Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

There are over 1 million sexually transmitted diseases (STD) acquired daily worldwide according to World Health Organization. More than 250 diseases are transmitted through sexual contact but some forms of STDs can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The majority of these transmissions are usually asymptomatic. To protect you and your loved ones, it is important to undergo a sexually transmitted disease test to determine your status.

What is STD?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are infections that are predominantly spread from one person to another through sexual contact. They are spread through oral, vaginal, and anal sex as well as through blood and other bodily fluids. There are types of STDs that are spread non-sexually through the skin to skin contact and from mother to child. 

Because the symptoms of STDs are rare, it’s possible to contract the diseases from individuals who seem perfectly healthy, and sometimes they may not even know that they have an infection. That is why getting STD tests is of importance.

Causes Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

STDs can be caused by:

• Bacteria. Chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea are examples of STDs caused by bacteria or germs.
• Parasites. Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by parasites
• Viruses. STDs caused by viruses include HIV, HPV, and genital herpes

Individuals who are sexually active increase their risk of exposure to STDs. Factors that may increase the risk of contracting STDs include:

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Engaging in unprotected sex
• Having a history of STDs
• Injecting drugs
• Use of recreational drugs or misuse of alcohol

What are the symptoms of STDs?

Some forms of STDs have no symptoms but others have them. That is why some types of STDs may go unnoticed until one is diagnosed or complications arise. Symptoms of STDs include:

• Bumps or sores around the genitals or in the rectal or oral areas
• Burning or painful sensation during urination
• Painful sex
• Discharge from the vagina or penis
• The unusual odor from the genitals
• Vaginal bleeding
• Itchiness around the genitals
• Fever
• Lower abdominal pain
• Swollen and sore lymph nodes, especially in the groin area
• Rash on the hands, feet, and trunk

Types Of STDs

There are various types of STDs and they include:

• Chlamydia
• Genital warts
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• HIV
• Hepatitis B
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
• Syphilis
• Pubic lies
• Trichomoniasis

Important STD Tests

It is important for people who are sexually active to get tested for STDs to protect their health. 

Diagnosing an STD starts with the doctor taking your medical history and symptoms. He/she will also perform a physical exam on the pelvic region to look for signs of infection such as discharge, warts, or rash.

Tests that are performed to diagnose STDs include:

• Blood tests to diagnose HIV or confirm later stages of syphilis
• Urine samples to confirm some forms of STDs
• Fluid samples. This is especially done on people with open genital sores to diagnose the type of infection they have.

Screening

Screening is testing for disease in a person who is not presenting any symptoms. Although it is not part of routine healthcare, it is recommended for the following people:

• Everyone. One type of STD test that is recommended for everyone to undergo is the HIV test. This is the virus that causes AIDS. A saliva or blood test is usually involved.
• People were born between 1945 and 1965. Females born in this age group should be screened for hepatitis C because it was prevalent during this time. hepatitis C does not cause any symptoms until it is advanced.
• Women aged 21 years and older. These women need to undergo Pap test screens to check for changes in the cells of the cervix such as precancerous changes. HPV is a strain of STD that caused cervical cancer.
• Pregnant women. During the first prenatal visit, all pregnant women are screened for HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, and hepatitis B. 
• HIV-positive people. Being HIV positive dramatically increases your chances of contracting other STDs and regular screening is advised.
• Men who engage in sex with other men. Homosexual men are at a higher risk of contracting STDs. Regular STD screening is advised.
• Individuals with a new partner. New sexual partners should be screened for STDs before engaging in sexual intercourse. 

What are the treatments for sexually transmitted diseases?

The effects of STDs on the body vary and there are several treatment options depending on the condition, including:

• Antibiotics. These are often used as a single dose to cure certain types of STDs. It is important to finish the treatment and abstain from sex until the treatment is complete and the sores have healed. 
• Antiviral drugs. These are used to manage and lower the risk of transmission of certain STDs such as HIV and herpes. 

Other STD treatment options include:

• Oral and topical medication
• Laser
• Surgery

How are sexually transmitted diseases prevented?

To prevent being infected with an STD you should have one sexual partner. Other than this, you should:

• Use a latex condom during intercourse
• Avoid sharing underclothing and towels
• Get a hepatitis B vaccination
• Get tested for HIV
• Practice safe sex

STD Test FAQs

Schedule a Consultation

While it is important to get screened and tested for STDs, it is equally important to consult with a medical practitioner. He/she will answer any questions that you may have regarding STDs. We offer sexually transmitted disease tests in Dubai at our Euromed clinic. To get started, book an appointment by calling us or filling out the online form and we will get back to you.

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