STD treatment

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are various infections that develop in the urogenital system. Today, more than 20 such diseases are known, the most common of which are ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, candidiasis, syphilis, and others. Many of them develop asymptomatically, which prevents timely diagnosis and treatment.

According to the World Health Organization, 376 million people contract an STI every year.

Most sexually transmitted infections have similar symptoms. As the disease progresses, they intensify, causing severe discomfort and pain, but in the early and chronic stages, they may be latent.

The main signs of STIs in women include:

• heavy vaginal discharge;

• changes in color, consistency, or smell of the discharge;

• itching, burning in the genital area;

• redness, swelling, bleeding of tissues;

• rashes, ulcers on the mucosa and skin;

• pain during urination;

• pain during intercourse and/or slight bleeding after;

• heaviness, pain in the lower abdomen;

• menstrual cycle delays.

Different diseases may manifest a combination of some of these symptoms. They can be strongly pronounced or mild. Even with minor discomfort or changes in discharge, it is best to see a gynecologist immediately and get examined.

The main symptoms of STIs in men include:

• itching, burning in the genital area;

• discharge from the urethra;

• redness, swelling of the genitals;

• rashes, sores on the skin;

• pain during urination;

• pain during or after intercourse.

STIs may also cause enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, the appearance of warts and papillomas in the genital area, ulcerations, and rashes on the throat mucosa, mouth, and surrounding skin.

STIs are classified according to several criteria: curability, type of infection, and symptom characteristics.

According to the type of infectious agent, they are divided into:

• bacterial STIs (chlamydia, syphilis, etc.);

• viral (herpes, human papillomavirus, human immunodeficiency virus);

• fungal (candidiasis);

• parasitic (pubic lice).

STIs are also classified as curable and incurable. Most diseases belong to the first group. The second includes anogenital herpes, HIV, and AIDS.

STIs are transmitted mainly through direct contact from person to person. The disease can also be transmitted from mother to newborn during childbirth. Theoretically, household transmission is possible—for example, through shared towels, swimming pools, or saunas—but such cases are extremely rare in practice.

The disease may be caused by pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. A person may carry the latter for a long time without knowing it. The disease develops when the immune system weakens under the influence of a triggering factor, such as hypothermia.

Complications of STIs arise when timely therapy is absent or medications are chosen incorrectly.

Sexually transmitted infections may provoke:

• the formation of adhesions in the pelvic area;

• infertility in men and women;

• ectopic pregnancy;

• miscarriage;

• premature birth;

• pregnancy complications;

• infection of the newborn;

• development of endometriosis;

• formation of polyps;

• urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis, sexual dysfunction in men, and other disorders of the genitourinary system.

The main method for diagnosing venereal diseases is laboratory analysis of urogenital secretions, blood, and urine. In women, a smear and scraping (sample of cells) from the vagina are taken; in men—from the urethra. Tests are conducted using several methods. Typically, microscopic examination, culture, and PCR analysis are used. PCR is considered the most accurate, as it detects infection even with minimal amounts of pathogens in the sample.

A physical examination also plays an important role in diagnosis. The doctor inspects the genital area for redness, swelling, characteristic rashes, and ulcerations. The patient is also questioned about symptoms, general health, the presence of other conditions, and possible sources of infection.

If necessary, the specialist may also prescribe an ultrasound of the pelvic organs and other examinations.

In the case of STIs, it is very important to correctly diagnose and identify the type of infection. Treatment effectiveness directly depends on this. All STIs are treated with medication. Depending on the infection type, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics, and other drugs. The treatment course may last from one week to a month or more, depending on the disease's severity. After the treatment, the patient is tested again (blood and urogenital secretions) to determine whether the infection has been eliminated or if treatment should continue.

To relieve symptoms, women may be prescribed vaginal suppositories and ointments to eliminate itching, redness, and other manifestations of the disease.

A key aspect of STI treatment is the simultaneous therapy of the patient and their sexual partner. Treatment is recommended even in the absence of pronounced symptoms.

At the Oxford Medical clinic, STIs are treated by gynecologists, urologists, and andrologists with many years of experience. All tests are conducted in modern Kyiv laboratories, ensuring accurate results in the shortest possible time.

Doctors strongly advise against self-treatment of STIs. Without testing, it is impossible to know which infection caused the disease and select appropriate treatment. The therapy’s effectiveness is also not monitored. In such cases, medications may temporarily suppress symptoms, but the infection remains, either in a latent form or progressing to a chronic stage. Over time, such a disease may worsen and lead to serious complications.

To prevent STIs, it is recommended to use barrier methods of contraception and regularly visit a gynecologist or urologist for diagnostics and detection of hidden infections. A preventive examination is also necessary when planning conception and pregnancy.

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