Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Once called venereal diseases, STIs (or STDs: sexually transmitted diseases) are transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse, whether vaginal, anal or oral-genital.

AIDS

Transmissible through unprotected sexual intercourse, via the blood or transpacental, this deadly virus causes a sudden lowering of the body's immune defenses. Between the moment of the infection and the appearance, ten years can pass. Symptoms are moderate: persistent mild fever, sore throat, fatigue, diarrhea, rash and weight loss. The only treatment that can delay the transition from seropositivity to the disease remains tritherapy (combination of three antiviral drugs). But be careful, healing is not yet possible and the side effects of these drugs are numerous.

See also: Oral sex

Hepatitis B

It is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, by the blood and transplacental route. Hepatitis B, which often goes unnoticed, is due to a virus that causes inflammatory lesions to the liver and manifests itself with the same symptoms as the flu. Sometimes, jaundice can also appear. In the worst case, this disease can become chronic, turning into cirrhosis. Only the vaccine makes it possible to avoid it.

Chlamydia infection

This sexually transmitted disease is very contagious and is found mainly among young people. It involves the entire genital system, the cervix and the fallopian tubes. The symptoms are the same as for a urinary infection or a mycosis: abnormal vaginal discharge, fever and pelvic pain. In men it is rather burning in urination and losses. If the infection is not treated, it can cause infertility in the long term. Treatment consists of administering antibiotics to both partners.

News: Male infertility is caused by sexual infections

For further information: the vagina, anatomy and characteristics

The papilloma virus

Belonging to the human papilloma virus family, this virus can sometimes involve the formation of condylomas (small warts) on the vulva, in the vagina, towards the anus and also on the penis. The condom does not eliminate the risk of transmission, even if it does decrease it. Certain injuries often go unnoticed and heal spontaneously. If treated poorly, however, they can become precancerous lesions and even cause cervical cancer. Currently, there is only one preventive vaccine that is given to girls between the ages of 15 and 23, and is accompanied by regular smear tests.

Genital herpes

It is due to the HSV2 virus and, if infected, lasts a lifetime. Although genital herpes can remain dormant for long periods, once it develops, it is painful and accompanied by skin rashes, itching, burning, fever. Later, small blisters appear which burst and become scabs. These recurring ailments can be alleviated by oral and local treatments, but they never completely heal.

Syphilis

Caused by a bacterium (treponema pallidum), this infection is starting to spread again. Symptoms are the appearance of ulcers (painless sores), which start from the genitals, and then extend to the whole body; later, fever appears and the lymphatic glands swell. The only effective treatment remains the administration of penicillin, in doses that vary according to the stage of the disease.

News: syphilis returns to affect young people

How to prevent sexually transmitted diseases?

Currently, the use of condoms remains the only effective way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases. If most of these diseases can be treated effectively, early diagnosis is imperative: symptoms must be recognized early to avoid complications. See your general practitioner as soon as you seem to notice something abnormal in your genital organs, if you have a strange discharge or if you have discomfort. Finally, remember that to avoid new infections, both partners need to be treated.