Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or venereal diseases, are, as the name suggests, diseases acquired through sexual contact and are the fear that makes it difficult to see people while always underwater. This section of Dr. Zhang Yi (WeChat public number: eric_zhang2001) for you to properly sort out in this regard, will certainly help, please read on. The pathogens that cause STD are transmitted between people through blood, semen, vaginal fluids and other body fluids. Sometimes these infections can be transmitted non-sexually, such as when a mother transmits a small child during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or sharing needles.STD can be acquired from people who appear to be completely healthy or those who are unaware that they are infected, and STD is not always symptomatic. Due to the variety of diseases, there are many signs and symptoms of STD, as well as the “no symptoms” mentioned above. Because of this, some patients or partners are not diagnosed until complications arise. Some of the manifestations that may indicate STD include: ulcers or masses on the genitals, around the mouth, or around the anus; painful burning urine; urethral discharge from the penis; abnormal or odorous vaginal discharge; abnormal vaginal bleeding; painful intercourse; painful swelling of the groin or more distant lymph nodes; lower abdominal pain; fever; and rashes on the trunk, hands, and feet. Depending on the pathogen, most of these signs or symptoms appear within a few days of unprotected exposure, and some may not manifest themselves until years later. When should I see a doctor? If you clearly know you are exposed to STD and are unprotected, see a doctor immediately if you notice clinical signs of STD in these cases: Pathogens of STD Bacterial-level microorganisms: gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia; parasites: trichomoniasis, pubic lice; viruses: condyloma acuminata (HPV-human papillomavirus), genital herpes, AIDS (HIV), hepatitis of all types, etc. STD risk factors Any sexually active person is at some level of risk for STD exposure. Other factors that increase the risk are: 1. Unprotected intercourse: Having intercourse with an infected partner and not wearing a condom significantly increases the risk of contracting STD. The same is true for incorrect or discontinuous condom use. The risk of infection from oral sex is slightly lower, but there is still a risk of infection without a condom or oral barrier. An oral barrier is a thin latex skin used to avoid direct contact. 2, multiple sexual partners: the more sexual partners, the higher the risk of infection, we all know this! 3. History of STDs: Infection with one STD makes you more likely to contract other types of STDs. 4. Compulsive sex: Being raped or sexually assaulted is a very bad event, but it is important to understand the importance of seeking immediate medical attention. Screening, treatment and psychological support are essential. 5, alcohol or drug abuse: Drug or alcohol abuse inhibits judgment and makes it easy to engage in high-risk behaviors. 6. Injecting drugs: Sharing needles to inject drugs can lead to serious infections, including HIV and hepatitis. 7, young: about half of the STD patients are in their 20s. 8, erectile drug treatment of men: foreign statistics, the application of Viagra and other drugs for the treatment of men with a higher incidence of STDs. If you are applying such drugs, you should pay attention to safe sexual behavior. Mother-to-child transmission Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, etc. can be transmitted to the baby through the infected mother during pregnancy or delivery, and the baby may have serious problems or even be fatal after infection. All pregnant women should be screened for STD and treated if the infection is found. Because STD is absent or mild in its early stages, it is important to screen pregnant women for STD to avoid complications. These complications are: pelvic pain and inflammatory lesions, pregnancy accidents, eye infections, arthritis, infertility, heart disease, and certain malignancies (HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers) How is STD diagnosed? A history of sexual intercourse plus the above-mentioned signs or symptoms suggest STD infection, followed by appropriate laboratory tests to confirm the infection and its cause. Blood tests: Blood tests can be taken to confirm the diagnosis of HIV, advanced syphilis or hepatitis. 2, urine test: gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc. 3.Other body fluids: Active genital ulcers to take fluid and various secretions help in diagnosis. STD screening Screening refers to the examination of people without symptoms, often during a health check-up. It can be done for all people or for special populations, such as pregnant women and homosexuals. STD treatment Bacterial STDs are generally easier to treat, while viral STDs can be controlled but not necessarily always cured. Treatment is divided into the following categories: 1. Antibiotics: Effective for bacterial and parasitic infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomonas. Once antibiotic treatment has been started, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions. If there are difficulties, inform your doctor so that the regimen can be adjusted. Stop having sex during the treatment until the treatment is over and the ulcer heals. 2, antiviral drugs: taking antiviral drugs every day can reduce the recurrence and also the risk of infection. The earlier the treatment expenditure, the more effective it is to keep the virus level almost unmeasurable. If you are sure you have STD, you should inform your current partner, and your partners (if any) within the past 3 months to 1 year about your condition. The partner (or partners) should be screened and treated if infected. Confirmed STD is reported to the local CDC to ensure that the receiving doctor and hospital control its transmission. During this process, the patient and partner are kept strictly confidential so as not to interfere with treatment. Seeing a doctor No one likes to share the details of their sexual experience, but in front of a doctor, those details are a prerequisite for proper treatment. It’s a good idea to document symptoms or discomfort before your visit, even if they don’t seem relevant; be prepared with what you ask, such as the medical term for my illness? How did I become infected? Do I need to be isolated from my child? Will I infect the baby now that I’m pregnant? Will I re-infect? Was it contracted from one sexual encounter? How long have I been sick? Do I have to abstain from sex during treatment? Does my partner need to see a doctor too? And so on. How might the doctor answer? A thorough and careful report of symptoms and medical history can best help your doctor treat you, and he or she may ask: What prompted you to come to the doctor? How long have the symptoms been going on? Are you heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual (a question that is not common in this country, but has been)? Are you now with a regular partner or multiple? How long have you been with them (them)? Do you do drugs or injections together? Is there any sexual protection, any contraception? Have you been treated for UTIs, genital ulcers, etc. before? How many sexual partners have you had in the past year? When was the last time you had sex? What can you do? If you suspect you have STD, it is best to abstain from sex until you see your doctor. If you have sex, take safety precautions, such as using condoms. Self-protection 1. Abstinence: No contact is of course the best protection, but can you do it? 2. Have sex only with a non-infected partner: A long-term stable monogamous relationship is a reliable way to avoid STD. 3, watch and wait: until you are sure and both partners test negative before you start having sex with your new partner, oral sex has less chance of infection, but condoms or oral barrier film can effectively avoid direct contact. 4, vaccination: early vaccination to prevent some STD effective, such as HPV and hepatitis. 5.Adherence and correct use of condoms and oral barrier film: condoms are afraid of oiliness and will break. Don’t use so-called natural materials, which are ineffective in preventing viral STD. 6, avoid drinking too much or abuse of drugs: the impact of these prompt you to sexual adventures and forget to take appropriate protective measures. 7, communication: before starting real sex, communicate clearly with your partner and safe sex, reach a consensus on what can or can not. 8, male circumcision: Some studies have proven that circumcised men have a 60% lower risk of HIV infection, and a lower risk of HPV and herpes (probably due to reduced friction-induced local skin breakage).