Get to Know Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Their Types

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are transmitted through sexual intercourse. This venereal disease is transmitted through sperm, blood, vaginal fluids or other body fluids. STD transmission can also occur from pregnant women to the fetus in the womb or after the baby is born. Apart from that, repeated or alternate use of injection needles can also increase a person's risk of contracting STDs.

Causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are more than 30 types of pathogens or microorganisms that can be transmitted through sexual contact. The following are several types of pathogens that can cause sexually transmitted diseases, including:

• Bacterial infections, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum, Haemophilus ducreyi
• Viral infections, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Herpes simplex virus, Human papillomavirus, hepatitis B
• Fungi, such as Candida albicans
• Parasites, such as Phthirus pubis, Sarcoptes scabiei

Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases 

There are many types of PMS, here are some of the most common types:

• Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that occurs due to infection with the bacteria Treponema pallidum. This disease has symptoms in the form of sores on the genitals or mouth. These sores will generally last between 1 - 2.5 months without causing pain, but are easily contagious. Untreated syphilis can cause paralysis, blindness, impotence and even hearing problems and loss of life.

• Gonorrhea

This PMS occurs due to the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Many people also recognize this condition as gonorrhea, because it causes fluid to come out when urinating which causes pain in the penis or vagina.

• Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common STD. The disease that occurs due to Chlamydia trachomatis does not cause significant symptoms. However, you still have to be aware of chlamydia because transmission can occur without the infected person realizing it.

• Genital Warts

Genital warts are a disease that occurs due to the human papilloma virus around the genitals. This disease does not cause pain but usually causes itching and redness.

• HIV

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) will spread through body fluids and attack the immune system. In the early stages, HIV will not show symptoms, because the virus will "sleep" for a while. This virus will wait for the immune system to weaken, and can develop into the very deadly disease acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

PMS symptoms depend on the diagnosis of the disease. Some examples of symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases that can occur are as follows:

• Abnormal discharge from the genitals
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Presence of sores or warts on the genitals
• Changes in urine/painful urination
• Redness and itching of the genitals
• Changes in the smell of the genitals
• Abnormal vaginal discharge / vaginal bleeding

Factors that can increase a person's risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease are:

• Multiple sexual partners
• Sexual contact without using a condom
• Forced sexual contact
• Not getting vaccines (for HPV and hepatitis)
• History of STDs
• Use of alcohol or drugs (increases risky sexual behavior)

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are several ways to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, namely:

• Do not have sexual relations
• Commitment between partners to monogamy
• Reducing the number of sexual partners
• Use a condom when having sex
• And get vaccinations (for HPV, hepatitis)

If you experience symptoms that suggest a sexually transmitted disease, immediately consult and see a doctor, especially if you are sexually active and have risk factors, you should get checked even if you don't experience any symptoms.