What is STD?

STD or Sexually transmitted diseases are usually acquired by a sexual contact. Organisms causing the sexually transmitted diseases pass from person to person through blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.

A few of these infections can even be transmitted non-sexually, like from mother to the newborn during pregnancy or at time of delivery.

You can get STD from people who may otherwise seem to be healthy. As many of these diseases don't cause any symptom, people stay unaware about them being infected. 

Signs and Symptoms of STD to look for:

• Sores or bumps on the genitals 
• Discharge from the penis
• Painful or burning urination
• Weird or odd-smelling vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes
• Lower abdominal pain
• Rashes over trunk, hands or feet

Causes of STD

• Bacteria (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia)
• Viruses (human papillomavirus, genital herpes, HIV)
• Parasites (trichomoniasis)

When You Should See a Doctor

• You must make no delay in reaching out for medical help, if: 
• You're sexually active and believe you have STD
• You have STD signs

Treatments and drugs

STDs that are caused by bacteria can be treated very easily. The viral infections can be managed, however, curing them isn't possible. If you happen to be pregnant and have STD, instant treatment can prevent or cut down risk of infection in your baby. The treatment for STD generally consist of one among the following, based upon the infection type:

Antibiotics: Just a single dose of antibiotics can heal many of the sexually transmitted bacterial as well as the parasitic infections, inclusive of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and syphilis. Genrally, you will be medicated gonorrhea and chlamydia simultaneously as the two infections appear together often.

Once the antibiotic treatment is started, it must be followed consistently. If you feel you'll not be in a position to take the medicines as prescribed, speak to your doctor. You might be given a shorter and a simpler treatment. Also, it's vital to stay away from sex till the treatment is over and the sores are all healed.

Antiviral drugs: You are likely to have lesser herpes repetitions if you take everyday suppressive therapy along with a prescribed antiviral drug. These drugs cut down the infection risk, but it's still feasible to give your partner herpes.

These drugs can even keep the HIV infection in control for many years. However, the virus will continue to persist and can be transmitted as well. You will get effective results the sooner treatment is started.