Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to be a significant public health concern worldwide. To lower transmission rates and safeguard sexual health, it is essential to comprehend the most prevalent forms of sexually transmitted diseases, along with their symptoms, treatments, and preventative measures. In this article we will give you What are the top 10 sexually transmitted diseases, Symptoms & Pictures.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a medical condition caused by bacteria. Most of the time, the germs are passed on through sex or touching sick genital fluids (like vaginal or sperm). Being nude during oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse is how you may catch chlamydia. Using unclean sex toys or those not coated with a new condom prior to each use.
Symptoms:
- Often asymptomatic
- Painful urination
- Unusual genital discharge
- Lower abdominal pain (in women)
Gonorrhea
Also known as “the clap,” gonorrhea is a bacterial STD caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Its increasing resistance to antibiotics has made treatment more challenging in recent years.
Symptoms:
- Greenish-yellow genital discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
- Testicular or pelvic pain
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is the most prevalent STD, impacting millions each year. While most instances cure on their own, some strains may produce genital warts or progress to malignancy, including cervical, anal, and throat malignancies.
Symptoms:
- Often asymptomatic
- Genital warts (in some cases)
- Abnormal pap smear results
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Herpes arises in two forms: HSV-1 (often causes oral herpes) and HSV-2 (responsible for genital herpes). Both forms may be transferred sexually.
Symptoms:
- Blisters or ulcers that hurt in the mouth or vaginal area
- Flu-like symptoms during outbreaks
Syphilis
Treponema pallidum, a subtype of the pallidum, is the bacterium that causes syphilis. One of the sexually transmitted diseases is syphilis. In 2017, in Australia, there were 4398 registrations of infectious syphilis, with the majority, over 85% of notifications in men.
Symptoms:
- Painless sores (initial stage)
- Skin rash, mucous membrane lesions (secondary stage)
- Latent and tertiary phases may lead to serious problems
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a one-celled protozoan, a kind of microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite transmits between people by genital contact, which might include vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. The virus may transmit between males and females, as well as between women and men on occasion.
Symptoms:
- Itching or discomfort in the genital area
- Unusual discharge with a strong odor
- Pain during urination or sex
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person gets infected with HIV, the virus assaults and weakens the immune system. As the immune system weakens, the individual is at danger for obtaining life-threatening infections and malignancies.
Symptoms:
- Flu-like symptoms within 2–4 weeks of infection
- Long-term, HIV weakens the immune system, leading to opportunistic infections.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral illness that evolves with time, and the chronic kind of Hepatitis B infection cannot be cured (10). In 2017 there were 6102 hepatitis B notifications in Australia, the majority of whom were men 54% versus 46% females. In that year, the notification rate of hepatitis B was greatest among the age group of 30–39 years.
Symptoms:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging STD that may cause urethritis and cervicitis. It’s getting attention because of developing resistance to antibiotics.
Symptoms:
Discharge
Burning during urinating
Inflammation of the reproductive organs
Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
The first indication may be a small, painless pimple or lesion on the penis or vagina. It is often neglected. The infection then spreads to the lymph nodes in the groin, and from there to the surrounding tissue. Complications may include inflamed and enlarged lymph nodes that leak and bleed.
Symptoms:
- Painless genital ulcers
- Swelling of lymph nodes in the groin
Conclusion
Sexually transmitted infections will continue to be a major public health concern in 2024, despite the fact that prevention, early detection, and good treatment may reduce their impact. People may protect themselves and their partners against these disorders by being aware of them and practicing safe sex. Regular testing, vaccination, and condom usage are crucial for preventing the spread of STDs.
Reference
What are the top 10 sexually transmitted diseases?