Information
Sexually transmitted infections are all infections and diseases transmitted not only through sexual intercourse. They affect both women and men. The main cause of sexually transmitted diseases is unprotected sexual intercourse. Some diseases are also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or through contact with contaminated blood. The most important protection against sexually transmitted diseases is prevention in the form of avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse with partners whose health status you do not know. Regular preventive gynecological examinations will help you detect any infection in time. Some infections, such as the most common chlamydia, do not cause any external symptoms in most women, but if left untreated, they can lead to infertility.
When to see a gynecologist
You should definitely see a gynecologist if you experience vaginal discharge, redness or skin changes in the vulva area, genital itching, or pain when urinating. If you have multiple sexual partners or have had multiple partners in the past and have had unprotected sex with them, it is advisable to ask for a test for sexually transmitted infections during a preventive gynecological examination, even if you have no symptoms. Successful treatment of sexually transmitted infections requires treatment of both sexual partners.
The most common sexually transmitted infections and diseases and their treatment
Chlamydia (chlamydial infections) are the most common sexually transmitted infection affecting both women and men. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is asymptomatic in 70 to 80% of women and about 40% of men, which contributes to the spread of infection in the population. In women, the infection causes inflammation of the urethra and cervix. It most often manifests itself as a burning sensation in the urethra, discharge, and bleeding outside of menstruation. If left untreated, it can lead to infertility. Chlamydia infections are treated with antibiotics. It is also necessary for the affected client to contact all sexual partners who may have been infected by her.
Yeast infections are caused by fungi (molds) of the genus Candida, which attack the skin and mucous membranes when they overgrow. In women, they manifest as persistent itching and white lumpy discharge from the vagina. Small peeling blisters may appear on the skin of the vulva. Yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications, most often in the form of an ointment or vaginal suppository.
HPV (human papillomavirus) are viruses that attack the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. There are over a hundred strains of this virus, which have varying effects on the human body or may not manifest themselves at all. From a gynecological point of view, the most significant strains are those that cause changes in the cervix and genital warts (especially HPV 6 and 11) and high-risk strains that cause precancerous conditions and cervical carcinoma (especially HPV 16 and 18). Infection with HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 can be prevented by vaccination, which is best administered before the age of 26. However, there are currently vaccines on the market that help protect women up to the age of 45 against HPV infection.
Condylomata (condylomata accuminata, pointed condylomas) are small whitish or pink warts that develop as a result of infection with human papillomaviruses. They occur on the skin and mucous membranes in the genital area and can spread to other parts of the body, such as the corners of the mouth or between the fingers, during various sexual activities. Pressure, friction, or chafing can damage the surface of the warts, causing oozing and infection with a strong odor. We treat condylomas primarily by removing the warts. Treatment may be supplemented with immunity-boosting drugs and antivirals.
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Young people aged 15 to 34 are most at risk of contracting this fourth most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. In both men and women, gonorrhea manifests itself as a purulent inflammation of the urethra, but the course of the disease is slightly different in each sex. The most common method of diagnosing gonorrhea is a molecular biological examination of a urine sample or swabs from the urethra, cervix, rectum, or larynx. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics and usually requires bed rest, at least in the initial phase.
Mycoplasma and ureaplasma are bacteria that can cause inflammation of the vagina, urethra, fallopian tubes, or kidneys in women. Mycoplasma or ureaplasma infections manifest as itching or burning during urination and vaginal discharge. If left untreated, they can lead to infertility, cause complications in infected women during pregnancy, and be the cause of premature birth and inflammatory diseases in newborns. Mycoplasma and ureaplasma infections are treated with antibiotics in the same way as chlamydia infections.
Herpes (genital herpes) is a viral infection caused by the Herpes virus hominis. It is transmitted through contact with the infected area. The initial infection manifests itself as an acute illness with fever, general weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and swelling and inflammation of the affected part of the genitals. Small blisters may appear, which burst and are very painful (cold sores). After the initial symptoms subside, the virus continues to survive in the body and usually reappears from time to time in the form of cold sores in the genital area or associated areas. In many people, herpes virus infection is asymptomatic, but even these individuals transmit the virus to their sexual partners. In the treatment of herpes, we mainly use antiviral drugs and substances that support the body's immune response.
The HIV virus attacks cells that are essential for the functioning of the immune system and causes the incurable disease AIDS. It usually survives in the body for several years after infection without causing any significant symptoms. Alternatively, it may manifest itself in a way that the patient does not associate with the possibility of HIV infection (e.g., symptoms of a common viral infection 3 to 6 weeks after infection).
Early detection of HIV infection is essential both for the protection of people with whom the infected person has sexual intercourse and for the infected person, who can then start therapy sooner to make life with HIV easier and longer.
Syphilis is transmitted through sexual intercourse, including anal and oral sex. A common symptom heralding the first stage of the disease is the development of a hard ulcer in the genital area, less commonly in the rectal area or mouth. Swollen lymph nodes also appear. If appropriate treatment is not administered, the second stage of the disease occurs 4 to 10 weeks after infection. This mainly manifests itself as a rash of non-itchy reddish-brown blisters all over the body. Other symptoms also appear, such as fever, muscle and joint pain, general fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The patient often loses weight and their hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows fall out. Neurological problems may already begin to appear at this stage. Without treatment, syphilis progresses to a latent (hidden) form, which can last from 3 to 30 years after the onset of the secondary stage. The third stage of the disease has several forms, which can occur individually or in combination, but are not infectious. The most serious form is neurosyphilis, which attacks the central nervous system. The most common diagnostic method for detecting syphilis is a serological test from a blood sample, but a bacteriological examination of a smear from the primary ulcer or white coating in the mouth may also be considered. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics if detected early.
As part of our efforts to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, we have prepared test packages for you. Our tests for sexually transmitted diseases are completely discreet, very fast, and comfortable. All samples are tested in an accredited laboratory and you will receive the results, including their interpretation, within 48 hours on working days. Thanks to our sister clinic, URO MEDICO, we are also able to test your partner at the same location.
For men, the examination is performed using a urine sample, a rectal and throat swab, and a blood sample. For women, it is performed using a vaginal, rectal, and throat swab and a blood sample. This allows us to achieve maximum comprehensiveness in testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
