What are venereal diseases?
They are infectious diseases with a common denominator: they are transmitted
through sexual contact. They are referred to as S.T.D. (Sexually Transmitted
Disease)
Which are the most frequent ones?
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Gonorrhoea
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Syphilis
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Unspecified
urethritis
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Vaginitis
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Venereal warts
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Genital herpes
What are the symptoms?
They depend on the disease. Gonorrhoea causes vaginal
discharge in females and secretions through the urethra in males. A burning
sensation may appear when urinating as well as an increase in the frequency of
urination.
Likewise, the following may appear: ulcers, spots, painful or painless red
marks (when there is syphilis) warts, boils, itchiness, pain in the lower
abdomen, etc.
Could I have a S.T.D. without having any symptoms?
Yes: Women frequently suffer the illness without having any symptoms (4 of
every 5 women who suffer gonorrhoea have no symptoms); this is also possible in
men but it is less frequent. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo tests to
provide an accurate diagnosis.
What should I do if I think I may have a S.T.D.?
Firstly, one should stop all sexual activities, then one should inform his/her
partner and go to the specialist doctor in order to be diagnosed and treated.
What should I not do?
You should not take any drugs unless they have been prescribed by a physician,
taking antibiotics when they have not been expertly prescribed could eliminate
the symptoms but fail to cure the disease. Do not be ashamed and seek medical
assistance, S.T.D's are best controlled with an early diagnosis and an adequate
treatment.
What complications could appear?
Men may suffer an stenosis of the urethra –after having
had a blenorragia -, sterility, etc. which could appear some
time after having suffered the disease. Women could suffer an obstruction in
the reproductive tubes (sterility), alterations in the foetus, etc.
When one contracts syphilis, if it is not detected in its early stage, it can
go unnoticed until it reaches the third stage provoking alterations of the
nervous system, the cardiovascular system and in the skin all of which have an
uncertain prognosis. This is why it is essential to treat S.T.D. early in their
development.
How can I prevent STD's?
Using a condom correctly is a good method of avoiding most venereal diseases.
Other methods which can reduce the chances of contracting a S.T.D. are keeping
a good hygiene of the reproductive organs, avoiding sexual promiscuity and
urinating after sexual intercourse. There are no infallible methods.
REMEMBER:
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EACH VENEREAL
DISEASE REQUIRES A SPECIAL TREATMENT.
-
HAVING A
VENEREAL DISEASE DURING PREGNANCY MAY ENDANGER THE BABY'S HEALTH.
-
DO NOT HAVE
ANY SEXUAL INTERCOURSE UNTIL THE TREATMENT ENDS AND THE SYMPTOMS DISAPPEAR.
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INFORM ANY PARTNERS WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN INFECTED.
-
THERE IS NO
IMMUNITY AGAINST MOST STD's, WHICH MEANS YOU COULD RE-INFECT YOURSELF WITH THE
SAME DISEASE.
-
THERE IS NO VACCINE FOR THE PREVENTION OF VENEREAL DISEASES.
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