Sexually transmitted diseases continue to be a serious problem in terms of public health all over the world. Many diseases, from diseases that have not yet been cured, such as AIDS, to cancer and inflammatory diseases that can cause infertility, are transmitted sexually.
Despite this, unfortunately, there is not enough education about protection from these diseases in our country. It is known that these diseases are very common in western society, where relationships with multiple partners are common. In these countries, serious training is provided on sexually transmitted diseases and separate clinics on the subject are common. In our country, the prevalence of diseases is much higher than expected due to insufficient education on prevention and difficulties in accessing treatment (lack of clinics on the subject and hesitation to consult a doctor on this issue). Because some patients can carry the disease and infect others without showing any symptoms.
What are sexually transmitted diseases?
Chlamydia:
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease. The disease is caused by the bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Some of the patients can carry the disease microbe and infect others without showing any symptoms.
In women; Pain and burning during urination, vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain after intercourse.
In men; pain, burning and white discharge during urination and tenderness in the testicles occur.
The disease is in the anal area, mouth. It can also infect the throat and eyes. It is diagnosed by urine test or examination of swab material taken from the patient area. It is easily treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it may cause infertility.
For protection, it is necessary to avoid multi-partner relationships, use condoms and prevent contact with sexual secretions.
Genital warts:
The most common sexually transmitted disease. It is the second disease. The disease is caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It causes lesions called condyloma, which is a painless itchy tissue growth that looks like a cauliflower in the anus and genital area. HPV virus has nearly 100 There are varieties. More than 30 of them are located in the genital area. The lesions caused by different types of viruses are also different from each other. Even if those with strong defense systems get the virus, the disease may not develop.
Some types of the virus are known to cause cervical, vulva, anal area, mouth and throat cancer.
Infection occurs by contact with the diseased area.
There is no drug that is effective directly against the virus for treatment. The resulting tissue growth is treated by freezing, burning with acid, electricity, laser or radiofrequency. For protection, relationships with multiple partners should be avoided. Condoms cannot provide adequate protection. A vaccine has been developed, but this vaccine is effective against the 2 types of HPV that most commonly cause cancer and the 2 types of HPV that most commonly cause condyloma. It does not provide full protection against other viruses.
Genital herpes:
It is a virus-induced disease that has two types. It is transmitted by contact and can be passed from person to person through items such as dish towels. It causes painful, burning lesions the size of a pinhead around the genital area and mouth. It usually does not cause serious problems and is treated with antiviral drugs. After a while, it recurs when the body resistance decreases.
Gonorrhea:
It is a disease caused by the bacteria called Neisserria Gonorrhoeae. It is popularly known as gonorrhea. It does not cause any symptoms in 50% of women and 10% of men. Patients do not even realize that they carry the microbe.
In women; Pain and burning during urination, vaginal white-yellow discharge, lower abdominal pain and bleeding after intercourse may be observed. In men; there is pain during urination, burning sensation and white, yellow or green discharge and tenderness in the testicles.
It can infect the anus, mouth, throat and eyes. If left untreated, it becomes chronic and causes problems that progress to infertility. Using condoms is very effective for protection. A definitive diagnosis is made by examining urine or discharge. It is treated with antibiotics. Unconscious use of antibiotics causes the formation of resistant bacteria and difficulties in treatment.
Syphilis disease:
A disease caused by the bacterium called Treponema Pallidum. k. It is transmitted through sexual contact. It starts with painless ulcer-like wounds in the genital area, then swelling, malaise and fever occur in the glands. It causes a chronic infection that can last for years. If left untreated, it causes serious damage to many organs, from the heart to the brain.
It is diagnosed with a blood test. It is treated with antibiotics. It is very important to treat it at an early stage, otherwise the damage will not improve even if the disease is treated.
HIV-AIDS;
It is a very serious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. It is transmitted from person to person through unprotected sexual intercourse or contaminated blood (for example, by sharing drug needles). There is no effective treatment yet. The virus settles in and destroys the immune system cells that provide the resistance of the infected person. In the advanced stages of the disease, the immune system collapses and the body remains completely defenseless against infectious diseases. This condition is called AIDS disease (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
The disease is diagnosed with a blood test. HIV-positive (i.e., patients carrying the virus) can remain healthy for a long time without AIDS. During this period, they can transmit the disease to others.
Medicines that slow down the proliferation of the virus and prolong life are used in its treatment, but a treatment that provides complete recovery has not yet been found.
Since the virus is transmitted through blood, it does not pass from person to person very easily, so it is very important to avoid unprotected intercourse. Since it is possible for the disease to spread through contaminated blood and blood products, healthcare personnel are also at serious risk. In addition, transmission through drug injection is common.
Trichomoniasis
It is a common and easily transmitted sexually transmitted disease caused by a protozoan called Tricomonas vaginalis. Many people may not realize that they are sick.
In women, pain and burning in the urinary tract, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and itching in the genital area are observed.
In men, it often does not cause symptoms. It causes burning discharge and redness at the tip of the penis while urinating. Diagnosis is made by clinical findings, examination of urine and discharge. It is treated with antibiotics.
Scabies and pubic lice can also be transmitted sexually, and the diagnosis is made with clinical findings. It is easy to treat with medications. �r.
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