How venereological diseases manifest themselves. Sexually transmitted diseases in men: causes of occurrence

Medicine knows about thirty sexually transmitted diseases. Many sexually transmitted diseases are curable. But in the absence of treatment or untimely therapy, they can become chronic and cause complications. Also in venereology there is incurable pathologies who go into remission after treatment, but then relapse. We will list the main features venereal diseases in men, as well as methods of their treatment.

What diseases are considered sexually transmitted?

Sexually transmitted diseases are called “venereological diseases”. It is worth noting that some infections that provoke such diseases are transmitted in other ways, for example, during childbirth from mother to child, through the use of household items, unsterile instruments, needles, and during some medical procedures.

Most often, infection occurs through sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal sex). Infection also occurs through close bodily contact. The risk of infection during intimate contact increases if a man does not use a condom.

Attention! It is important not only to timely treatment of a venereological disease, which can be obtained anonymously from a venereologist, but also to prevent the disease.

Incubation period and classification

Symptoms of STDs may vary, and sexually transmitted diseases also look different in the photo. The first signs of pathology appear after the incubation period ends. This is a hidden course of the disease, which begins after the introduction of an infectious agent into the body and ends with the appearance of the first symptoms.

During the incubation period, there are no manifestations of the disease, and a person cannot yet infect sexual partners. Sexually transmitted diseases in men have a latent course of varying length. For example, gonorrhea shows the first signs of the disease a few days after infection, and hepatitis C and B appear only after six months.

According to WHO, there is the following classification of all reproductive tract infections:

1. Endogenous infections. This includes bacterial urethritis and vaginosis, as well as candidiasis.
2. To sexually transmitted infections WHO lists trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, HIV, genital warts.
3. Iatrogenic infections– these are inflammatory pathologies of the pelvic organs that occur due to surgical interventions and medical procedures.

The main manifestations of classical venereal diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases in men may look different in photos. However, an adult can determine for himself that he needs to treat genitourinary pathology if he pays attention to the general characteristic signs of STDs.

So, we can list the following general symptoms venereal diseases in men:

• a man feels itching and burning in the genital area;
• All kinds of rashes, erosions, ulcers, irritation and redness may appear on the penis and in the anal area;
• the main symptom of many sexually transmitted diseases is discharge from the urethra (it can be mucous or purulent, mixed with blood or foul-smelling);
• painful urination;
• often pathologies are accompanied by enlargement of regional lymph nodes;
• the man is being pestered frequent urge to emptying the bladder;
• During sexual intercourse a person feels pain and discomfort.

Syphilis

The latent period of this disease lasts 3-6 weeks. After this, the first symptoms appear in the form of small ulcers localized at the site of infection (usually on the genitals). The second name for syphilis is chancre. The ulcer is painless, does not bleed and does not increase in size. After some time, the inguinal lymph nodes begin to swell.

The disease can be completely cured only by initial stage. If left untreated, after 2-3 months the pathology enters the second stage, which is characterized by the following symptoms:

• rashes all over the body;
• heat;
• headache;
• not only the inguinal, but also all other lymph nodes enlarge;
• some men begin to lose hair;
• Condylomas appear on the penis and near the anus.

The third stage of the disease is characterized by pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, malfunctions of the central nervous system and internal organs. All this leads to incurable changes in the patient’s body, as a result of which a quarter of patients die.

Gonorrhea

Hidden Current Gonorrhea lasts about a week. In the stronger sex, the infection does not produce symptoms for a long time. Among characteristic features The following diseases are worth mentioning:

• painful urination;
• itching and burning in the organ;
• the urge to urinate becomes more frequent;
• appear from the urethra purulent discharge yellow-green color.

Untreated gonorrhea causes damage to internal organs and leads to chronic inflammatory pathology. The testicles and their appendages, as well as the seminal vesicles, are often affected.

Important! Chronic inflammation of these organs leads to sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Chancroid

In medicine, this disease is also called chancroid. As with syphilis, the first symptom of the pathology is the formation of ulcers. They are localized on different parts genital organ and form at the site of infection.

Unlike syphilis, ulcers quickly grow in depth and width. They are very painful and often bleed, which makes it possible to distinguish the disease from syphilis. The ulcer itself is soft, its edges are quite swollen, inflamed and uneven. At the bottom of the ulcers there is a coating of pus and blood. When purulent discharge gets into the surrounding tissues, new ulcers form there. That is why single chancre in this disease is very rare. Usually, new ulcers are located along the perimeter of the main erosion. They merge into one large formation.

Donovanosis

The second name of the disease is granuloma inguinale. The infection actively develops in humid climates and at high temperatures. Incubation period on average equal to a month, but sometimes reaches 12 weeks.

Signs of the disease in men are as follows:

• At first, a reddish small nodule appears;
• then in its place a fleshy-red, painless ulcer with a velvety surface forms (the edges of the formation are slightly raised and uneven);
• ulceration gradually increases.

If left untreated, donovanosis can lead to urethral strictures, genital elephantiasis, and anal stricture.

Mycoplasmosis

The disease has several stages. On initial stage the symptoms of the disease are as follows:

• pain, burning and stinging when urinating;
• increased urge;
• secreted from the urethra clear slime, but later streaks of pus appear in it (the same purulent patches may be present in the urine).

If treatment is not carried out, the disease enters the second stage, and the man develops additional symptoms:

• regional lymph nodes enlarge;
• testicles become swollen;
• a complex of symptoms characteristic of general intoxication occurs.

Ureaplasmosis

The first signs of the disease appear after three days or even a month. The following symptoms are typical for men:

• itching of the genital organ;
• discomfort in this area;
• painful urination;
• clear mucous discharge from the urethra.

Important! Untreated ureaplasmosis in a timely manner disrupts the process of spermatogenesis in the stronger sex, which leads to infertility.

Chlamydia

The incubation period of this common pathology lasts from seven days to a month. The first manifestations of the disease are as follows:

• painful urination;
• purulent discharge from the urinary canal;
• pain in the scrotum and perineum.

If the disease is not treated, it leads to the spread of the inflammatory process to the epididymis, urinary tract and prostate gland. In the future, the pathology can lead to disruption of erectile and sexual activity.

Lymphogranulomatosis venereum

The second name of the disease is lymphogranuloma venereum. The latent course of the pathology lasts from five days to three weeks. The first signs of the disease are small tubercles or blisters that form at the site of penetration of the infectious agent. As a rule, the formation appears on the penis. Due to its small size and lack of discomfort, a man often does not notice a bubble or bump, which disappears over time.

A few weeks after this, the lymph nodes in the groin enlarge. They become quite dense and painful. Enlarged nodes merge into one large formation. The skin over it turns blue or red, and after a while the node opens and purulent contents are released from it.

HIV infection

Most dangerous disease sexually transmitted infection causes HIV infection. There may be no symptoms of this deadly disease, but some patients develop a fever when infected. However, this symptom is characteristic of many other infectious pathologies. Infection can occur both through sexual intercourse and through medical procedures using unsterile instruments, needles and blood that has not been tested for HIV. Infection of children can also occur during childbirth.

Due to the absence of symptoms and treatment, after ten years the virus leads to suppression of the human immune system - AIDS develops.

Features of the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases

Drug treatment for STDs is prescribed by a venereologist or dermatovenerologist. Many pathologies can be successfully treated at any stage. Complex therapy is carried out:

• a course of antibiotics;
• physiotherapy;
• multivitamin preparations;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• immunostimulants.

At the end of treatment, the man must take a smear again to make sure that the infection is completely destroyed. In some cases it is required additional therapy. To prevent re-infection, both sexual partners should undergo treatment.

Our expert - gynecologist Marina Vedeleeva.

Dangerous Thirty

The topic is very prosaic - sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Almost every one of us has met them in person at least once in our lives. By the way, there are more than 30 of them: from the deadly HIV infection to the banal chlamydia, which, by the way, also cannot be called trivial. Moreover, in terms of prevalence in Russia, it is in second place after the flu.

Of course, most STDs are curable, but not all. For example, you will never be able to get rid of genital herpes - treatment only softens the course of the disease and reduces the frequency and severity of relapses. Only those under 25 have a chance to get rid of (HPV) forever. Later, it will not be possible to destroy the virus; the point of treatment is to eliminate changes in the tissues affected by the virus. By the way, it is believed that the human papillomavirus can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva and penis. The genital herpes virus also affects sperm, and if a woman is infected with it during pregnancy, it can cause severe congenital diseases fetus

Treatment will be successful only if it is started without delay and completed. How to spot the very first danger signals?

The alarm has been declared!

There are seven main signs that you should not delay visiting a doctor if you discover them.

Itching and burning in the intimate area.

Redness in the genital area and anus, sometimes - ulcers, blisters, pimples.

Discharge from the genitals, odor.

Frequent, painful urination.

Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the groin area.

In women - pain in the lower abdomen, in the vagina.

Discomfort during sexual intercourse.

However, for example, syphilis or chlamydia can appear several weeks after infection, and sometimes STDs in general for a long time can occur hidden, becoming chronic.

Let's get to know each other better

Chlamydia

Symptoms. 1–4 weeks after infection with it, patients develop purulent discharge, painful urination, as well as pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, bleeding between menstruation in women, and pain in the scrotum and perineum in men.

Why is it dangerous? In women, it can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes, cervix, pathologies of pregnancy and childbirth, diseases of the liver, spleen; in men – to inflammation of the epididymis, prostate gland, Bladder, impaired potency. Newborns may develop conjunctivitis, nasopharyngeal lesions, and pneumonia.

Trichomoniasis

Symptoms. They can appear 4–21 days after infection, sometimes later. Women experience copious foamy discharge of white or yellowish-green color with a pungent odor, causing severe itching and irritation of the genital organs, as well as pain, burning during urination, pain during sexual intercourse. Men experience a burning sensation when urinating, mucopurulent discharge from the urethra. However, this disease is often asymptomatic.

Why is it dangerous? In women, the cervix and inner layer of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, urinary tract. The infection can even cause peritonitis! In men, the prostate gland, testicles and their appendages, and urinary tract are affected.

Mycoplasmosis (in men - ureaplasmosis)

Symptoms. It may reveal itself 3 days after infection, or maybe a month later, manifested by itching and discomfort in the genital area, scanty transparent discharge, painful urination.

Why is it dangerous? A common complication of trichomoniasis in women is inflammation of the genital organs; in men, a disorder of spermatogenesis.

Gonorrhea

Symptoms. 3–7 days after infection, women experience yellowish-greenish vaginal discharge, frequent, painful urination, pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes bloody issues. However, for most representatives of the fairer sex, the disease goes unnoticed for a long time. Men experience pain and burning when urinating, yellowish-greenish purulent discharge from the urethra.

Why is it dangerous? In women, the urethra, vagina, anus, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are affected. In men, the internal genital organs develop chronic inflammation epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, which threatens impotence and infertility.

Syphilis

Symptoms. The incubation period of the disease is from 3 to 6 weeks. The first sign is a round ulcer (chancre). In women, it lives on the labia or vaginal mucosa (sometimes in the anus, in the mouth, on the lips), in men - on the penis or scrotum. In itself it is painless, but a week or two after its appearance the nearest The lymph nodes. This is the time to start treatment! This is the first stage of the disease, when everything is still reversible. 2–4 months after infection, the second stage develops - a rash “spreads” throughout the body, a high temperature appears, headache, almost all lymph nodes are enlarged. In some patients, hair falls out on the head, and wide condylomas grow on the genitals and in the anus.

Why is it dangerous? This disease is called slow death: if it is not fully treated in time, serious problems arise with the musculoskeletal system, irreversible changes occur in the internal organs, nervous system– the third stage of the disease begins, in which approximately a quarter of patients die.

Forget about the Internet!

Noticed something is wrong? It’s better to play it safe and hurry to see a doctor, rather than look for symptoms and treatment methods on the Internet.

How are STDs diagnosed? First, an examination by a doctor, then tests and studies. Most modern method DNA diagnostics: PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For examination, scrapings are taken from the urethra, vagina and cervix.

Doctors also use the ELISA method (blood is taken from a vein or a scraping is made and the presence of antibodies to STDs is determined), bacterioscopy (most often detects gonococci and trichomonas) and many other diagnostic methods.

STDs are treated with antibacterial drugs, as well as local procedures (washing the urethra in men, sanitizing the vagina in women and other procedures). At the end of the course of treatment, you must undergo a follow-up examination - take several tests to make sure there is no infection in the body.

How to protect yourself?

The classic self-defense against STDs is the condom. High quality and correctly sized.

Emergency drug prevention is also used - a one-time dose or injection antibacterial drugs, which can only be prescribed by a dermatovenerologist. The procedure helps prevent gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, syphilis and trichomoniasis. But this method cannot be used often.

But as for douching after sexual intercourse with special gels or chlorine-containing antiseptics, most experts believe that this does not reduce the risk of infection.

Venereology as an area medical science 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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Sexually transmitted diseases are infectious, that is, arising due to the introduction of various pathogens. They are broadcast from person to person only contact and mainly during sex.

The generally accepted definition does not raise questions among doctors, but for patients it is better to decipher it point by point:

• Pathogens can be bacteria, protozoa, fungi, rickettsiae or viruses. Mixed infection is possible - infection by several types of microorganisms at once.
• A sexually transmitted disease is a local and general manifestation the impact of infection on humans.
• For infection, you need a source of infection (the patient or a carrier) and the route through which the pathogens are transmitted. Infection with a sexually transmitted disease is possible if there is:
  1. Sexual transmission during any sexual activity (traditional, oral or anal intercourse). Pathogens are transmitted from the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals, anus (anus), lips and oral cavity.
  2. Transmission - infection through blood - through transfusion of whole blood, red blood cells; infection from needles or instruments on which the blood of a patient or a carrier of infection remains.
  3. Contact and household route: through linen or objects that are contaminated with infectious secretions.

The word “venereal” is associated with the name of Venus, the Roman goddess of love: it emphasizes that diseases are more often transmitted through sexual contact.

What diseases are considered sexually transmitted, their classification

Modern sources provide a list of sexually transmitted infections. The list includes only two dozen diseases. Among them are 5 original venereal diseases:

And a number of STDs, which today are conventionally called “venereal”, based on the sexual route of infection:

• , And , , .
• Some sources also classify intestinal giardiasis and amebiasis as STDs, although sexual transmission (mainly anal) is not the main route for them.

Sexually transmitted diseases are classified in very different ways:

According to etiological principle(based on the reasons for the development of diseases), ailments are divided into viral, bacterial, fungal, etc.

According to the effect on the body distinguish between genital types of sexually transmitted diseases (for example, gonorrhea, vaginal trichomoniasis), skin ( lice pubis, scabies, condylomas) and affecting other organs and systems human body(viral hepatitis B and C, amoebiasis, AIDS, giardiasis).

In accordance with the age of the description of the signs distinguish between classic, known even before our era, venereal diseases - syphilis, gonorrhea, donovanosis, chancroid and lymphogranuloma venereum (all of them are oral infections), and the so-called new venereal diseases - the rest of the list.

The names of some classic STDs have historical roots: the godfather of gonorrhea was an ancient Roman doctor Galen, who observed the "flow of seed" and used Greek words to describe this feature. The word “syphilis” is associated with a myth according to which the gods, offended by disrespect, punished a shepherd named Syphilus with a genital disease. There was even a poem dedicated to this plot, where the main symptoms were described in detail. A later name is lues ( lues) – translated from Latin means “contagious disease”, and it appeared after the syphilis epidemic in Europe, which lasted about 50 years (late 15th – mid 16th centuries). The names of new STDs are derived from the names of pathogens (trichomoniasis, chlamydia, etc.) and virus serovars (viral hepatitis B and C), main manifestations (scabies, condylomas) or symptom complexes (AIDS).

Prevalence and risk groups

Top lines of the world rankings, including the most common sexually transmitted diseases , Trichomoniasis and chlamydia are firmly occupied: up to 250 million cases are identified annually, and the proportion of those infected is about 15% of the total population of the Earth. They are followed by gonorrhea (100 million “fresh” cases of the disease per year) and syphilis (up to 50 million). The graphical representation of the incidence resembles a wave, the peaks of which occur during times of social change for the worse and the post-war years.

Reasons causing an increase in the incidence of STDs:

1. Demographic – population growth, increasing proportion of young and sexually active people, traditions early start sexual life.
2. Progress in the socio-economic sphere - labor migration, tourism development, more free time and money, youth attraction to cities and availability of sexual contacts.
3. Behavioral norms are changing: more divorces, easy change of sexual partners; women are emancipated, and men are in no hurry to start a family.
4. Medical reasons - frequent cases of self-medication and the transition of diseases into a latent form; women and men feel safe using condoms and instant STD prevention.
5. Prevalence of drug addiction and alcoholism.

Traditional risk groups include prostitutes, homeless people, illegal migrants, alcoholics and drug addicts leading a “non-prestigious” lifestyle. However, they are confidently being overtaken by the growing incidence rate among quite successful people: personnel of companies operating abroad; employed in the field tourism business and tourists; sailors, pilots and flight attendants are also included in the list of unreliable STDs.

Incubation period

The appearance of visible changes at the site of infection is the result of the reproduction and vital activity of STD pathogens. A small number of infectious agents can be rebuffed by the immune system and die, and for the development of signs of the disease, the law of the transition of quantity into quality needs to work. Therefore, any infectious diseases have an incubation period - a period of time necessary for an increase in the number of pathogens and the appearance of the first visible symptoms infection (for STDs - rash, discharge).

Typically, the incubation period figures are given in days, for viral infections - in hours. Incubation time may vary, which is associated with the duration of contact, the amount of a single dose of pathogens, the route of transmission and the state of the immune system of the recipient person. The incubation period (IP) is shortened in elderly and weakened patients, with transmission of pathogens and in patients with immunodeficiency syndrome.

IP for some common sexually transmitted infections (per day):

• Chlamydia: 7-21 days;
• Trichomoniasis: 7-28 days;
• Gonorrhea: 2-10 days;
• Urea and mycoplasmosis: 21-35 days;
• Syphilis: 21-28 days;
• Genital herpes: from 1 to 26, usually 2-10 days;
• (pointed): 30-90 days.

The main manifestations of classical venereal diseases

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases are divided into primary signs that appear on the skin or mucous membranes at the site of entry of pathogens, and are common associated with their toxic effects on the body. For example, - these are local manifestations of sexually transmitted infections, and fever is a general symptom.

Syphilis

The causative agent of syphilis ( Treponevapallidum, spiral-shaped bacterium or spirochete) is predominantly transmitted through sexual contact. The risk of infection during unprotected sex reaches 30%. In external environment spirochetes are unstable; to maintain activity they require certain temperatures and humidity. The mucous membrane of the genital organs, mouth or rectum serves as such an “incubator”. The infection can also be transmitted in utero - to the child from the mother, or through a transfusion of contaminated blood.

Primary a sign of syphilis infection: it appears at the site of direct introduction of treponemes and does not initially cause concern. A compaction appears, then in its place a round ulcer with a hard bottom and raised edges appears. There is no pain, but the chancre can be small in size - from 1 cm in diameter. After a couple of weeks, the lymph nodes, which are located closer to the chancre, enlarge, but they are also painless and do not bother the patient. The chancre heals on its own in 1-1.5 months. after appearance, however, the infection remains in the body and syphilis goes into the secondary period.

Start secondary syphilis is a symmetrical venereal rash ( roseola), which often appears even on the feet and palms. When the rash occurs, the temperature rises and the lymph nodes enlarge throughout the body. Characteristic is the alternation of deterioration and improvement of the general condition - periods of exacerbations and remissions. Among skin manifestations, warts (condylomas lata), which are localized in the perineum and anus, can attract the patient’s attention; Hair loss on the scalp is also noticeable.

syphilitic roseola

Tertiary the period of syphilis is associated with severe internal diseases, which develop over several years after infection. If left untreated, about 1/4 of patients die.

Gonorrhea

The causative agent is paired cocci, which under a microscope look like coffee beans, with their concave side facing each other. The name is sonorous - Neisseriagonorrhoeae, given to microbes in honor of their discoverer, venereologist A.L. Neisser. Gonococci are introduced exclusively through the mucous membranes, more often - the genitals, rectum and orally, less often - the eyes (gonoblepharrea of ​​newborns when a child is infected from the mother). Household way transmission of infection is impossible, because gonococci are very sensitive to temperature and humidity conditions.

in the photo: gonorrheal discharge in men and women

Basicsigns infections - purulent inflammation of the mucous membranes. When transmitted sexually, both partners almost always develop (inflammation of the urethra). Gonorrhea is distinguished by (urination), ; even at rest they can. Allocations in acute period profuse and purulent, color from white to yellow. When transitioning to the chronic form, there is little discharge, they become whitish and thick.

Important: in contrast, with gonorrhea they are often minor, they can be mistaken for a symptom nonspecific urethritis, cystitis or. Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor if the discharge occurs for more than one cycle and is putrid smell; if there is bleeding between menstruation; if you “don’t have the strength” and your lower back is constantly aching.

Complications are associated with ascending urogenital infection. In women, gonococci affect the uterus, tubes and ovaries, in men - the testicles, epididymis (), and prostate. The standard result of chronic gonorrhea is adhesions internal organs. If not received adequate treatment or the immune system has failed, then gonococcal is possible sepsis(blood poisoning) with fatal or the infection spreads to internal organs (liver, heart, brain) and an unclear prognosis for later life. The sad, although not fatal, result of chronic gonorrhea is 100% male and female infertility.

Soft chancre (shacroid)

The causative agent is a bacillus Haemophilusducreyi. The disease is mainly “associated” with countries where there is a warm and humid climate (Africa, Asia, South America), is rare in European countries. Infection occurs through sexual contact, through anal and oral sex. The chances of getting an infection during one time of unprotected sex are 50 to 50.

differences between soft chancre and hard chancre (syphilitic)

Signsinfection: the primary manifestation is a red spot, indicating the locus of infection. Then a purulent blister appears and turns into an irregularly shaped ulcer, soft and painful. The diameter of the ulcer varies from 3-5 mm to 3-10 cm or more. Then the lymph vessels become inflamed ( lymphangitis), forming painful subcutaneous cords. In men they are palpated on the back of the penis, in women - on the skin of the labia majora and on the pubis. After 7-21 days, inflammation spreads to the lymph nodes ( lymphadenitis); dense buboes appear, which later turn into soft ulcers and open. Complications- swelling foreskin, pinching of the glans penis, gangrene of the genitals.

With chancre, skin manifestations are numerous and are on different stages development: spots, ulcers and scars are visible at the same time.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (inguinal lymphogranulomatosis)

The causative agent of lymphogranuloma venereum - some serotypes Chlamydiatrachomatis. The disease is quite rare in Europe; mainly “imported” infections and cases associated with port cities are recorded. The possibility of becoming infected through everyday life exists, but transmission of the infection mainly occurs through sexual contact.

in the photo: signs of lymphogranulomatosis venereum - inflamed inguinal lymph nodes in women and men

Basicmanifestations: 1-3 weeks after infection, a vesicle appears at the site of chlamydia penetration, which disappears without treatment and may go unnoticed. Then the regional lymph nodes enlarge, merging with each other; the skin over the source of inflammation is purple-violet, palpation causes pain. Next, suppuration occurs, the formations are opened with the flow of yellowish pus.

Complications inguinal lymphogranulomatosis – fistulas anal, scrotum, urethra, recto-vaginal, between the rectum and bladder. Later development is possible elephantiasis genitals due to local lymphostasis, strictures(narrowing) of the rectum and urethra.

in the photo: manifestations of donovanosis on the genitals

Donovanosis (venereal (inguinal) granuloma)

Donovanosis is an exotic disease native to the tropics. The causative agents are callimatobacteria or corpusclesDonovan, they become infected through sexual and household contact. Symptoms develop slowly. It begins with the formation of a red nodule on the skin or mucous membrane of the genitals, mouth, or anus. Then the nodule turns into an ulcer with a velvety bottom and raised edges, the size of the defect increases over time. Strictures urethra, vagina and anus, elephantiasis– main complications of donovanosis.

Signs of infection with new STDs

photo: typical discharge from chlamydia

Chlamydia

Primary signs of infection atmen– urethritis with characteristic morning discharge in the form of a transparent drop. Uwomen– urethritis, inflammation of the cervix with scanty and cloudy secretions, associated pain and acyclic bleeding. Transmission of the infection is possible only through sexual contact; oral transmission is unlikely. Impossible get infected contact-household method(through the water of the pool, toilet seats, bathhouses or bed sheets.). Newborns can get chlamydial conjunctivitis or pneumonia from their mother during childbirth.

Trichomoniasis

The infection is transmitted sexually or by everyday means(the only one of the sexually transmitted diseases! although such cases are extremely rare), oral and anal infections are uncommon. In men, symptoms of urethritis and colpitis prevail, in women – colpitis. Typical for trichomoniasis is a yellowish, profuse, foamy discharge with unpleasant smell, itching in the perineal area, pain during sexual intercourse and when urinating.

Mycoplasmosis

"sexual" types of mycoplasmas

Mycoplasmas occupy an intermediate position between bacteria and viruses and can live in the body of humans, animals and even plants. Capable of multiplying on the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, and organs of the genitourinary tract. Often determined by healthy people, up to 50% of women are carriers of mycoplasmas. Mycoplasmahominis And M. genitalium are the cause of the development of urethritis in men, in women - bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis), inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Mycoplasma pyelonephritis may also develop. Infection occurs through sexual contact; transmission of the infection is unlikely through household contact.

Ureaplasmosis

Pathogens - Ureaplasmaparvum And U. urealyticum, causing urethritis in men and inflammation of the uterus and ovaries in women. How does the complication develop? urolithiasis disease, spontaneous abortion is possible during pregnancy or early birth. Many completely healthy people become carriers of the infection; more often these are women.

Genital herpes

The causative agent is a virus herpes simplex (Herpessimplex); Sexual transmission occurs through oral, anal and genital contact. Household spread of this virus is unlikely. The first sign of the disease is a painful spotty-bubble rash at the site of virus introduction; the patient feels sharp pain and burning, local edema increases. At the same time it gets worse general state, the temperature rises and a headache begins. The bubbles transform into erosions, from which a yellowish liquid is released. After 5-7 days, the erosions heal, leaving pigmentation. Relapse of the disease or reinfection is always possible.

HPV (human papillomavirus)

HPV causes a spectrum of different skin lesions, including pointedcondylomas. The cause is sexually transmitted infection, including oral infection, with HPV serotypes 6 and 11. Epithelial outgrowths resembling cockscombs form on the genitals. Formations can merge and increase in size. In women, genital warts are most often found in the vulva and vagina, in men - on the penis and inner leaf. preputium(foreskin). Warty growths are possible in the corners of the lips and on the tongue.

skin manifestations of papillomavirus infection - papillomas

Candidiasis (thrush)

Candidiasis is the result of rapid proliferation of fungi (genus Candida), which are normally always present in healthy people on the mucous membranes of the mouth, urogenital and intestinal tracts. It is classified as a sexually transmitted disease due to the possible sexual transmission and skin manifestations that are often observed in the genital area. Candidiasis can develop after treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone), with diabetes, AIDS, after prolonged stress, in the third trimester of pregnancy. Symptomsgenital candidiasis for women - curdled, with sour smell vaginal discharge, pain when urinating and during sexual intercourse. In men, a whitish coating is visible on the head of the penis, pain is present during miction and after sexual intercourse.

Laboratory diagnostics

Laboratory examination using various techniques– the basis for diagnosing sexually transmitted diseases. Previously, preference was given visualidentification of pathogens, performing (cervix, vagina, urethra, rectum, pharynx) followed by microscopy. The technique is quite accurate, but the result takes at least a week, and the loss of time is a serious problem for the attending physician and the patient.

It is done quickly, the method is inexpensive and simple. The discharge is taken with a sterile swab: in men - from the urethra, in women - from three standard points (urethra, vestibule of the vagina, cervix). The material is then applied to a glass slide, stained, and examined under a microscope. You can determine the degree of inflammation by the number of leukocytes and evaluate the qualitative composition of the microflora. Viruses cannot be seen with light microscopy.

Modern diagnostic options in venereology - PIF analyzes ( straightimmunofluorescence), (immunoenzyme). The material is secretions; the doctor receives the examination results within a few hours. The methods are cheap and widely available, but the accuracy is disappointing - only up to 70%. Therefore, these tests are used for preliminary diagnosis.

The final diagnosis is made based on the results, which means “ polymerasechain reaction"or a DNA test for the pathogen. The material is excretions and urine, the time to obtain the analysis result is up to 2 days, the accuracy is up to 95%. Preferably PCR is used to determine. In acute purulent inflammation It is recommended to do PIF, ELISA, culture.

(material – deoxygenated blood) indicates that there is an immune response to the presence of this pathogen, i.e. infection is determined by indirect signs, rather than being detected directly. Mainly used to determine viral diseases (genital herpes, HIV, viral hepatitis, cytomegalovirus) and syphilis. Antibodiesto bacteria remain in the blood for a long time; they are present even after complete cure, therefore this method is never used for testing for bacterial venereal diseases, chlamydia and ureaplasmosis.

Treatment

Treatment for bacterial STDs is carried out antibiotics, additionally including local procedures (urethral instillations), immunotherapy and physiotherapy. For combined infections (gonorrhea and chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea), drugs are used that act simultaneously on several pathogens. Viral infections(HIV, hepatitis B or C virus, herpes simplex virus) are treated with special agents, and antibiotics are prescribed only for concomitant complications caused by bacteria. It should be remembered that antibiotics do not work on viruses!

• Treatment acuteuncomplicated gonorrhea: tablets cefixime, ofloxacin (0.4 g once) or ciprofloxacin (0.5 g once).
• Chlamydia: doxycycline tablets 0.1 g x 1, or azithromycin 0.1 x 2, course 1 week.
• Soft chancre: once - azithromycin tablet. 1.0 g, or ciprofloxacin tab. 0.5 g x 2 courses for 3 days, or erythromycin tab. 0.5 g x 4 - course 1 week.
• Venereallymphogranulomatosis: tab. doxycycline (0.1 g x 2, course 3 weeks) or erythromycin (tablet 0.5 g x 4, course 1 week).
• Donovanosis: trimethoprim (0.16 g x 2) or doxycycline (0.1 g x 2), course up to 3 months.
• Ureaplasmosis: azithromycin tab. 1.0 g once, or doxycycline (tablet 0.1 g x 2, course 1 week).
• Candidiasis: for skin lesions - clotrimazole cream, twice a day, course 5-7 days. Orally – fluconazole tablets, 50-100 mg per day, course 5-7 days. For women - vaginal suppositories (clotrimazole, isoconazole). Suppositories betadine, polzhinax, terzhinan are considered ineffective against candidiasis, and can also cause vaginal dysbiosis and, as a result, the development of gardnerellosis.
• Herpetic rashes in the genital area: antiviral agents (acyclovir, Valtrex, farmciclovir). Ingestion and intravenous administration solution is more effective than local use in the form of ointments or creams. It is impossible to completely get rid of the herpes simplex virus; symptoms reappear if there are problems with immune system(stress, acute respiratory infections and ARVI, AIDS).
• Condylomas acuminata removed (laser, cryotherapy, electrocoagulation), interferon injections are prescribed at the base of each wart. Antivirus pharma. the remedies are ineffective. Approximately a third of patients recover without treatment within 1-3 months; 25% experience a relapse after therapy or removal of genital warts.

Prevention of STDs

Spermicidal medications (contraceptin, pharmatex) were not taken clinical trials in relation to protection against STDs, therefore using them as a means of prevention is not recommended.

The only and guaranteed way not to get sexually transmitted infections– traditional monogamous relationships, happy life with one partner.

Video: sexually transmitted diseases – “Health Expert”

A sexually transmitted disease is transmitted from person to person through a disordered intimate life, lack of barrier protection, or through contact with the patient’s personal hygiene items. Infectious diseases The science of venereology studies the sexual sphere.

Causes of disease development

The main reason for the spread is indiscriminate communication with unverified partners. Venereal diseases are the result of damage to the body by viruses, infections, bacteria or protozoal microorganisms.

Some infections can be transmitted during childbirth, breastfeeding, use of a patient, poorly sterilized medical or cosmetic instruments.

What are the most common sexually transmitted diseases?

Among large quantities The most common STIs are:

• syphilis;
• gonorrhea;
• trichomoniasis;
• chlamydia;
• mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis;
• genital herpes;
• papilloma virus;
• cytomegalovirus;
• HIV and AIDS.

Each of these diseases affects the human body in its own way, manifesting specific symptoms and causing the development of serious complications.

Stages of sexually transmitted infections

There are two main stages of venereological disease - acute and chronic. Acute form develops in the first days after infection. It is characterized by the presence of specific symptoms (discharge, discomfort, redness, rashes, itching, painful urination).

After this, a stage comes when the symptoms cease to appear, the person thinks that he is healthy, and does not undergo examination and treatment. In fact, the pathogen continues to settle in the body, only the depressed immune system no longer fights it. Venereal disease in chronic stage It is dangerous not only due to severe complications, but also the likelihood of infection of loved ones who come into daily contact with the patient and his personal belongings.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases

Quite often, venereological diseases can occur in mild form and practically asymptomatic. Experts consider this phenomenon to be very dangerous, since the disease affects the human body, actively progresses and becomes chronic, which cannot be effectively treated.

A venereal disease can be diagnosed by the following symptoms:

Venereal infection in chronic form causes the development of appendages in men. In addition, the disease has negative impact on the functioning of the body as a whole, disturbances in the functioning of the adrenal glands and the cardiovascular system appear, and atherosclerosis develops.

STDs provoke a decrease in immunity, as a result of which the body becomes unstable to the effects of external adverse factors, viruses and bacteria. Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases cannot be ignored. It is better to visit a doctor once again, get tested and start timely treatment.

Diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases

The disease does not make itself felt immediately, but after a certain time after infection, so a person may not even suspect that something has “settled” in his body. dangerous virus or infection. Similar symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases cause difficulties in diagnosis.

It is very important for a specialist to responsibly approach the choice of research methods, otherwise it is possible to make an incorrect diagnosis, treat the wrong venereological disease and thereby further aggravate the situation. Most often, the following laboratory tests are performed to diagnose STDs:

• vagina or cervical canal allows you to determine the presence of gonococci and trichomonas, in some cases chlamydia and ureaplasma are detected. This is the simplest and available method research, however, it has very low information content and a high degree of error in determining the pathogen.
• A blood test - based on the main indicators in the biomaterial, you can also detect the presence of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases in the body. A blood test allows you to monitor the development of pathology and its treatment.
• Sowing - bacterial sowing of microflora on a nutrient medium is the most precise method studies to determine the presence of infection, its form, the causative agent and its sensitivity to certain medications.

Before collecting material for laboratory testing, you must abstain from sexual intercourse for three days and not visit the toilet for 3 hours before taking a smear. In this case, the result of the study will be as accurate and informative as possible.

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases

Timely diagnosis increases the chances of a favorable outcome several times. The main active substances in the treatment of venereological diseases are antibiotics and sulfonamides.

Most bacteria eventually develop resistance to certain antibiotic drugs, therefore it is recommended when carrying out laboratory research do an antibiogram. This will allow the doctor to build a competent treatment regimen and cure the patient much faster.

If the disease is not detected on time, this is fraught with serious troubles and disruptions in the functioning of men and women. In this case, it is not the fact of the infection itself that causes the greatest danger, but its possible consequences for the body.

Consequences of sexually transmitted infections

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases should be carried out on time. If this does not happen, the virus or infection settles in the body and causes the development severe consequences. Each infection has its own specific effect on the body or its individual systems:

HIV is a topic for a separate article. This virus affects the entire human body - from lymphatic system to the cornea of ​​the eye. As already mentioned, signs of sexually transmitted diseases do not appear in the first weeks of infection, which greatly complicates the examination of the patient. The human immunodeficiency virus is no exception. The patient does not start timely treatment and, not knowing about the presence of infection, infects loved ones who are in constant contact with him.

Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

The most common way to protect against contracting sexually transmitted diseases is a condom. It is very important to know how to use it correctly barrier method contraception and use it for all sexual intercourse.

Only with regular use preventive measures You don’t have to worry about such troubles as venereological diseases. Photos of the consequences of such infections, presented on medical information resources, encourage people to take care of their health.

You can protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections by having a discriminating intimate life. It is optimal to have a connection with only one permanent partner, but he must be verified.

If it happened unprotected contact with a person who may have an STD, the genitals should be treated with antiseptics within the first two hours.

What to do after unprotected intercourse

It is important to understand that not all infections may present with specific symptoms. Venereal diseases in women and men can be asymptomatic. That's why after unprotected sex It is necessary to undergo an examination to identify the presence of infections and treat them before the diseases become chronic.

Reception of any pharmacological drugs, intended for the treatment of pathologies with similar symptoms, is strictly prohibited. Prevention should become regular and carefully observed at every sexual contact.