Sexually transmitted diseases used to affect only a few people in the population, but these days the number of people suffering from these conditions continues to rise. This is a sad reality affecting society, especially women, and it can pose serious health threats not only to them, but to people they transmit the disease too.
These diseases can be transmitted easily with just one sexual contact, and can take months for symptoms to develop.
Early detection and proper treatment is imperative for these conditions not only to cure, but most importantly to stop the transmission of the disease.
Although different sexually transmitted diseases have characteristic symptoms, there are also common symptoms that are present in most of them, and the early detection of these symptoms may help a lot in curing and preventing the spread of the disease. One of the most common symptoms that is present in most sexually transmitted diseases is pain in the lower abdomen or groin area. This pain may only occur in a short span of time, but can be very severe. It can extend to the vaginal canal and women may experience pain during sex.
In genital herpes, the pain can be more localized and is accompanied with the breakout of lesions. Women can also experience a burning sensation during urination, and can become worse if not treated immediately. Another common symptom is an unfamiliar vaginal discharge. This discharge can be cloudy, and usually occurs during or after a sexual intercourse. In some cases where there is severe infection, the discharge may contain blood. The discharge may vary depending on the disease, but most patients experience a burning sensation or itching at the site of the discharge and it may also be accompanied by a strong vaginal odor.
The third most common symptom present in most sexually transmitted diseases is any type of skin irritation or growth in the groin area. In some STDs, visible bumps or lesions may appear indicating that the virus is present. Some type of STDs has its pathognomonic sign (a sign that characterize a particular disease). Like in syphilis in first stage, a painless skin lesion called chancre appears in the point of contact. Syphilis pictures may help you determine its appearance. In genital warts, the lesions or bumps will appear at the site of initial sexual contact. In some STDs, the lesions are more pronounced and may be accompanied by pain, itching, and even bleeding, but some lesions are minor and can go unnoticed. It is important that if a woman notices any growth or bumps in the groin area, she should immediately seek consultation with a gynecologist.
Sexually transmitted diseases can really affect women, but they pose a greater threat during pregnancy or childbirth than any other time. It is important that women are aware of these symptoms so they can assess their health status. Women should be informed about STDs, they should assess their level of protection and how they can prevent these diseases, and they should have themselves checked on a regular basis and most especially when they are planning a pregnancy. More than the effects of the disease, the complications are more severe and harder to treat. In pregnant women, STDs can cause uterine infections after delivery, premature rupture of membranes, and early labor. Some complications are cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and even cervical cancer. So, it is an imperative for each woman to be informed about these diseases not only to save her life, but others lives as well.