Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections are infections or conditions that one can get from any kind of sexual activity involving her/his mouth, anus, vagina or penis.

There are several types of sexually transmitted diseases. The most common symptoms are burning, itching or discharge in genital area, but some sexually transmitted diseases are asymptomatic, meaning a person may not have any symptoms.

Sexually transmitted diseases are highly contagious. If a person is hypersexual, he/she can have (and pass on) disease(s) without even knowing it. Sexually transmitted infections develop when various bacteria, viruses or parasites infect our body. A person can get these microorganisms from bodily fluids (blood, urine, semen, saliva, tears and other mucous-lined areas) during sex — usually vaginal, oral and anal sex or other sexual activities.

Are sexually transmitted infections contagious?

Yes, sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases) are contagious, these diseases/infections pass from person to person by sexual contact through bodily fluids or from skin-to-skin contact by touching the infected part of a person’s body, usually the genitals. Some STIs, like syphilis, can spread while giving birth to a baby.

Types of sexually transmitted diseases or infections

The most common types of sexually transmitted infections include:

• Chlamydia.
• Genital herpes.
• Genital warts.
• Gonorrhea (clap).
• Hepatitis B.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Pubic lice (crabs).
• Syphilis.
• Trichomoniasis (trick).
• Vaginitis.

How common are sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections are very common in non-Muslim countries, however in Muslim countries they are also present. Around the world, an estimated 374 million sexually transmitted infections occur each year.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases) vary by type, they may appear around genital region and could include:

• Bumps, sores or warts on or near penis, vagina, mouth or anus,
• Swelling or severe itching near penis or vagina,
• Discharges,
• Vaginal discharge with bad odor and irritation or is a different color or amount than usual,
• Vaginal bleeding that’s not periods,
• Painful sex,
• Painful urination or frequent urination.

In addition, patient may also have symptoms throughout the body, for example:

• A skin rash.
• Weight loss.
• Diarrhea.
• Night sweats.
• Aches, pains, fever and chills.
• Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes).

Risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases or infections

If a person is sexually active and he or she is womanizer or philanderer, he/she is at risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection/disease.

A person can also get an STI if he/she shares personal items like needles (used syringe), towels or handkerchief, toothbrush, fork/spoon, undergarments, bed/bedsheets, razors/blades etc.

Complications of sexually transmitted diseases or infections

Sexually transmitted infections can cause lifelong complications if left untreated. Common complications from untreated STIs are HIV which can lead to AIDS, syphilis which can damage one’s organs, nervous system and infect a developing fetus etc.

STI complications for females include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can damage uterus and cause infertility.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Infertility, etc.

In males, untreated STIs can lead to:

• Infections in the urethra and prostate.
• Swollen, sore testicles.
• Infertility.

A doctor will diagnose a sexually transmitted disease or infection after a physical exam and testing. Ask your patient about his/her symptoms and medical and sexual history and advise some tests for example:

• Urine test,
• Cheek swab,
• Blood test,
• A fluid sample from skin sores,
• A discharge or cell sample from body (usually the vagina, urethra, cervix, penis, anus or throat).

How are sexually transmitted infections treated with allopathy?

The allopathic goal of sexually transmitted infection or disease treatment is to:

• Cure many (not all) STIs.
• Lessen patient’s symptoms.
• Reduce patient’s likelihood of spreading the infection.

For allopathic treatment for STDs/STIs click on required link(s) given below:

• Chlamydia.
• Genital herpes.
• Genital warts.
• Gonorrhea (clap).
• Hepatitis B.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Syphilis.
• Trichomoniasis (trick).
• Vaginitis.

Homeopathic treatment for sexually transmitted diseases or infections