Facts about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted through sexual contact. The contact is usually vaginal, oral, or anal. However, sometimes they can be transmitted through other intimate physical contacts. This is due to the fact that some STDs, including herpes and HPV, are transmitted through skin contact.
There are many types of STDs, including:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- HIV/AIDs
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Herpes Simplex
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted from person to person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Infections in the mouth, genitals, urethra, and rectum are also possible. In women, the cervix (the opening of the uterus) is the most common site of infection. Pain or abnormal discharge from the vagina or urethra are common symptoms. It can also cause painful or frequent urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, or rectal bleeding.
Gonorrhoea
In Thailand, gonorrhea is the second most common STI. Gonorrhea and chlamydia often occur together and be transmitted to a partner during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Symptoms include abnormal vaginal or penile discharge, uncomfortable or frequent urination, pain or bleeding from the rectal or vaginal area.
Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by bacteria that can enter the body through a cut or by touching a syphilis wound on a partner. This type of wound is called a chancre. Most often, syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact because this wound is usually on the vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. This also makes it easier to get and pass on HIV. Syphilis can also be transmitted by touching the rash, which occurs in the advanced stages of the disease. Syphilis has different symptoms at each stage: The first sign of syphilis is a chancre that does not hurt. This sore heals on its own within 3 to 6 weeks. Second stage: If syphilis is not treated, the next stage may begin while the chancre heals or a few weeks after the chancre subsides when a rash appears. Most often, the rash appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. You may see wart-like lesions around genital area. Signs like those of the flu may appear. Latent infection: In some people, the rash and other symptoms go away after a few weeks or months, but that does not mean the infection is gone. It is still there. This type of infection is called “latent”.
HIV/AIDs
Human immunodeficiency virus is referred to as HIV. It suppresses the immune system by destroying a type of white blood cell that helps in infection resistance. You run the danger of contracting severe infections and some malignancies. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is referred to as AIDS. It is the last stage of HIV infection. It occurs when a virus causes significant immune system harm in the body. HIV infection does not always lead to AIDS. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, rash, night sweats, muscle pains, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes may be the earliest indications of HIV infection.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection caused by a virus that affects the liver. It causes inflammation of the liver cells, which is called “hepatitis”. It starts with an acute infection that usually does not last long. However, in some people, it can develop into a long-lasting infection. Over time, long-lasting inflammation significantly damages your liver. It can cause cirrhosis and lead to liver failure. Hepatitis B infection can damage the liver in this way, just like other long-term liver diseases. Although many people do not know they have the virus because not everyone will have symptoms. If you do have it, the effects can be mild to severe. Infections often cause fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and weakness, and jaundice.
Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus is another virus that can infect the liver. It results in swelling as well as inflammation and damages your liver. “Hepatitis” means inflammation and pain in the liver. However, hepatitis C is much more likely to stay in your body for a long time than other types of viral hepatitis. When you have chronic inflammation over a long period, it does a lot of damage to your liver. Most people have no signs or symptoms until significant damage has occurred. In the early stages of infection, few people may have flu-like symptom, or signs of liver disease, such as stomach pain and yellowing of the skin.
Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes simplex is a virus that causes skin infections. The infection lasts a lifetime and causes painful or itchy sores and blisters that come and go. The herpes simplex virus usually does not cause serious problems. However, it can be dangerous in young children and people with weakened immune systems. There are two types of herpes simplex: Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2, commonly known as genital herpes) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It causes sores on the skin that comes in contact with the genitals of an infected person. People with herpes symptoms may have cold sores around the lips, mouth, or tongue. They may be crusted or look like fluid-filled blisters, sores on the genitals or around the anus, tingling, itching, burning, fever, swollen lymph nodes or muscle pain, or pain when urinating.
STD Testing, Treatment & Vaccines
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are transmitted through sexual contact with another person, including oral, anal, or vaginal sex and genital skin-to-skin contact. In most cases, there are no outward signs of STD. Therefore, a test is the only way to know if you or your partner have STDs. A test is a simple procedure that does not take much time. However, some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more serious than others, but it is always best to get STDs treatment if you need it to ensure your health.
Get Care
WellMed is an international clinic located in the heart of Bangkok. We can take care of patients from around the world. Our doctor and staff are experienced and fluent in English, Spanish, and Thai speaking. At WellMed Clinic, patients are our priority, and we look after your precious health with an eco-friendly environment, which can give you comfort and relaxing moments when you visit. We provide everyone with safety, care, and high-quality medical services. We offer STD testing and treatment, with our caring and compassionate staffs, ready to provide information and resources to help you prevent STDs.
These are concerns that we can take care of: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Warts, Herpes, HIV, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Candidiasis, HPV Vaccine, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccines, STD prevention methods, STD education, Safer sex education, and other STD services.
