By Dr. Surya Bhagwati
Chief In- House Doctor
BAMS, DHA, DHHCM, DHBTC | 30+ Years of Experience
Sex is such a taboo topic that people don't like to talk about it. But it is very important because there are so many sexually transmitted diseases in today's world. The definition of an STD is an infection that you can get from sexual contact with someone who has the infection.
There are several different types of STDs, but all of them can make you sick. So, it's important to know how to protect yourself from them. To protect yourself from getting an STD, you should learn about it, know the various symptoms of STDs, and have sex with protection. It's very important to know how various STDs spread to save yourself from getting infected and even protect you from having a severe infection because of a delay in treatment.
Let's not beat around the bush and learn more about sexually transmitted diseases.
What are STDs?
STDs are infections that are passed on through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is infected. Most people think only penetration is needed to pass STDs, but sorrowfully, even genital and skin contact during foreplay can pass STDs. Some common STDs are herpes, shingles, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital warts, and hepatitis. And to add to the list is the infamous HIV/AIDS infection; one of the ways it spreads is through sexual contact.
How do I know if I have STDs?
Although these can be hard to detect at first, common symptoms that appear are sores and blisters on or around your genital region, a burning sensation during urination or sexual intercourse, itching or swelling in those areas as well. Every STD has a host of unique as well as common symptoms of STD. Let's know some of them:
Symptoms of herpes
These are the most common symptoms of herpes and include frequent discharge from the genital region, skin rash around those areas, burning sensation during urination, and lower back pain. It can take between 2 and 20 days for the symptoms to appear, depending on the type of herpes that is present.
Symptoms of shingles
The symptoms of shingles include headache, pain on one side of the body, rashes all over the body with blisters, chills, fever and tiredness in severe cases.
Symptoms of Hepatitis
Hepatitis symptoms include yellow eyes and skin, persistent jaundice, muscle aches, and lethargy. There are many types of hepatitis that can even cause respiratory and other unique symptoms too.
Symptoms of Syphillis
Syphillis can cause painless open sores, rashes, and, a few weeks later, headaches, low grade fevers, and tiredness.
Causes of STDs
You can contract the disease through unsafe sex, sharing needles and sexual activities. Other ways include body piercing, tattooing, and acupuncture too. Multiple sexual partners and having sex without protection has made the spread of sexual illlnesses more miserable. Also, people don't get tested out of shame and pass the illness to others.
What are my treatment options?
There are both preventive and post-infection treatments for STDs:
Preventive Measures
These days, people are already taking precautions to prevent spreading sexual illlnesses and get tested regularly. To prevent contracting any sexual illness and also getting tested, people must practice safe sex. Let you gynecologist know early about your sexual history, so he or she can create a treatment plan tailored to your health needs. Use condoms to prevent the spread of STDs and to avoid pregnancy, and follow-up with your physician after any uncomfortable sexual encounter.
Post-infection Treatment
People who are infected with a sexually transmitted disease should receive immediate treatment. Options include antibiotics and prescription medications, local therapy with antiviral drugs, as well as psychological support and counseling to help affected persons address symptoms and social consequences of having a sexually transmitted disease. Ayurvedic medicine has effective herbal remedies for managing sexually transmitted diseases. These solutions have minimal side effects and are completely natural. It's important to be in the best sexual health as many STDs and heavy medications can affect longterm sexual wellness. You can also take help of Ayurved for long-term sexual wellness. Checkout Dr. Vaidya's range of sexual wellness products that help improve sexual health and wellness for men and women.
FAQs related to STDs
How to cure an STD without going to the doctor?
Don't do self medication, it can worsen your problem! Always visit a doctor for help, as they keep your STD history confidential. Till then, keep the genital area clean and dry if possible.
How to prevent STD after exposure?
You need to have medical care. A doctor can guide you with basic cleaning of the genital area. Protection is very important if you don't want to spread the infection to others.
What is the treatment of STDs in males?
The treatment of STDs in men is different according to the type of disease and how far it has affected the organs.
What is the treatment of STD in females?
The treatment of STDs in females is different according to the type of disease and how far it has affected the organs.
How to prevent STDs without condoms?
The very best way to prevent STDs is by using condoms. They help to keep germs away from your partner, but getting tested regularly is also important. Also, learn about condom hygiene and disposal to reduce your risk of infection.Â
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
BAMS (Ayurveda), DHA (Hospital Admin), DHHCM (Health Management), DHBTC (Herbal Beauty and Cosmetology)
Dr. Surya Bhagwati is an established, well-known Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of experience in treating and consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She is known for the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. The patients under her care receive a unique holistic treatment comprising not only medicinal treatment but also spiritual empowerment.