during sex may prevent chancroid.

The only sure way to prevent chancroid is to avoid all sexual activities and contact. However, total
celibacy is not a realistic lifestyle choice for the majority of people.
-Other ways to reduce the risk of developing chancroid include:

 limiting or reducing the number of sexual partners

 using protection during sexual contact or intercourse at all times

 regularly checking the genital region for signs of abnormal bumps, sores, or swollen lymph
nodes

 talking with sexual partners about testing for STIs or their STI status before engaging in sexual
contact

 asking sexual partners about any unusual sores or bumps in their genital region

 talking with a doctor about unexplained groin pain

 getting regular STI testing

 avoiding or limiting alcohol use and avoiding recreational drug use as these may impair
judgment in making healthy choices

Takeaway

Simple antibiotics can treat chancroid in many cases.

Chancroid can develop into a more serious, difficult to treat infection if left untreated.

Talk with a doctor or medical professional as soon as possible after chancroid symptoms develop.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322835#takeaway

5. Genital Warts and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Scientists have identified more than one hundred types of this virus. A number of them are passed from
one person to another during unprotected sex and cause benign genital warts (condylomata acuminata).
Other human papillomaviruses are responsible for four in five cases of cervical cancer, in addition to
several other genital malignancies.

HPV is another, often silent, STI. According to the National Institute of AIDS and Infectious Diseases,
almost half the women harboring the virus exhibit no symptoms at all. Genital warts typically appear in
clusters inside and outside the vagina, the cervix and/or the anus. Male venereal warts, which are far
less common, form on the penis, the scrotum and/or around the anus. The pinkish or flesh-colored
growths often vanish on their own.
The interventions for genital warts differ from those for other STIs. Most cases can be managed with
topical treatment of the warts, though the lesions tend to return. Large warts may have to be removed
using one of several surgical procedures: cryosurgery (freezing), electrocautery (burning) or laser
surgery.

Symptoms That Suggest Sexually Transmitted Infections May Include:

Genital Warts/Human Papillomavirus (Hpv)

Symptoms typically occur three months after exposure.

Women:

Clusters of tiny warts outside and inside of the vagina, on the cervix or around the anus

Men:

Clusters of tiny warts on the penis, scrotum or anus

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/sexually-transmitted/Pages/Types-
of-Sexually-Transmitted-Infections.aspx

Human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) refers to a group of viruses that affect the skin and mucous membranes,
such as the throat, cervix, anus, and mouth. There are various types, and some pose a higher risk than
others.

HPV is common. It affects around 79 million people in the United States. Nearly everyone who is sexually
active will have HPV at some point in their lives, unless they have received a vaccination to prevent it.

Many people experience no symptoms, but in these cases, it is still possible for the virus to spread.

Some types of HPV can lead to genital warts. These tend to be low risk.

Having HPV can also increase the risk of cervical cancer and throat cancer.

HPV can spread through:

 vaginal and anal sex

 oral sex

 genital-to-genital contact

 from a pregnant person to a baby, though this is rare

Vaccination can help prevent the transmission of HPV.

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most sexually active men and
women being exposed to the virus at some point during their lifetime.

The virus is common in the United States and there are approximately 14 million newly diagnosed cases
of human papillomavirus (HPV) annually.

There are different types of HPV. Some can lead to genital warts and others can cause some types
of cancer. Each year, around 19,400 women and 12,100 men in the U.S. are affected by cancers that
stem from HPV. Vaccines can protect against infection.

In this article, we will explain what HPV is, how it is passed between people, any symptoms that could
occur, and information about treatment, vaccines, and prevention.

-Fast facts on HPV

 Most sexually active men and women will contract the HPV virus at some point during their
lifetime.

 HPV can be spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

 It can result in genital warts and some types of cancer.

 Sometimes, HPV can be transmitted during birth to an infant causing genital or respiratory
system infections.

 There is no cure for HPV but safe and effective vaccinations are recommended at the age of 11
to 12 years.

-Treatment

Different types of HPV will have different symptoms. HPV viruses can lead to genital warts and cancer.

There is no treatment for the virus, but the symptoms can be treated.

Prevention is through the HPV vaccine.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246670#prevention
6.- Herpes results from infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes sores or blisters to form
in or around the mouth or genitals, as well as other symptoms.

-There are two types of HSV:

 HSV-1 causes oral herpes, which usually affects the mouth and surrounding skin.

 HSV-2 causes genital herpes, which is usually sexually transmitted.

If a person has an HSV infection, they will have it for the rest of their life, though some people never
develop symptoms. If symptoms occur, they reflect the type of HSV.

-There is no cure for herpes, but treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of
them recurring.

-HSV is a common virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 67% of people,
globally, have an HSV-1 infection, and 11% have an HSV-2 infection.

In this article, we describe the symptoms of genital and oral herpes, how to treat them, and how to
prevent these infections.

Oral herpes

Oral herpes sores that have erupted Genital herpes

Genital herpes on a female

Oral herpes on the lip that is in the early stages.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes on a male

-Symptoms

People who develop symptoms of herpes may first experience tingling, itching, or burning, then notice
sores or blisters forming around the mouth or genitals.

Symptoms tend to develop 2–20 days after exposure to the virus.

Oral herpes

Oral herpes causes blisters, sometimes called fever sores or cold sores, to develop in or around the lips
and mouth.

Sometimes these blisters form elsewhere on the face or on the tongue, and more rarely on other areas
of skin.

The sores usually last 2–3 weeks at a time.

Genital herpes

These sores tend to develop on the penis, around or inside the vagina, on the buttocks, or on the anus,
though they can form on other areas of skin.

Herpes can also cause pain when urinating and changes in vaginal discharge.

The first time a person develops the sores, they may last 2–6 weeks.

Soon after this initial outbreak, symptoms may recur frequently. Over time, outbreaks may occur less
often and the symptoms tend to become less severe.

Primary symptoms

These occur when a person first develops the infection.

Alongside sores or blisters, herpes may cause:

 pain and itching

 swollen lymph nodes

 a fever

 fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell

In most cases, the lesions heal without long-term scarring.

Recurring symptoms

Symptoms that reappear are similar to the initial symptoms, though they tend to be less severe and last
for shorter periods.

Research suggests that around 33% of people with oral herpes and 50% of those with genital herpes
experience recurring symptoms.
During each recurrence, symptoms of oral herpes tend to last 8–10 days, according to the American
Sexual Health Association.

Symptoms of a genital herpes recurrence also last 8–10 days, and there will be fewer sores than in the
initial phase. During a recurrence, a person can pass on genital herpes for 2–5 days.

-Causes

When HSV is present on the skin, it can easily pass from person to person through contact with the
moist skin of the mouth and genitals, including the anus.

The virus may also spread through contact with other areas of the skin and the eyes.

A person cannot contract HSV by touching an object or a surface, such as a washbasin or towel.

Infection can occur in the following ways:

 having vaginal or anal sex without using barrier protection, such as a condom

 sharing sex toys

 having any other oral or genital contact with a person who has herpes

The virus is most contagious between the time when symptoms first appear and when they heal. Less
commonly, a person can transmit the virus when symptoms are not present.

If a woman with genital herpes has sores while giving birth, the virus can pass on to the baby.

HSV and HIV

People with genital herpes have a higher risk of contracting and passing on HIV, as sores in the skin can
facilitate HIV’s passing into and out of the body.

HSV-2 increases the number of CD4 cells in the genital lining, which can raise the risk of infection if a
person is exposed to HIV.

Also, people with HIV have weakened immune systems, and this increases the risk of more severe
complications.

For example, if a person has oral herpes anda weakened immune system, they may have a higher risk of
developing keratitis, a type of eye inflammation, or encephalitis, inflammation of the brain.

If a person has a weakened immune system and genital herpes, there is, rarely, a higher risk of
developing inflammation of the brain, eyes, esophagus, lungs, or liver, as well as widespread infection.

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Treatment

There are several treatment options for both oral and genital herpes.

Home remedies

The following could help relieve herpes symptoms for some people:

 dabbing cornstarch onto the affected area

 squirting water from a bottle onto blisters to ease pain while urinating

 applying aloe vera gel to sores

However, no research indicates that these remedies work.

A person might also try:

 taking pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

 bathing in lightly salted water or soaking in a warm sitz bath

 applying petroleum jelly to the affected areas

 wearing loose clothing to avoid irritation

 refraining from sexual activity, even with protection, until symptoms have gone

 applying a cream or lotion to the urethra before urinating, such as one that contains lidocaine

Some people find that using ice packs help. Never apply ice directly to the skin — wrap it in a cloth first.

A person can purchase lidocaine creams in drugstores or online.

Medication

No drug can get rid of the herpes virus. However, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, such
as acyclovir, to prevent the virus from multiplying.

Meanwhile, over-the-counter herpes treatments, which are often creams, can help manage tingling,
itching, and pain.

To significantly lessen the duration of an outbreak, start treatment within 24 hours of initial symptoms,
for example, as soon as the tingling begins.

If a person uses antiviral medication, symptoms may resolve 1–2 days more quickly than if they had
used no treatment. Medication may also reduce the severity of symptoms.
If a person has fewer than six recurrences of genital herpes per year, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral
medication at each recurrence.

If a person experiences recurrences more frequently, a doctor may recommend taking an antiviral for 6–
12 months at a time.

Taking these medications every day for longer periods can significantly reduce the risk of passing herpes
to a partner, though it remains a possibility.

Prevention tips

The following strategies can reduce the risk of developing or passing on herpes:

 using barrier protection, such as condoms, when having sex

 avoiding sex while symptoms are present

 avoiding kissing and oral sex when there is a cold sore around the mouth

 washing the hands thoroughly, especially after touching the affected area, during an outbreak

A person can buy condoms at many stores, as well as online.

Some people also find that stress, being tired, illness, skin friction, and sunbathing can trigger
recurrences of symptoms.

Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help reduce the number of outbreaks.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151739#treatments

7. Trichomoniasis

-Trichomoniasis, or trich, can affect anyone, but females are more likely to experience
symptoms. Trichomonas vaginalis is the cause of this infection.

In females, it is most likely to affect the vagina. In males, the infection can develop in the urethra.

Transmission can occur through penetrative sex and vulva-to-vulva contact.

Many people do not experience any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:

 unusual discharge

 pain during urination

 pain during ejaculation

  pain or discomfort during sex

Trich can also lead to pregnancy complications and increase the chance of both contracting and
transmitting HIV.

A doctor can prescribe medications to resolve trich, but both partners will likely need treatment, or the
infection may return. Without treatment, trich can last for months or years.

-Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by a parasite. It can be passed on

through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Trichomoniasis, or trich, is highly curable, but it does not cause symptoms in everyone who gets it.
Without treatment, it can lead to complications.

It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States (U.S.).
Around 3.7 million people in the U.S. are thought to have it, but only 30 percent have symptoms.

Having a trich infection seems to increase the risk of getting and passing on HIV.

Fast facts about trichomoniasis

 Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) often referred to as “trich.”

 In women, it affects the vulva, vagina, and urethra.

 To prevent reinfection, patients and their sexual partners must complete treatment.

 Trich often leads to vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina.

 Only 30 percent of people with trichomoniasis develop symptoms.

 Trichomoniasis during pregnancy increases the risk of premature labor.

What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis symptoms can be uncomfortable, but often there are no symptoms.

Trichomoniasis, or “trich,” is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a microscopic, single-
cell protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.

-The parasite is passed on during sexual intercourse.

In women, trich is most likely to affect the lower genital tract. In men, it affects the urethra, the tube
through which urine passes.

Other parts of the body such as the anus, hands, or mouth, cannot normally contract the infection.

-According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), trichomoniasis is the most
common curable sexually transmitted disease (STD).

-Risk factors

The parasite is passed from partner to partner during sex.

The following people have a higher chance of getting trich:

 Women, and especially older women

 People with more than one sexual partner

 Those with a history of trich or other STIs

 People who have unprotected sex

It can be passed on during oral, anal, or vaginal sex, and also through genital touching.

The risk increases with the number of sexual partners a person has.

Symptoms

Symptoms may appear between 5 and 28 days after exposure, or they may appear later, or not at
all.

Up to 70 percent of people, and especially men, have no symptoms when they have trich.

When symptoms are present, they can affect men and women differently.

Minor symptoms include irritation, but someone with a more severe case may have an inflammation
with discharge.

Symptoms for women include:

 frothy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, which may be clear, white, gray, yellow, or green

 vaginal discharge with blood

 genital irritation

 burning sensations around the genitals or when urinating

 swelling in the groin

  painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia

 needing to urinate frequently

 painful urination, or dysuria

Symptoms for men include:

 a discharge from the urethra or penis

 itching in the penis

 burning sensations after ejaculating or urinating

 frequent need to urinate

 pain when urinating

Complications

A number of complications are linked to trich.

HIV risk

A trich infection can increase the risk of getting HIV and other STIs, especially in women.

This could be because of:

 inflammation

 a reduced immune response

 a change in balance in vaginal flora

Problems during pregnancy

Trichomoniasis is linked to a number of complications during pregnancy.

These include:

 preterm birth

 early rupture of the membrane

 low birth weight, of less than 5.5 pounds

 passing on the infection to the newborn during delivery

Fortunately, trich can be treated safely with antibiotics during pregnancy.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a trichomoniasis infection, a doctor will:

 carry out a pelvic exam

 take a sample of vaginal or penile discharge for examination under a microscope

  send a sample to the lab for a test

The results of a lab test will come back in about a week.

To prepare for the appointment, a woman should :

 avoid douching for at least 24 hours beforehand, as this washes away discharge

 avoid using deodorant on the vulva, as this masks smells and can cause irritation

 avoid vaginal intercourse or inserting any object, including tampons, into the vagina for 24–
48 hours beforehand

 schedule an appointment when it is unlikely to be on her period

A Pap, or smear, test does not check for trich. If you have a clear Pap test, you may still have trich or
another STI.

A person who tests positive for trich should be tested for other STIs, too.

As trich increases the risk of passing on HIV, women with HIV should also have a trich test once a
year or more.

Treatment

Trich is easy to treat in men and women, including those who are pregnant.

It usually involves a single dose of either metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax). These are
antibiotic medications that kill parasites. These come in pill form and are taken by mouth.

If symptoms continue after taking the treatment, you should go back to see your doctor again.

-Prevention

To prevent infection or reinfection, any sexual partners should also receive treatment.

Ways of preventing the risk of infection or reinfection include:

 not having sex with multiple partners

 avoiding sex for 7 to 10 days after treatment for trich

 not using a douche, as this can affect the healthy bacteria in the vagina

 not abusing drugs and alcohol, as these increase the risk of unsafe sex

 using condoms—correctly—during sex

A condom can prevent transmission in the parts it covers, but the parasite can be passed on in
areas that are not covered.,

so a condom is not fully reliable.

Anyone who has symptoms or who thinks they have been exposed to trich should speak to their
health care provider.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307896