Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are many different infections and diseases that one can endure in their lifetimes. There are many different sexually transmitted diseases and infections. To fully understand the impact they have on individuals, one must completely understand what they are, how they come about, if they are curable, and ways they can be treated, if possible.

To begin, There is often a common misconception between sexually transmitted infections (STI) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). An STI is an infection that is passed from one person to another person through sexual contact (Office of Womens Health, n.d.). This occurs when a parasite, bacteria, or virus enters one’s body, and grows in or on the body. STDs are sexually transmitted diseases, meaning they are often spread by sexual intercourse (Johnson, n.d.). Examples would include HIV, chlamydia and genital herpes. When speaking about the two, we must understand that there is a difference. Having a sexually transmitted infection does not necessarily mean having a disease. An infection is typically the gateway to a disease and happens when bacteria or viruses multiply when entering the body. Essentially, all sexually transmitted diseases start out as sexually transmitted infections (Corlis, n.d.).

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Sexually transmitted diseases and infections can be caused in a variety of ways, including bacteria. Bacterial sexually transmitted infections are caused by skin on skin contact or bodily fluids, allowing the bacteria to enter the body (Meds, n.d.). Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis (Meds, n.d.). It is a very common disease that is transmitted through intercourse and cannot be passed by touch. Chlamydia can be treated easily with oral antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline (Meds, n.d.). Another very common bacterial STD is gonorrhea. Caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, it can only be transmitted during sexual intercourse, including oral sex. Those with gonorrhea are often prescribed antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline products (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). An additional infection caused by bacteria is syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum (Falck, n.d.). This is transmitted through direct contact with a “chancre,” a syphilis sore. Syphilis is a treatable infection, however it is hard to notice as symptoms may take a long time to show or in some cases, do not appear at all. Syphilis goes through 4 stages. Those that get diagnosed early can often be cured with penicillin. If one is allergic to penicillin, they will be treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone (Falck, n.d.). If one is to be diagnosed in the later stages of syphilis, they will have to get daily doses of penicillin intravenously, and be in the hospital for some time, dependent on the body’s recovery.

Protozoa are known to cause STDs as well. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, protozoa is a “phylum or group of phyla that comprises the single-celled microscopic animals, which include amoebas, flagellates, ciliates, sporozoans, and many other forms. They are now usually treated as a number of phyla belonging to the kingdom Protista” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Protozoa are also major factors in causing various types of STDs. A common sexually transmitted protozoan disease is Trichomoniasis. It is in direct relation with the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis (CDC, n.d.). Trichomoniasis can be treated by oral medication such as metronidazole or tinidazole (Marcin, n.d.). These pills are safe for pregnant women. Those that have been treated can get re-infected. Approximately 1 in 5 people get infected again during the first 3 months after treatment (Marcin, n.d.).

Next, we have viruses. Sexually transmitted diseases can be caused by a virus. In fact there are many STDs that fall into this category. One being Hepatitis B, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, also known as “HBV.” In some cases, the hepatitis B infection can become chronic and last for more than six months, increasing the risk of liver complications (Clinic, n.d.). If the hepatitis B infection is acute, many doctors will inform the patient to get proper rest, nutrition, and fluids while the infection is combatted by the body. If the infection is chronic, the individual will need treatment for the rest of their life. The treatments will be focused on making sure the risk of liver disease goes down, and to prevent the transmission of the infection to others. Treatment methods include antiviral medications, interferon injections, and in the most severe cases, liver transplants (Clinic, n.d.). Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (Brazier, n.d.). Symptoms include cold sores, vaginal discharge, blisters, and discomfort during urination. Unfortunately, herpes has no cure, however, it can be treated with painkillers such as ibuprofen, and even applying a lotion or petroleum jelly to the affected area. Although there is not a drug that can get rid of the herpes virus, many doctors may prescribe acyclovir, or other antiviral medication to help prevent the multiplication of the virus (Brazier, n.d.). Another viral STD is the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. This virus causes AIDS as it damages the immune system, increasing the chances of an individual getting sick (Parenthood, n.d.). It is spread during sex or the sharing of needles and syringes. However, condoms can protect the spread of the virus. HIV is incurable, but in spite of that, there are treatments that help people with HIV live healthy and long lives. The most common treatment used to combat the amount of HIV in one’s blood is Antiretroviral therapy, commonly referred to as “ART” (Parenthood, n.d.). With constant treatment the level of HIV in the blood will lower, making the HIV in that individual unable to spread to other individuals. Lastly, human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States (CDC, HPV Fact Sheet, n.d.). There are various types of HPV. Some forms can cause genital warts and cancers (CDC, HPV Fact Sheet, n.d.). One can obtain HPV by having sexual intercourse, including anal and oral sex. HPV has no treatments for the virus itself, and often goes away on its own. For those that have HPV as a persistent problem, there are treatments for the health problems it can create. A person with genital warts can be treated with prescription medication and those with cervical precancer can get frequent “Pap” tests as needed at the discretion of their doctor. (CDC, HPV Fact Sheet, n.d.).

With all this information gathered, one must also understand how to prevent and protect themselves from obtaining a sexually transmitted disease. While not having sex is the only sure way to prevent STDs, wearing latex condoms every time sexual intercourse is performed is a way that sexually active people can protect themselves from the virus. Other forms of precautionary strategies include avoiding the sharing of towels or underwear, and always washing before and after sex. For hepatitis B, one can choose to get a vaccination (Johnson, n.d.). To prevent the spread of an STD to another person, that individual should not resume having sex unless their doctor tells them to, and if someone does feel they have an STD, they must stop having sex and see a doctor immediately (Johnson, n.d.).

STDs are a constant challenge that many in today’s society face. There are many different forms of STDs, including bacterial, protozoan, and viral infections. There are many ways to prevent the spread of STDs such as the use of latex condoms and before and post-sex routines. Many of the sexually transmitted diseases can be treated and cured, however there are still many that do not yet have a cure. Encouraging those to be diligent in their mindfulness during sex is crucial to a person maintaining a healthy sex life.

References

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