What medications are used to treat venereological diseases? Venereal diseases in men: signs and treatment of venereal diseases, list of drugs

Sexually transmitted diseases– one of the serious social and psychological problems of our time. Their social significance is determined by their high prevalence, the severity of the consequences for the health of sick people, the danger to society, and the impact on the reproduction of offspring. The causative agents of these diseases are transmitted from person to person mainly through sexual contact as a result of casual relationships with unfamiliar or unfamiliar people. In 1974, on the recommendation of the WHO, it was decided to replace the term “sexually transmitted diseases” with “sexually transmitted diseases,” abbreviated as STDs.

In recent years, the incidence of STDs has increased significantly, which is due to:

  • with early onset of sexual activity;
  • with frequent changes of sexual partners;
  • neglecting the use of condoms;
  • with insufficient sex education;
  • with self-medication, etc.

Most sexually transmitted diseases are highly treatable. Without treatment, some of them can lead to minor health problems, but others lead to infertility, severe damage to the heart, blood vessels, and joints. Some sexually transmitted infections can “sleep” in the body for a long time, without showing their presence in any way, but at the same time have a detrimental effect on the body. It is important to know the manifestations of these diseases in order to consult a doctor in time. The earlier treatment is started, the higher its effectiveness.

“Classic” sexually transmitted diseases include syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, etc. In addition, sexually transmitted diseases include chlamydia, urogenital candidiasis, genital herpes, viral hepatitis, AIDS, etc.

Syphilis

Syphilis- a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by treponema pallidum (spirochete), occurring with periodic remissions and exacerbations, as well as the formation of foci of inflammation in tissues and organs.

Infection occurs mainly through sexual contact, possibly through domestic contact, through kisses, bites, household items (spoons, glasses, toiletries), and can also be transmitted to offspring (congenital syphilis).

Syphilis is characterized by a long-term (without treatment) course with periods of exacerbation and subsidence.

There are three clinical periods of the disease:

Primary– a hard chancre appears at the site through which the microbe entered the human body. More often it occurs on the genitals, round in shape, up to the size of a ten-kopeck coin, dirty gray or red in color in the form of an ulcer, painless. 1-2 weeks after the onset of the ulcer, the nearest lymph nodes enlarge (if the ulcer is localized in the mouth, the submandibular nodes enlarge, and if the genital organs are affected, the inguinal ones become enlarged). The ulcer (chancroid) heals on its own within 3-6 weeks. after occurrence.

Secondary- characterized by a symmetrical pale rash over the entire body, including the palms and soles, appearing 6-8 weeks after the appearance of chancre. The appearance of a rash is often accompanied by headache, malaise, and fever (as with the flu). Lymph nodes throughout the body enlarge. Secondary syphilis occurs in the form of alternating exacerbations and remissions (asymptomatic periods). In this case, hair loss on the head is possible, as well as the appearance of flesh-colored growths on the genitals and in the anus (condylomas lata).

Tertiary– without appropriate treatment, irreversible changes occur in internal organs, bones, mucous membranes and skin. Tubercles and gummas form on the skin, internal organs, bones and nervous system. The decay of gums causes irreversible changes in the internal organs and systems of the body.

Syphilis in pregnant women

In some women, the disease occurs without any clinical manifestations. But more often there are patients with skin rashes. Currently, a woman who has syphilis can give birth to a healthy child if she undergoes treatment on time.

Diagnosis of syphilis

At the slightest suspicion of syphilis, you must immediately consult a venereologist and undergo the necessary tests.

Syphilis is a highly contagious disease that poses a danger to others and is detrimental to health, and therefore requires immediate examination and treatment in a specialized institution.

Specific treatment is prescribed to a patient with syphilis after diagnosis. The main direction in treatment is the use of antimicrobial drugs active against Treponema pallidum. A patient who has had sexual contact with a patient with syphilis must be examined and, if indicated, receive preventive treatment.

After complete specific treatment of syphilis, serological blood tests often remain positive for a long time, so it is necessary to be regularly monitored by a doctor.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by gonococcus. Gonorrhea most often affects people aged 20-30 years. In most cases, infection occurs through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral). As a rule, the source of infection is women, since their disease can be asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose. It is possible for a newborn to become infected from a sick mother during childbirth.

Symptoms of the disease appear 3-5 days after infection. Women experience yellowish-white discharge, pain in the lower abdomen and intermenstrual bleeding, but there may be a complete absence of any symptoms.

In men, the primary form of infection is gonorrheal urethritis, which is characterized by itching and burning of the external opening of the urethra, which intensifies with urination. Then profuse purulent discharge begins, as well as severe redness and swelling of the external opening of the urethra.

There are two forms of gonorrhea:

  • acute (up to 2 months);
  • chronic (more than 2 months).

Gonococcus can enter the human body simultaneously with other sexually transmitted infections (ureaplasma, chlamydia, gardnerella, trichomonas), which leads to a mixed infection of the genitourinary tract. The most common combination of gonococcal infection with chlamydia and ureaplasma. Given that these infections are not sensitive to most drugs used to treat gonorrhea, additional laboratory tests and longer therapy are required.

Gonococcal infection can cause:

  • urethritis
  • proctitis
  • stomatitis
  • pharyngitis
  • gonorrhea eyes

Complications of gonorrhea

  • In men, the most common complication is inflammation of the epididymis - epididymitis.
  • In women, the most common complication of gonorrhea is inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages, which are one of the main causes of female infertility. At the same time, the intrauterine device and menstruation increase the risk of inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages.
  • When gonococci spread to other organs, disseminated gonococcal infection occurs. This affects the joints, skin, brain, heart and liver.
  • When gonococci get into the eyes, gonococcal conjunctivitis occurs.

Diagnosis of gonorrhea

Symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose gonorrhea. Confirmation of the diagnosis by laboratory methods is necessary.

Diagnosis of acute gonorrhea in men is usually based on the results of a general smear. For chronic gonorrhea in men, as well as for any form of the disease in women, more accurate research methods are needed - PCR or culture.

Sexual partners

If you are cured but your sexual partner is not, you can easily become infected again.

It is very important to tell your sexual partners about the disease, even if they are not worried, and to encourage them to get tested and treated. After all, being asymptomatic does not reduce the risk of complications.

Trichomoniasis

The incubation period is from 3 days. up to 3-4 weeks (on average 5-6 days)

There are several forms of trichomoniasis:

Acute form.

In acute cases, men experience abundant purulent discharge from the urethra, which may be scanty, watery, mucopurulent or mucous, itching, burning in the urethra, pain when urinating.

In women with an acute course of the process, patients complain of a burning sensation in the genital area, itching and pain. When examined, the skin of the labia majora and the mucous membrane of the vaginal vestibule are red, swollen, covered with gray purulent mucous discharge, which shrinks into crusts, and when removed, erosions are found on the mucous membrane. Under the influence of copious gray-yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor, dermatitis occurs on the inner surface of the thighs. Pain in the lower abdomen. Painful urination

Chronic form.

It is characterized by an asymptomatic course when more than 2 months have passed since infection. Periodic exacerbations can be caused by a decrease in the body's resistance, excessive alcohol consumption, and impaired ovarian function. Depending on how frequent the relapses are and how hard they are tolerated, trichomoniasis is classified as uncomplicated and with complications.

Trichomonas carriage.

Trichomonas carriage is a form of the disease in which there are no symptoms.

Routes of infection.

The source of infection is a sick person or a Trichomonas carrier. Infection occurs through sexual contact. It is almost impossible to become infected through everyday means (swimming in a pool or river, in the shower). However, in semen, urine and water, the pathogen remains viable for 24 hours.

Diagnostics.

Diagnosis is made based on clinical signs and laboratory tests.

Treatment.

Treatment is prescribed only after examination and laboratory examination, the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient. Treatment of trichomoniasis is carried out on all sexual partners if one of them has an infection (trichomoniasis).

Chlamydia

Chlamydia- disease caused by chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.

Chlamydia affects people of any age. The disease is transmitted sexually, by airborne droplets or by contact. Chlamydia in women can cause bartholinitis, cervicitis, urethritis, salpingoophoritis, etc.

In men it can cause urethritis, prostatitis, proctitis, etc.

Symptoms of urogenital chlamydia in women are observed in 1/3 of cases of the disease:

  • mucous-purulent discharge from the cervical canal and/or vagina;
  • pain in the lower abdomen; when urinating;
  • spotting after sexual intercourse and between menstruation;
  • chronic pelvic pain;
  • infertility.

Symptoms of urogenital chlamydia in men are observed in 2/3 of the disease:

  • mucous and mucopurulent discharge from the urethra;
  • painful sensations when urinating;
  • pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the perineum;
  • erectile dysfunction.

In addition, depending on the location of the pathological process, individuals of both sexes may experience discharge and discomfort in the anorectal region, hyperemia of the conjunctival mucosa, lacrimation, arthralgia, and hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the pharyngeal wall. But more often, this disease occurs without any symptoms and is difficult to diagnose in a laboratory. All this complicates the treatment process, without which serious complications are possible.

The infection can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. It has been noted that more than half of children born to mothers with chlamydial infection suffer from conjunctivitis and pneumonia. Pregnant women with chlamydia infection may have the following complications:

  • ectopic pregnancy
  • spontaneous abortion
  • non-developing pregnancy
  • premature birth
  • weak labor
  • fever during childbirth
  • gestosis
  • polyhydramnios
  • placentation abnormalities
  • premature placental abruption
  • intrauterine fetal hypoxia

As a rule, chlamydia in pregnant women is asymptomatic. The presence of infection can be indicated by cervicitis and pseudo-erosion of the cervix.

Diagnosis of chlamydia.

Laboratory investigations: bacteriological examination; direct immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies; enzyme immunoassay (ELISA); RNA, DNA hybridization; nucleic acid amplification method, polymerase chain reaction, ligase chain reaction.

Patients with urogenital chlamydia should be screened for other STDs!

Treatment.

Effective treatment of urogenital chlamydia helps prevent severe complications and infection of sexual partners and newborns.

Antibiotics active against chlamydia trachomatis are the drugs of choice.
With timely detection and adequate treatment, the prognosis is favorable.

2 weeks after completing the course of treatment for chlamydia, the patient undergoes clinical and laboratory control. Women undergo a control study during the next 1-2 menstrual cycles. In men, observation continues for another 3-4 months.

Chlamydia is a disease that often has no symptoms. Therefore, many patients do not even suspect the presence of chlamydial infection and do not undergo examination and treatment. Currently, about 70% of women with cervical infection and 50% of men with urethral infection suffer from this disease.

To prevent the spread of the disease, all women are tested for the presence of chlamydia in the body before childbirth and termination of pregnancy. Couples coming to a family planning clinic are screened for chlamydial infection. If it is detected, both partners undergo treatment for chlamydia.

Prevention.

The main method of prevention is the exclusion of casual relationships and the use of barrier methods of contraception.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis(synonym - thrush) is a fungal disease of the mucous membrane of the genital organs, which is caused by excessive proliferation of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (Candida).

Candida is a microorganism that is constantly present in small quantities in the body of a healthy person (on the skin, in the oral cavity, in the gastrointestinal tract, in the genitourinary system). However, the balance of microorganisms can be disturbed, which leads to excessive proliferation of candida and, as a result, candidiasis.

The acute form of candidiasis (thrush), if left untreated, can lead to a chronic one. The chronic form is characterized by numerous relapses, the causes of which in most cases are secondary infections. As a rule, such patients are diagnosed with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (dysbacteriosis) and various gynecological diseases that reduce local immunity.

One of the main features of candidiasis infection is multifocality. Yeast-like fungi affect the genitourinary tract, and sometimes the internal genital organs. Due to its high adaptability, candidal infection penetrates various organs, leading to changes in their functions.

Quite often, thrush appears in pregnant women, as a result of changes in the body, hormonal changes and a decrease in local immunity. In such cases, a woman should be more attentive to her body and not delay the visit to a specialist.

More than 50% of women experience this disease throughout their lives, especially residents of hot countries. Thrush also affects women with weakened immune systems, who have hormonal imbalances and bacterial flora. Exacerbations are usually provoked by the following reasons:

  • pregnancy, altered hormonal status
  • surgical interventions
  • endocrine diseases
  • infectious diseases
  • taking hormonal contraceptives
  • taking antibiotics, corticosteroids, cytostatics
  • drinking alcohol, sweets, spicy foods.

Candida can coexist with other sexually transmitted infections. Candidiasis can sometimes result from antibiotic treatment for other STDs or other infectious diseases.

Clinical picture of candidiasis.

Candidiasis (thrush) has the following clinical forms:

  • acute
  • chronic
  • candidiasis

The main symptoms of acute candidiasis are:

  • curdled leucorrhoea
  • burning, itching in the external genital area
  • increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane to water and urine
  • pain after intercourse
  • bad smell

As a rule, acute candidiasis lasts no more than 2 months. The patient experiences redness of the mucous membrane, swelling, and rashes in the form of blisters. If the disease lasts more than 2 months, then it becomes chronic. Patients complain of itching and burning, which intensify in the premenstrual period and decrease in the postmenstrual period.

In patients suffering from diabetes, myxedema, and ovarian hypofunction, candidal vulvitis can spread to the inguinal-femoral folds of skin and the perianal area.

There are no clinical manifestations of candidiasis. Urogenital candidiasis can infect the sexual partners of candidiasis carriers; a woman with this diagnosis can infect newborns during childbirth. As a rule, tests of such people show the presence of pseudomycelium.

The disease can spread to other organs. The use of antibiotics, damage to the skin and mucous membranes, and surgery leads to a generalized form.

Diagnosis of candidiasis (thrush).

Diagnosis of candidiasis (thrush) is based on clinical manifestations and microscopic examination.

Treatment of thrush.

To successfully treat thrush and prevent relapses, complex therapy is necessary. To treat acute forms of the disease, local antifungal therapy is used. In more complex cases, not only etiotropic treatment is required, but also the elimination of predisposing factors.

For thrush treatment to be effective, it is necessary to temporarily abandon bad habits, antibiotics, cytostatics, corticosteroids, and hormonal contraceptives.

Prevention of candidiasis.

Prevention of candidiasis (thrush) is:

  • observing personal hygiene rules;
  • timely treatment of acute forms of the disease;
  • reducing contact with candida carriers.

How to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases?

This section is very important!

First of all, it should be noted that a person’s appearance, level of education, social and marital status cannot say anything about the presence or absence of sexually transmitted diseases. Most sexually transmitted diseases are often asymptomatic. In this case, a person may not even suspect that he is sick.

You can protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases by following simple safety rules:

  • Try to avoid multiple and casual sexual relationships.
  • Be sure to use a condom when having sex with someone you don’t know or with someone who has multiple sexual partners.

Other methods of prevention when contacting a non-regular (casual) partner without a condom do not provide any guarantees.

Similar prevention methods include:

  • washing immediately after contact of the external genitalia with water or soap and water;
  • washing the vagina or rectum with a shower, enema or douche;
  • washing the vagina or rectum with chlorine-containing antiseptics (Gibitan, Miramistin, Chlorhexidine) or introducing them into the urethra;
  • the use of contraceptive creams and suppositories (spermicides), such as Pharmatex and spermicides containing 9-nonoxynol (Nonoxynol, Patentex Oval).

These methods can be used, but should not be relied upon. At the same time, a few words should be said about the dangers of some of these methods.

For example, washing the vagina (douching) promotes the movement of pathogens to the upper parts of the female genital organs, causing complications.

Spermicides containing 9-nonoxynol (Nonoxynol, Patentex Oval) were ineffective for the prevention of gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV infection.

Drug prevention.

If you have had contact with a non-regular (casual) sexual partner without a condom, as well as in the event of a condom rupture, contact while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or rape, consult a doctor, he will prescribe you preventative medication (preventive treatment). Preventive treatment regimens correspond to treatment regimens for a fresh, uncomplicated infection. Drug prophylaxis after casual sexual intercourse is a last resort (backup) method of preventing sexually transmitted diseases. It cannot be performed frequently and cannot be considered as an alternative to a condom. In addition, such prevention does not prevent the development of viral diseases (genital herpes, human papillomavirus/genital warts infection, HIV infection). It is effective only against bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, syphilis, trichomoniasis).

You can also convince your casual sexual partner to come to an appointment with a venereologist and be examined for sexually transmitted infections.

Antibacterial drugs- the main means of combating. The choice of antibiotic will depend on the causative agent of the disease, the severity of the condition, and the presence of concomitant pathology. The sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms also affects the selection of drugs and the development of the optimal treatment regimen in each specific case.

The choice of drug depends on the pathogen and severity of the disease

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STIs are sexually transmitted infections. According to WHO statistics (August 2016), up to 1 million cases of STI infection are registered every day in the world. From the name it becomes clear that these diseases are transmitted through sexual contact. Infection may occur through blood transfusion or tissue transplantation.

According to statistics, up to 1 million cases of sexually transmitted infections are registered every day in the world.

This group includes the following diseases:

  • hepatitis B, C and D;
  • HPV infection;
  • herpes;
  • CMV infection.

Various methods are used to diagnose sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Among others, it should be noted bacteriological culture of urine, semen,. Many infections are successfully detected by PCR or ELISA. After the pathogen is detected, a treatment regimen is selected, which necessarily includes antibacterial, antiprotozoal or antiviral drugs.

Genital herpes is one of the sexually transmitted diseases

To treat or not to treat?

STIs may be accompanied by specific symptoms or be asymptomatic. Does this mean that a disease without pronounced manifestations can not be treated? Not at all. Lack of treatment leads to quite serious consequences:

  1. Infection of a sexual partner (for women this threatens infertility, miscarriage, and infection of the fetus).
  2. Development of chronic pathology of the pelvic organs.
  3. Damage to extragenital organs when the process spreads.
  4. Infertility.
  5. Erectile disfunction.
  6. Death.

Gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis and chlamydia are now successfully treatable. It is only important to consult a doctor at an early stage of the pathological process and follow all the doctor’s recommendations. HPV infection, herpes and CMV, HIV, viral hepatitis are considered incurable. All that can be done is to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and prolong the patient’s life.

Antibiotics in the treatment of STIs

Antibiotics are medications that have a detrimental effect on bacteria. These can be substances of natural or synthetic origin. Some antibiotics inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, others act on the cell wall and destroy it. Antibiotics are not effective against viral diseases, so they are not used in their treatment.

Two regimens are used in the treatment of STDs:

  1. The basic scheme: the use of drugs of choice, that is, antibiotics that are most effective in treating a specific disease.
  2. Alternative regimen: the use of other medications in cases where the use of the drugs of choice is impossible for one reason or another (individual intolerance, contraindications, drug resistance, unavailability of the drug in a particular medical institution, etc.).

Preventive antibacterial therapy deserves special attention. In this case, antibiotics are prescribed to people who have had sexual contact with a sick person (according to the incubation period) to prevent the disease.

Principles of antibacterial therapy

When treating with antibiotics, there are some important aspects to consider:


You should not take antibiotics that have expired or if their storage rules have been violated.

Review of antibacterial drugs

Many patients wonder: is there a magic cure for all STDs? Is it possible to take one pill and get rid of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia at once? Unfortunately, modern medicine does not have such medicines. Each antibiotic has its own spectrum of action and works against certain microorganisms. A drug that is effective against treponema pallidum will not cope with chlamydia, and vice versa. With a mixed infection, the patient has to take several antibiotics simultaneously or sequentially in order to completely get rid of all unpleasant symptoms.

Before prescribing the drug, the pathogen is determined

The main antibiotics used to treat STIs:

Penicillins

Natural penicillins have been used in medicine since the late 40s of the 20th century. They are not stable, act for a short time, and require repeated administration throughout the day. The use of synthetic penicillins makes it possible to reduce the frequency of administration. Effective against gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. Prescribed primarily for the treatment of syphilis.

Cephalosporins

Compared to penicillins, they are more resistant to β-lactamases - special enzymes synthesized by pathogenic microorganisms. They act against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Used in the treatment of syphilis (alternative regimen) and gonorrhea.

Macrolides

Only a doctor prescribes a course of antibiotic treatment

They are destructive against a wide range of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms (including intracellular ones). They are considered the least toxic antibiotics. They are used as the main treatment regimen for chlamydia, ureaplasma and mycoplasma infections. Can be used as an alternative for other STIs.

Tetracyclines

Antibiotics with a pronounced bacteriostatic effect. Used to treat syphilis (alternative regimen). They require repeated (up to 4 times) administration during the day, therefore they are not very popular in the treatment of STDs.

Aminoglycosides

Active against aerobic gram-negative bacteria. Used once to treat gonorrhea.

Nitroimidazole derivatives

Effective against protozoan microorganisms and some bacteria. Moderately toxic. Used to treat trichomoniasis.

Question from: Anonymous

Tell us about the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases at home. My son is in his teens, you never know. You can, of course, go to the hospital, but it’s somehow inconvenient, he definitely won’t go, I know his character. What to do if such a problem arises?

Answered by: Doctor

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases at home is possible only after examination and diagnosis. The symptoms of such diseases are very similar, and the causative agent in each case is different, therefore the treatment will be specific and strictly individual.

The doctor takes a smear. In laboratory conditions, the culprit of sexually transmitted infections is identified. After this, therapy is prescribed. It is necessary to undergo treatment. Due to the complications that arise, various unpleasant consequences may appear (infertility, chronic inflammatory process).

Let's look at the treatment of STDs using the example of gonorrhea - this is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The disease is caused by gonococcus, which quite simply enters the body from an infected partner during unprotected sexual intercourse. First, the mucous membranes of the external genital organs are affected, then the infection penetrates deeper and deeper, affecting the genitourinary system.

Symptoms include:

  • the appearance of itching, burning;
  • copious discharge (sometimes mixed with pus);
  • pain during intercourse.

Patients also experience discomfort during urination. Women may experience pain in the lower abdomen, and men may experience swelling near the scrotum and inflammation of the foreskin. Sometimes the symptoms can be vague.

Doctors usually prescribe those antibiotics to which gonococci are sensitive. These include: tetracycline, penicillin, doxycycline, ceftriaxone and others. A mild form of the disease can be treated quickly enough. Treatment with folk remedies can act as an auxiliary one. But even in this case, you need to obtain the doctor’s consent.

The following remedies will help speed up recovery:

  • Ginseng tincture that boosts immunity. It is taken on an empty stomach daily, 30-40 drops for 3 months. Do not use for people with hypertension.
  • A decoction of burdock roots. Prepare a product from 3 tbsp. l. crushed raw materials and 0.5 liters of water. The composition simmers for 30 minutes over low heat. Then it is allowed to cool and filtered. Take 1 tbsp every hour. l. A fresh portion is prepared every day. A total of 2 weeks of treatment.
  • A collection of equal parts of horsetail and chamomile. 2 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with three glasses of boiling water, left for half an hour and filtered. Drink the infusion throughout the day.
  • Baths with a decoction of calamus roots and medicinal mud.

The diet for the entire period of treatment should be varied and contain a large amount of vitamins and other useful substances. General hygiene, like hygiene of the genital organs, must be observed especially carefully. Underwear and bed linen must be boiled and ironed with a hot iron. Intimate life during treatment is prohibited.

Venereology As a field of medical science, it studies sexually transmitted infections (STIs): their clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment methods and prevention. Currently, the term “sexually transmitted diseases” has given way to a broader concept – sexually transmitted diseases (infections) (STDs, STIs). Today, sexually transmitted diseases occupy one of the first places in terms of prevalence, second only to colds. Anyone can become infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), regardless of gender, age or nationality.

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What are the types of sexually transmitted diseases and how do they manifest themselves in men?

Humanity has known about sexually transmitted diseases since ancient times. The term “venereal diseases” was first used by the French scientist J. de Benacourt. For a long time, these ailments were considered one disease, until their causative agents were discovered: gonococcus, pale spirochete and others.

In the 90s of the 20th century, the term STIs (sexually transmitted infections) began to be used in official medicine. This group includes diseases that are transmitted not only sexually, but also through household contact or through blood. Sexually transmitted diseases occur in both men and women. However, there are some differences in the symptoms and course of these diseases in men.

The main route of infection with sexually transmitted diseases is sexually. The infection is transmitted through any type of sex. Some diseases are transmitted through household contact (syphilis, herpes, scabies, pubic lice). Some infections have a transmission route (through blood). These include: HIV, hepatitis.

There are two classifications of sexually transmitted diseases in men. The first is based on the division of diseases according to the method of infection:

  • Classic VZ with systemic effects on the body (gonorrhea, syphilis).
  • “New VZ” – STIs that affect the genitals (trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, chlamydia).
  • Diseases also transmitted through blood (AIDS, hepatitis).

Another classification involves the division of sexually transmitted diseases depending on the pathogen. Infections are:

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in men depend on the type of disease and stage of the disease. Mostly in men they have a bright manifestation. However, STIs are often hidden. Symptoms also depend on the time of infection. In the acute period, the symptoms are most vivid; when the disease has progressed to the chronic stage, the clinical picture is blurred.

First signs:

  • Pain, itching, burning in the urethra.
  • Discharge from the urethra is yellow-green in color with an unpleasant odor.
  • Frequent urge to go to the toilet, difficulty in the outflow of urine.
  • Rash, sores, blisters, redness on the genitals.
  • Blood in urine and semen.
  • Erection problems.
  • Unpleasant sensations in the anus.
  • Rashes, papules on the body.
  • Temperature increase.
  • Pain in muscles and joints.
  • Painful enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes.

What diseases are asymptomatic?

These are diseases such as ureaplasmosis, herpes, papillomavirus. They slowly spread throughout the body for a long time, causing complications such as impotence, infertility, and prostatitis. The man is unaware of his ailments; they are discovered by chance during a routine examination. In this case, the man is a carrier of the infection and transmits the viruses to his partner.

Kinds

There are many sexually transmitted diseases in medicine. The following diseases are most often diagnosed in men:

1. Syphilis. It is the oldest venereal disease. In Europe in the 16th century there was even an epidemic of syphilis that lasted more than 50 years. The causative agent is the bacterium spirochete pallidum. Syphilis can be transmitted through household contact. The disease occurs in two stages. The incubation period lasts up to 30 days, then a hard chancre appears at the site of infection (most often on the penis). Usually a man does not associate this with an STI, so the disease goes into stage 2. During this period, rashes begin throughout the body, the temperature rises, and the lymph nodes become inflamed. If the disease is not treated, then tertiary syphilis occurs, which affects the nervous system, bones, and brain. Ultimately the patient dies.

2. Gonorrhea. One of the most common STDs. The causative agent is the bacterium gonococcus. It manifests itself very clearly: discharge from the urethra, pain when urinating, inflammation of the prostate. Often the disease goes into a chronic or latent stage, this is facilitated by self-medication. Gonorrhea is one of the causes of impotence, prostate adenoma and male infertility.

3. HIV. A deadly disease that is also transmitted through blood. The causative agent is the human immunodeficiency virus. The incubation period lasts up to 3 years, no manifestations are observed. But the disease suppresses the immune system.

The first signs of HIV are similar to flu symptoms:

  • temperature; aching bones;
  • there may be rashes on the body;
  • exacerbation of stomatitis.

The patient constantly catches colds, which are severe and cannot be treated. Ultimately, the patient may die from a simple scratch or a common ARVI.

4. Chlamydia. The causative agent of the disease is the bacterium chlamydia. Symptoms of chlamydia in men are not pronounced and are disguised as other diseases. Therefore, the patient begins to take medications, driving the infection deeper.

With further exacerbation, the man experiences the following symptoms:

  • discharge with an unpleasant odor;
  • itching, pain when urinating;
  • drops of blood in urine;
  • temperature increase;
  • fatigue, weakness;
  • pain during ejaculation.

5. Trichomoniasis. Ranks first among STIs. The causative agent is Trichomonas vaginalis. Unlike female trichomoniasis, male trichomoniasis manifests itself weakly or is generally asymptomatic. The main signs of the disease: mucous discharge in the morning, pain when urinating, morning urge to go to the toilet with little urine output. Trichomoniasis, if left untreated, leads to prostatitis, impotence, and infertility.

6. Genital herpes. The latent period of the disease lasts up to two months. The causative agent is the herpes simplex virus. It is characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission; the disease cannot be cured; the patient remains a carrier of the virus for life. The main symptoms of herpes are the appearance of blisters on the genitals, fever, and headaches.

7. HPV(human papillomavirus). The disease is also incurable. The virus lies dormant in the body for a long time and worsens when immunity decreases. Symptoms include papillomas on the genitals. There are three strains of HPV: non-oncogenic, mildly oncogenic and oncogenic. The last two cause penile cancer in men.

8. Hepatitis. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through sexual contact and blood. At risk are drug addicts and people who are promiscuous. There is also a possibility of infection during medical procedures. The incubation period is 2-6 months. When hepatitis enters the bloodstream, it causes rapid and striking symptoms.

When sexually transmitted, the disease has symptoms similar to those of ARVI:

  • low-grade fever;
  • weakness, fatigue, loss of strength;
  • headache;
  • rashes on the body.

At the chronic stage, signs of liver damage appear in the form of a bitter taste in the mouth, vomiting, and nausea. At the third stage, jaundice develops. Hepatitis affects the liver, causing cirrhosis, which is fatal.

9. Ureaplasmosis. The causative agent is the opportunistic bacterium ureaplasma. It is present in the body in small quantities and does not manifest itself.

When immunity decreases, it multiplies, causing the following symptoms:

  • small, odorless discharge;
  • pain and burning at the end of urination;
  • redness of the head of the penis.

When prolonged, it causes prostatitis and infertility.

10. Candidiasis(thrush). It is a consequence of the active reproduction of pathogenic candida fungi. In men it is asymptomatic. In some cases, there may be a whitish coating on the head of the penis and pain during sexual intercourse.

Diagnostics

Various methods are used to diagnose sexually transmitted diseases in men. They differ in speed and accuracy of results.

Basic diagnostic methods:

  • Smear microscopy. The fastest and cheapest method. The collected secretions are applied to glass, stained with dyes and examined under a microscope. The lab technician can look at the number and type of bacteria.
  • mutual fund(direct fluorescence), ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). These methods are based on the fact that antibodies react to specific antigens. If there are no antibodies in the blood, then there will be no reaction. This way you can identify diseases that occur hidden. It can also be established that the patient has already suffered an infection and a small amount of antibodies is present in his blood.
  • PCR(polymerase chain reaction). Using a polymerase reaction, the DNA of the pathogen is restored. If the pathogen is absent, the result will be negative.

Diseases such as syphilis, hepatitis, AIDS are diagnosed by determining specific antibodies. If there is an immune response to the pathogen, this indicates that the patient is sick.

Treatment

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in men involves the use of antibacterial drugs. For each infection, a different antibiotic is selected. Syphilis is treated with penicillin, but penicillin has no effect on gonococci. Ceftriaxone or Azithromycin are used to treat gonorrhea. Metronidazole and Trichopolum are used to treat infections such as chlamydia and trichomoniasis.

For herpes viruses, HIV, HPV, hepatitis, therapy is prescribed with special agents that affect the immune system (Interferon Alpha), antiretroviral drugs (Zidovudine).

The choice of drugs and the duration of the course of therapy are determined by the doctor. You cannot self-medicate, as the disease enters a latent stage and drug resistance develops. But the disease still progresses and leads to serious complications.

The most dangerous consequences for men- impotence, infertility, death.

Prognosis and prevention

Most diseases with proper and timely treatment have a favorable prognosis. The exceptions are AIDS, papillomavirus, herpes, and hepatitis. With the help of drugs, it is possible to achieve a period of remission and stop the progression of the disease.

Basic measures to prevent sexually transmitted diseases:

  • Avoiding unprotected sex.
  • Using a barrier method of contraception.
  • Use of sterile medical instruments.
  • Undergoing regular medical examinations.

In men, sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed quite often. Many infections cause serious male problems such as impotence and infertility. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and selectivity in sexual intercourse helps avoid these problems.

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