They say everything in life involves risks , well not when it matters to our health ; in view of this, Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD) Symptoms and treatment is something to really consider. Infact there is no better example of not being able to eat ones cake and having it as contracting STDs
Generally, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD s) are infections transmitted via Sexual contacts of various forms ; which includes, PenoVaginal intercourse ( involving the penis and vagina), Peno-anal( involving the penis and anus ), oral sex , even close contact of the genitals.
This essentially provides a medium for which organisms which produces these infections to propagate and thrive
Organisms generally range from parasite bugs to microscopic bacteria and viruses
Some examples of STDs includes Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chancroid , Genital warts , Herpes , HIV, Scabies , even Cervical Cancer ( in a way can be considered as Sexually transmitted)
A study done before the turn of century revealed
Gonorrhea is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD) in Nigeria. In fact, in 1963, WHO found Lagos to have the highest Gonorrhea rate in the world. Recent surveys report gonorrhea prevalence to be as high as 28.1%. Further some studies show a clear association between Gonorrhea and male and female infertility. Penicillinase producing Neisseria gonorrhea
prevalence varies from 44.4% in Zaria to 80% in Ibadan. There is an increase in the prevalence of gonorrhea among girls, mostly due to sociocultural factors such as the belief that sexual intercourse with a girl who has urethritis cures the condition.
Gonorrhea is not always the most common form of urethritis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD) Symptoms and treatment is absolutely key. For example, in a study in Ibadan, 61% of male urethritis cases had nonspecific urethritis. Most women at STD clinics have vaginitis and vaginal discharge.
Even though the prevalence of trichomoniasis which is a Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD) Symptoms and treatment as well as candidiasis are rather high (10.2-22.3% and 4.33.1% respectively), bacterial vaginosis is the leading cause of vaginitis and vaginal discharge in Nigeria. The predominant malignancy of women in Nigeria is cervical cancer which my be due to the high rates of infection of HPV.
Another prevalent STD is syphilis, yet many people with the infection are asymptomatic. For example, a study reports that 10.3% of women in a prenatal clinic in Lagos tested positive for syphilis, but the physician believed only 1.5% had syphilis.
Tropical venereal diseases still cause genital ulcers in Nigeria. Dermatophyte infection, genital warts, and pedicubsis pubis also occur, but scant data exist. Many people believe they have an STD and do not, yet they insist they do.
This phenomenon may be a result of the common fear of infertility which results from STDs.
With this in mind , how does one know that he /she has contracted an STD
one would have a recent history of unprotected intercourse
– History of multiple sexual partners
– history of having a partner with multiple sexual partners
-Early Coitarche ( age at first sexual encounter) consequently might lead to Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD) Symptoms and treatment at
Also symptoms such as
-painful urination and penile discharge particularly in men
-Vaginal discharge
– foul smelling or fishy odour from the vagina
– itching around the genitals
-presence of rash around the genitals
– ulcers or wounds around the genitals
After considering the above history and symptoms, there is good news for the dark g folks as most stds have efficient testing protocols and treatment regimes however some like hiv/aids has no cure yet but adequate treatment exists to help prolong life , prevent dx progression and spread
It’s is of utmost importance to visit your health care provider if you have any of the above symptoms so as to ascertain the investigations , diagnosis and treatment
With all said , taking proactive steps in preventing andSexually Transmitted Diseases(STD) Symptoms and treatment as well as other preventable diseases is paramount to enjoying wellness as a whole
Therefore a few of these steps includes
-encouraging and educating our friends and loved ones on the benefits of safer sex practices
– Abstinence is key!!! ; This cannot be overemphasized as one cannot play in the mud with getting a little bit of dirt on him .
– having only one sexual partner
-use of protection. An array of male and female condoms exists to provide some protection from STDs however it doesn’t guarantee 100% protection
– reporting to your health care provider when you notice any of the above stated symptoms
In conclusion, unlike the novel coronavirus just like STDs have been with us for a long time and it doesn’t show on show on the general appearance of those who are infected , hence adequate safe sex practices should be encouraged and adhered to .
Knowledge is power
