Sexually transmitted diseases are always bothersome to one’s sexual life. They limit our freedom to enjoy the experiences in bed and when left untreated can become very problematic.
ETV Bharat Sukhibhava wanted to understand more about the commonly spread sexually transmitted diseases and spoke with Dr. Rahul Reddy, andrologist, androcare and Andrology Institute, Hyderabad.
The diseases which are spread through sexual intercourse are called Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Out of a few Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are the two sexually transmitted bacterial diseases we are discussing today.
The two STD’s, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are spread through sexual intercourse (Vaginal and anal) and oral intercourse. “These type of bacterial diseases doesn’t spread through kissing”, Dr. Rahul Reddy clarifies. There is no specific age group for these STD’s and it can affect any person (Male or Female). The infection spreads from one person to another when one person, who has this infection is sexually active with another. These infections are commonly seen in people who have multiple sexual partners.
The symptoms for both these bacterial infections are almost the same. Most people with these infections don’t show any major symptoms and in 30% of people symptoms of this infection develop from the second day of intercourse till the 14th week. “This infection affects females mildly while it affects men severely,” mentions Dr. Rahul Reddy.
Women with this infection develop symptoms like that of a yeast infection, pain in the lower abdomen, pain while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, painful intercourse, vaginal discharge(Greenish and creamy discharge), and pain while urinating.
While men with this infection show symptoms like burning sensation while urinating, pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis, pain/swelling in testicles.
“People may also experience throat infection if these STDs happen to spread from oral intercourse,” Dr. Reddy says. The only way to differentiate if the STD is Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia, look for pus-like discharge (In both men and women). A person having Chlamydia bacterial infection also experiences the above-mentioned symptoms but a pus kind of discharge is also present. In women, vaginal bleeding (while not having a period) is present if they have Chlamydia. When Chlamydia is untreated in women, it can cause PID. (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease).
Both of these STD's can be treatable and cured. “But one needs to identify for the symptoms of these bacterial infections at an early stage to get the right treatment at the right time,” Dr. Reddy mentions. These infections are treated by giving a few antibiotics. When the infection is neglected and left untreated, it can increase the risk of HIV.
“People who find the symptoms and who have multiple sex partners, it’s always important that they get diagnosed for any of these infections frequently, one in every six months to avoid any further risks,” DR. Rahul Reddy advises. He also suggested that one should avoid any sexual intercourse when one finds any such symptoms. This can help the partner from not getting the infection.
Cleaning of the genitals and using the right protection and getting tests to diagnose for any of these infections if symptoms are present, is always a healthy measure to maintain good sexual health. Asymptomatic people always have a higher risk of facing complications from these infections. These infections when left untreated can affect one’s fertility,” concluded Dr. Rahul Reddy.
It’s important that one should get regular STD testing in order to get the right treatment and also stop spreading to another partner. Most of the time these infections show no symptoms in the majority of the people, which is why having a good hygienic and regular screening is always important.
You can reach out to Dr. Rahul Reddy with your queries at andrologistdoctor@gmail.com
