The world has become a dramatic stage for pain and for most people it is because of the prevalent level of sexually transmitted diseases in the world today.
A lot of lives has been lost and a lot of homes broken because of sexually transmitted diseases like
HIV AIDS that the world is yet to have a cure for.
When looked at from the perspective of diseases it is easy to assume that the world has become nothing more than a glorified theatre of pains and sadness.
But the sad truth is that despite the campaign and awareness program about the reality of diseases through
unprotected sexual contact, many are still involving themselves in unprotected sex.
While it is true that the world has very much aware about the presence of HIV AIDS, there are other sexually transmitted diseases that also deadly and the intent of this post is to make mention of them.
So at least you know.
1. HIV/AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is transmitted by blood and body fluid.
Most HIV infections do not have any symptoms.
Signs and symptoms may include everything from fever and rashes to lesions, soaking night sweats and blurred vision.
There is no cure for HIV.
If someone is exposed to HIV or thinks he or she may have been exposed, there is post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP Medication) that can reduce the likelihood of HIV infection occurring.
Being infected with other STIs can make you more susceptible to HIV.
People are the most contagious soon after becoming infected.
2. Hepatitis
There are three different kinds of
hepatitis, some of which are spread more easily than others. Hepatitis A, B and C can all be transmitted sexually, however, hepatitis B is the type most likely to be sexually transmitted. All types of hepatitis are serious and affect the liver. Hepatitis B and C are the leading cause of liver cancer and are the most common reason for liver transplants.
Hepatitis A (HAV) Symptoms
Fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, dark urine, jaundice and liver enlargement and tenderness.
Mode Of Transmission
Through faecal contamination. Or through anal sex.
Preparing food after coming out from the toilet without washing hands.
Treatment
The most effective way to protect yourself from HAV and HBV is to get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B (HBV) Symptoms
It would likely not show any symptoms but if it does then it would be as the same with the HAV symptoms.
Mode Of Transmission
HBV is spread through blood and other bodily fluids like pus, semen, and vaginal secretions.
Treatment
Just like HAV you can get vaccinated for prevention of the disease.
Hepatitis C (HCV) Symptoms
Same as the other kinds of Hepatitis. And can be transmitted primarily through the blood.
There is no specific cure for HCV, nor is there a vaccine available.
3. Herpes
Herpes is a common STD and a lot of people who have it don’t even know. There is no cure for herpes, but there is a treatment that can lessen symptoms and decrease the likelihood of passing it on to someone else.
The Sign: Blisters around the genitals or anus.
There is no cure for herpes.
There are antiviral medications that can shorten and prevent outbreaks of sores as long as the person continues the medication.
Everyday intake of the medication can reduce the risk of passing the virus to a partner.
Condoms can help reduce the risk of passing herpes.
4. Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea can lead to infertility in men and women. It is both treatable and preventable, though scientists have discovered a new strain of the disease that is now resistant to all currently utilized antibiotics.
The Sign: Most people with this disease will have no symptoms. While for those who do: unusual discharge from the penis or vagina and/or pain or difficultly peeing.
Can lead to swelling in men’s testicles and women may bleed in between periods.
Treatment
Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics, usually given in a single dose.
5. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and it occurs when there is an overgrowth of certain “bad” bacteria in the vagina.
Symptoms: Unusual discharge, strong odour, painful urination, itching, or burning.
Treatment: BV can be treated with antibiotic pills, vaginal creams or suppositories.
6. Syphilis
Syphilis is spread by contact with open sores (usually during sex). If left untreated it can cause serious health problems, including brain and nervous system damage, blood infection and even death.
Symptoms: Small, painless, firm sore in or around the vagina, penis, mouth or anus, fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Treatment: Early-diagnosed syphilis can be treated and cured easily with an injection of penicillin (preferred) or 14 days of antibiotics (for patients allergic to penicillin).
Transmission: Syphilis can be spread through oral, vaginal and anal sex with sores being present on the lips, mouth and anus in addition to the genitals.
7. Papillomavirus ( HPV) and Genital Warts
HPV is the most common STD and at least 50% of sexually active people will get it at some time in their lives.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV.
Several types can cause genital warts or lead to vaginal, anal, throat and cervical cancer.
Treatment
The patient can apply creams, gels, and solutions (prescribed by health care provider )
A health care provider can freeze them off with liquid nitrogen
A health care provider can burn them off with trichloroacetic acid or bichloroacetic acid
A health care provider can apply a tincture or ointment that will remove the warts
A health care provider can cut off warts using a scalpel, scissors, curette or electro-surgery
8. Chancroid
Chancroid is a bacterial STI that is only spread through sexual contact. It causes painful ulcers or sores in the genital region.
Symptoms: Women with chancroid often have no symptoms. Men will usually have a painful, erosive ulcer with ragged edges somewhere on the penis.
Treatment: Chancroid can be treated with antibiotics.
9. Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
LGV is most often seen in individuals who have had unprotected receptive anal sex.
Symptoms: Small painless ulcer at the point of infection. Swollen lymph nodes and Stiffness and aching in the groin.
Treatment
LGV can be treated with a three-week course of antibiotics.
10. Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus that can be spread sexually and by non-sexual contact through contaminated objects like towels, clothing or sex toys.
Symptoms: Shiny, smooth, white, dimpled bumps, with a curd-like core and itching on the genitals and trunk area.
Treatment: Molluscum contagiosum will usually go away on its own within a year without treatment.
11. Mucopurulent Cervicitis (MPC)
MPC is caused by Chlamydia, gonorrhoea or other STIs, and can lead to PID if left untreated.
Symptoms: for women, it can cause bleeding during or after sex, unusual vaginal discharge, spotting between periods, lower abdominal pain or pain during sex.
Treatment: Antibiotics
12. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID can be caused by many different bacteria, including Chlamydia and gonorrhoea. It occurs when these bacteria move up from the vagina or cervix into the uterus and other reproductive organs.
Symptoms: Many women with PID don’t have any symptoms at all. If they do have symptoms, they may include abdominal, cervical or uterine pain or tenderness, along with fever or chills.
Treatment: Through a combination of antibiotics given through an IV or orally.
13. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs and is the leading cause of preventable infertility in the United States. If left untreated, Chlamydia may also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and the risk of ectopic pregnancy in women. Chlamydia is both treatable and preventable.
Symptoms: Unusual genital discharge and/or pain and burning when urinating. Women may also have lower back or abdominal pain, nausea, pain during sex, or bleeding after sex and/or between periods.
Treatment: Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Some antibiotics can cure it in just one dose, while others may need to be used for seven days.
A lot of Nigerians are living life through pains and shame because of sexually transmitted diseases but yet many are ignorant of the many waiting up the sex alley to make their lives miserable.
Sexually transmitted diseases are nothing to be proud of like most Nigerian makes would have you believe.
Saying “you are not a man until you are infected by sexually transmitted diseases”.
Don’t fall into this pit of ignorance. Play safe! Stay safe!
Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/default.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/general/hepatitis.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/genital-ulcers.htm#a1htm#a1
