Exploring Sexually Transmitted Disease

(STDs)

Sexually Transmitted Disease refers to a group of infections that are primarily

transmitted through sexual contact including vaginal, anal or oral sex. These disease
caused by bacteria, viruses, parasite or fungi and can affect and harm the health of
both men and women. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs) continue to be a
significant public health concern worldwide. These infections primarily transmitted
through Sexual contact pose serious health risks and can have long lasting
consequences if left untreated.

This term paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis and explanation of STD,
exploring their causes, transmission method, symptoms, prevention, strategies and
how to manage and cure this kind of disease. This paper will delve into the various
types of STDs including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphills and others
CAUSES

The listed below are the causes of having sexually Transmitted Disease (STD).

1. Bacteria
Chamydia- caused by the bacterium chamydia trachomatis. It is one of the
most common STDs worldwide. It can lead to serious complications if left
untreated such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and
iniinfertility in both men and women.

Gonorrhea-caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhea, it can infect the

genitals,rectum and throat.

Syphilis- caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, it progress in stages

and can cause a wide range of symptoms including sores rashes, fever and
organ damage
2. Viruses
Herpes-caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause painful sores
or blisters on the genitals, rectum or mouth.
 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – It attacks the immune system,
making individuals system more susceptible to infections and disease.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – group of viruses that can causes genital warts
and certain types of cancers including cervical cancer, anal and throat cancer.

3. Parasites
Trichomoniasis – caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginals.
Common symptoms include itching, burning and discharge.

4. Transmission
-STDs are usually transmitted through unprotected Sexual intercourse,
including vaginal, anal or oral sex
-sharing needles or syringes with an infected person can also transmit some
STDs.

5. Mother To Child Transmission

-Some STDs can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during
childbirth or breast feeding.

6. Skin To Skin Contact

-Certain STDs like Herpes and HPV can be transmitted through direct skin to skin
contact.
EFFECTS

The effects of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) can vary depending on the
specific infection. Here are some general effects and complications associated with
STDs.

1. Physical Health Effects

-STDs can cause various physical symptoms including genital sores pain
during urination, discharge and itching.

2. Long Term Complication

-If left untreated some STDs can lead to serious long term complications. For
example untreated Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID) in women which may result in infertility.

3. Cancer Risk
-Certain STDs such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are linked to an
increased risk of developing cervical cancer and other cancer.
4. Pregnancy Complications

-Pregnant individuals with untreated STDs may experience complications

including preterm birth, low birth weight and transmission of infection to the baby
during childbirth.

5. Hiv And Immune System Weakness

-HIV if left untreated can lead to acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

(AIDS) causing severe damage to the immune system and making individuals more
susceptible to other infections and illness.

6. Phychological And Emotional Impact

-Dealing with an STD diagnosis can have emotional and Psychological effects.
Stigma, anxiety and conserns about relationship and future health can contribute to
emotional distress.

7. Spread To Partners

-STDs can easily be transmitted to sexual partners if precautions are not taken
leading to a cycle of infection.
PREVENTION

Preventing Sexually transmitted Diseases (STDs) involves adopting safe

practices and making informed choices. Here are some key strategies for
preventing the transmission of STDs.

1. Practice Safe Sex

-Use condoms consistently and correctly during vaginal, anal and oral
sex. Condoms provide a barrier that helps prevent the exchange of bodily
fluids that can carry STDs.

2. Communication
-Have open and honest communication with your sexual partners
about sexual health. Discuss your past STD testing, shares your
 own testing history and make joint decisions about safer sex
practices.

3. Get vaccine
-Vaccines are available for certain STDs such as Human
Papillomavirus (HPV) . Getting vaccinated can protect against
specific infections and reduce the risk of transmission.
4. Regular testing
-Undergo regular STD testing especially if you have multiple
sexual partners or engage in high risk behaviors. Early detection
allows for timely treatment and reduces the risk of complications.
5. Limit sex partners

-Limit the number of sexual partners to reduce the risk of exposure to STDs.
Monogamous relationships with partners who have been tested and are free of
infections can lower the risk to have STDs.

6. Avoid risky behavior

-Refrain from engaging in high risk behaviors such as sharing needles or engaging
in unprotected sex with individuals whose sexual history is unknown.

7. Education and Awareness

-Stay informed about STDs their transmission methods and preventive measures.
Knowledge empower individuals to make informed choices about their sexual
health.

8. Protective measures for oral sex

-Use dental dams or condoms to protect against STDs transmission during oral sex.

9. Prevent mother to child transmission

-Pregnant individuals should undergo prenatal care and be treated for STDs to
prevent mother child transmission. Treatment during pregnancy can reduce the risk
of complications.

CURE OR MANANGEMENT OF SYMPTOMS

The management of symptoms and treatment options for sexually

transmitted Diseases (STDs) can vary depending on the specific infection.
Here are some general approaches to the management and treatment of
STDs.

1. Medical Treatment

- Many STDs can be treated with appropriate medications such

antibiotics for bacterial infections like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and
Syphills

-Antiviral medications are available for viral infections like Herpes and
HIV these medications cannot cure the infections they can help manage
symptoms reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks and slow
down the progression of the disease.

2. Follow health providers advice

-Follow the prescribes treatment plan and complete the full course
of medication as directed by your healthcare provider
-Do not stop treatment prematurely even if symptoms improve as
this can lead to incomplete eradication of the infection and potential
many complications
 3.Pain relief and symptoms management
-Over the counter pain reliever such acetaminophen or ibuprofen
can help alleviate pain discomfort and fever associated with some
STDs.

4.Avoid sexual activity

-Refrain from sexual activity or practice Safe sex during treatment

to prevent spreading the infection.

5.Partner notification and testing

-Inform your sexual partner about your diagnosis so that they can
seek a testing and treatment if it is necessary. This help prevent
spread of the infections

6. Regular Follow up and testing

-Follow up with your healthcare provider as recommended for
retesting to ensure the infection has been successfully treated and to
address any ongoing concerns.

7. Preventive Measures
-Take steps to prevent future infections by practicing safe sex using
condoms consistently and correctly getting vaccinated and engaging in
open communication with sexual partners about sexual health.

References:

https://images.app.goo.gl/sq3wWcPFyRwXXKYh8
https://images.app.goo.gl/8nrM9JCNTUf8seYy6
https://images.app.goo.gl/dgRN9kKQwfHNCLxy5
https://images.app.goo.gl/HXTZN9Q38nsN2N3f9
https://images.app.goo.gl/fWjQ9KXAJQy4YKjA6
www.webmd.com
www.mayoclinic.org
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.cdc.gov
Exploring Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of

Final Requirement
In
Understanding The Self
In
Isabela State University Jones Campus
 Submitted by:
Jasmen Ann R. Baracao
BEE 1