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What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections predominantly spread from one person to another through sexual contact, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Some STDs can also be transmitted through blood, such as HIV and hepatitis B. Additionally, certain STDs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes, can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.
What are the Causes Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by various pathogens, including:
Bacteria:
Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia.
Treponema pallidum causes syphilis.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea.
Parasites:
Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis.
Viruses:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes HIV/AIDS.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts and is linked to certain cancers.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes.
Risk Factors for STDs
Individuals, who are sexually active, are vulnerable to STDs as there are several factors that may increase the risk of contracting STDs. The factors include:
- A person with multiple sexual partners
- Those engage in unprotected sex
- Having a history of STDs
- Injecting drugs
- Use of recreational drugs or misuse of alcohol
- Engaging in oral sex
What are the Symptoms of STDs?
Some forms of STDs are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) while others have symptoms. The 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
- An unusual odor from the genitals
- Vaginal bleeding apart from menstruation
- 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
What are the Types Of STDs?
Following are some of the common types of STDs:
- Chlamydia
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- Syphilis
- Pubic lice
- Trichomoniasis
How to Diagnose STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections can be diagnosed through tests and physical examination of the pelvic region to look for signs of infection such as discharge, warts, or rash.
STDs Test in Dubai
STDs testing is important for people who are sexually active to get tested for any disease that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse to protect their health. Tests that are performed to diagnose STIs or STDs include:
- Blood tests
- Buccal swab
- Urine samples
- Samples of discharge from the anus, vagina, urethra, cervix, or penis.
Screening for STDs
Among the STD tests in Dubai, screening is recommended for asymptomatic individuals. Although it is not part of routine healthcare, it is recommended for the following people:
- HIV: HIV screening can be performed through rapid tests using saliva or blood samples. Blood tests, including both antibody and antigen tests, are more commonly used for their high accuracy..
- Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C screening is recommended for everyone aged 18 years and older, regardless of birth year, at least once in their lifetime according to the Center of Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). People with risk factors, such as those who have ever injected drugs or have HIV, should be screened more frequently.
- Pap Test: Women between 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. Starting from age 30 to 65, it’s recommended to have a Pap test combined with an HPV test every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years.
- Pregnant women: During the first prenatal visit, all pregnant women are screened for HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
- Men who have sex with men (MSM): Men who have sex with men are advised to have comprehensive STD screening at least annually. This includes tests for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, with the frequency increased to every 3 to 6 months for those with multiple or anonymous partners, or those who use illicit drugs.
- New sexual partner screening: Individuals should be screened for STDs before initiating sexual contact with new partners. The specific STDs to be screened for can depend on individual risk factors, sexual practices, and local prevalence rates.
How are Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treated?
The effects of STIs vary among individuals, therefore, your doctor will provide you with the treatment based on your test results. The aim of treatment is to lessen symptoms and reduce their spread. The treatments generally include:
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.
How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
To prevent infection with STDs, having a monogamous relationship is recommended. Other than this, you should:
- Use a latex condom during intercourse.
- It is essential to undergo a screening test for STIs before sex with a new partner.
- For oral sex, use a dental dam.
- Avoid sharing underclothing and towels
- Get tested for HIV
- Practice safe sex
- Getting the HPV vaccine
Should I Get the HPV Vaccine?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common viral STI. To prevent HPV and genital warts, HPV vaccines are considered a viable solution till date. Usually, HPV vaccines are considered suitable for ages 11-12. However, the new studies show that even at the age of 45, people can benefit from it. It is essential to talk to your health care provider regarding its usage and if it is right for you.
How Common are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), on a daily basis, approximately 1 million new cases of STIs are acquired globally, in which the majority of cases are asymptomatic – showing no symptoms. Furthermore, the annual number of STIs is around 374 million, with 1 out of 4 is a curable STI, namely, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
Can STD be cured?
Bacterial STDs can be cured if treatment is started early. Viral STDs cannot be cured but symptoms can be managed with medication.
Can You Get an STD Test in Dubai?
Yes, Euromed Clinic is one of the most prominent clinics in Dubai where you can get your STD test done. Along with testing facilities, our healthcare providers specialized in sexually transmitted diseases, also provide tailored treatment regarding STD.
How Much Does an STD Test Cost in Dubai?
The cost of an STD test in Dubai varies depending on the following factors:
- Expertise of the practitioner
- Type of STD
- Geographical location of the clinic
Can You Get an STI from Kissing?
Generally, kissing is considered a very low-risk activity compared to other intimate activities like vaginal and other sex. However, in very rare cases, you can get STIs such as HPV, HMV, and syphilis from kissing.
Which STD is Not Allowed in the UAE?
In order to get a tourist visa or work visa in the UAE, you need to be free from all forms of communicable diseases, such as HIV, TB, and the novel coronavirus.
Schedule a Consultation
While it is important to get screened and tested for STDs, it is equally important to consult with a credible medical practitioner. To get started, please book an appointment at Euromed Clinic by calling us at +971 4 394 5422. You can also reach us by filling out and submitting the provided form.
