Sexually transmitted diseases, cause, symptoms and treatment
By Mike Kaguongo
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact.
In 2008, it was estimated that 500 million people were infected with syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia or trichomoniasis. At least an additional 530 million people have genital herpes and 290 million women have human papillomavirus.
Infections often do not cause any symptoms. Medically, infections are only called diseases when they cause symptoms. That is why STDs are also called “sexually transmitted infections.” But it’s very common for people to use the terms “sexually transmitted diseases” or “STDs,” even when there are no signs of disease.
Speaking at West Fm, Dr. Rose Gitonga, a gynecologist based in Nairobi said there are many kinds of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. They are very common hence more than half of all of us will get one at some time in our lives.
Mrs. Gitonga is a guest speaker during a late night programme on West Fm radio “Kesha na West Fm” hosted by Mike Kaguongo alias Myahudi on Monday nights.
“Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that you get from having sex with someone who has the infection. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STDs, including Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, HIV/AIDS, etc.” Mrs. Gitonga said.
Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.
“If you have an STD caused by bacteria or parasites, your health care provider can treat it with antibiotics or other medicines. If you have an STD caused by a virus, there is no cure. Sometimes medicines can keep the disease under control. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of contracting or
spreading STDs.” She insisted.
Urinary Tract Infections
According to Dr. Rose, UTIs is more common among women than men. Symptoms include painful and frequent urination.
“Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that spread to the urinary system including the bladder — the organ that collects and stores urine, ureters — the tubes that lead from the kidneys to the bladder and urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body” Mrs Gitonga said.
“UTIs are far more common among women than men. But men still get them. Urinary tract infections should be taken seriously. Severe cases may cause kidney or prostate infection if left untreated.” She added.
Common symptoms of UTIs include; Burning pain during urination, an urge to urinate when your bladder is nearly empty, feeling like you need to urinate all the time, especially at night, difficulty controlling when you urinate, lower abdominal pain
or back pain, blood or pus in urine and fever.
“If you have these symptoms, make an appointment with the doctor for testing and treatment.” Dr. Gitonga insisted.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. You can get Chlamydia during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. Both men and women can get it.
With a lower tone and a serious face on the matter, Dr, Rose added, “Chlamydia usually doesn’t cause symptoms. If it does, you might notice a burning feeling when you urinate or abnormal discharge from your vagina or penis.”
Babies born to infected mothers can get eye infections and pneumonia from Chlamydia. In men, Chlamydia can infect the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm. This can cause pain, fever, and rarely, infertility. A lab test can tell if you have Chlamydia.”
“As experts, we therefore recommend that sexually active women who are 25 years and below get a Chlamydia test every year.” She reiterated.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea does not always cause symptoms. In men, gonorrhea can cause pain when urinating and discharge from the penis. If untreated, it can cause problems with the prostate and testicles.
“Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease and is most common in young adults. The bacteria that cause gonorrhea can infect the genital tract, mouth, or anus. You can get gonorrhea during vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. A pregnant woman can pass it to her baby during childbirth”. She said.
“In women, the early symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild. Later, it can cause bleeding between periods, pain when urinating, and increased discharge from the vagina. If untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which causes problems with pregnancy and infertility.” She added.
On the verge of visiting a clinic, your health care provider will diagnose gonorrhea with lab tests and treatment is with antibiotics.
Treating gonorrhea is becoming more difficult because drug-resistant strains are increasing. When treated, someone might think it is over but according to Rose, bacteria takes time to diminish in the body.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite. You get it through sexual intercourse with an infected partner and many people do not have any symptom. If you do get symptoms, they usually happen within 5 to 28 days after being infected.
In this perspective, Dr. Rose says that symptoms in women include: Yellow-green or gray discharge from the private parts in women, discomfort during sex, vaginal odour, painful urination or itching in or near the vagina
“Most men do not have symptoms. If they do, they may have a whitish discharge from the penis and painful or difficult urination and ejaculation.” She said.
It’s always advisable therefore to get tested regularly for the benefit of our health.