Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a type of infection that, as its name suggests, is infected at the time of having sex without caution. They usually spread penetration (both anal and vaginal) at the time of oral sex.
In this article, we will find out what sexually transmitted diseases are and the most common symptoms they usually cause. It is important that, in the case of having suspicions of having an STD, you go to the doctor as soon as possible to examine and tell you the treatment you should follow.
What Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Are?
STDs are also known as STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and are problems that affect our health due to having experienced sexual contact with a person infected with bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Contact with these infectious agents is transmitted through semen, fluids of the vagina, blood, or other bodily fluids (all will depend on the type of STDs before which we are).
It is important to keep in mind that, in some cases, STDs can be transmitted by other means than sexual ones. For example, there are cases of a mother transmitting the disease to her child during pregnancy; it can also be transmitted if needles are shared, etc.
Symptoms of STDs
Let’s talk now about the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases so that, you can be attentive to any abnormalities you see in your body. An important point you should know is that not all STDs have symptoms, that is, you may be infected with some disease and don’t know. Therefore, it is highly recommended to go to your doctor every year and have a full test to evaluate your health condition.
In addition, depending on the type of STDs we suffer, the symptoms can be very diverse. However, several signs are quite frequent and that we must know. Here you go:
– Appearance of sores on the genitals or mouth
– Feeling burning or inconvenience when you urinate
– Penile discharge
– Vaginal flux with a different smell or with a thicker or other colored texture
– Vaginal bleeding outside the menstruation cycle
– Sensation of pain or discomfort when having sex
– Swelling of the lymph nodes, especially those located in the groin
– Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
– Rashes on the limbs or back
These symptoms do not have to appear immediately; in fact, there are STDs whose symptoms take months, even years, to appear externally. Therefore, it is important to carry out comprehensive annual control and not wait for signs to appear in our bodies.
When to go to the doctor?
There are some circumstances in which it is recommended to go to the doctor and request a test for sexually transmitted diseases. These are:
– If you have an active sex life and have not taken the necessary precautions ( use)
– If you experience any of the symptoms described above
– Before stopping using a condom with a new partner, it is important that you both get tested to make sure you are healthy
To prevent STDs, there is only one tip: use condoms. It is the only method of contraception that will prevent you from these diseases and unwanted pregnancies. He bets on a healthy and safe sex life always using condoms.
Disclaimers: This information does not in any way replace a doctor’s diagnosis or prescription. It is important to go to a specialist when symptoms occur in case of illness and never self-medicate.