STD

STDs are infections that are acquired during genital, oral or anal sexual contact with an infected partner without taking any prophylactic measures, as well as during non-sterile, non-sexual contact.

Initially, STDs were considered to be diseases that are transmitted only during sexual contact. In the 1980s, due to scientific development and diagnostic possibilities, new types of infection were identified, as well as the conditions and probabilities for transmitting the infection during non-sexual contact, i.e. with blood or transplants.

As of 1999, World Health Organisation recommends the use of the term of “sexually transmitted infections” (STI) instead of “sexually transmitted diseases”.

Venereal diseases - a term that was used mainly during early and mid-20th century to describe diseases that were transmitted during sexual contact.

Two-thirds of STD cases are registered for adolescents and youths up to the age of 25. 1 in 4 sexually active adolescents are diagnosed with an STD before the age of 21. More than 20 types of STDs have been identified, and the infection usually affects the mucosa of the urinary tract or the reproductive tract.

The “Sexual and Reproductive Health Law” of the Republic of Latvia states that it is the duty of the STD-infected person to inform his/her sexual partner about the risk of infection.

Most common types of STDs

Sex organ infections

Reproductive tract infections is a broader term for STDs, and it refers to 3 main types of infections:

Penile diseases

The penis is susceptible to various cutaneous inflammations caused by STDs – syphilis, herpes, and other STI types. Symptoms may include sores, discharge and smell.

The penis is equally susceptible to various reproductive tract infections due to the defensive inability of the sex organ or its skin. Changes in skin microflora (mainly fungus) may share symptomatic similarities with STI.

The glans and the foreskin of the penis can become infected or irritated, as well as develop rash related to skin diseases (most commonly psoriasis, etc.).

STD subgroups

The classification of the sexually transmitted diseases depends on the carrier of the infection (etiological agent):

How does a person get infected with an STD?

STD diseases can be spread in various ways, not only during sexual contact:

Can STD spread during kissing?

Yes. A small amount of blood is passed during a deep kiss.

STD symptoms and STD signs

The first STD symptoms can be observed within 2-7 days after the contact. Other areas of contact, such as mouth and rectum, can be affected as well. It is important to note that the infected person may show no symptoms or signs of STD, and the person may not know about the presence of the infection. One-off contact is enough to become infected with an STD.

Most common STD symptoms are:

Consequences of STDs

The consequences of sexually transmitted diseases may include:

STD-caused infertility

Sexually transmitted diseases can cause both male and female infertility. The infection can damage spermatozoid and ovary tracts, and/or hormone-active organs (for men – prostate gland, for women – ovaries).

The infected reproductive organs lose their functionality – the ability to part-take in sex or to make children.

How to treat STD?

For treating STI effectively, a venereologist must diagnose the STD, identifying the duration of the disease process, cause and localisation (which organ or its part is affected).

STD testing is advised:

Avoiding STD

The only methods that protect from becoming infected with an STD are:

Using condoms can reduce the risk of STD infection that is transmitted through bodily fluids (semen, blood or vaginal). Since condoms cannot cover the entire body, they do not provide complete protection against such STD types that can spread through non-sexual physical contact with skin (e.g. herpes, venereal warts, syphilis, contagious mollusc, crabs and scabies).

Important!

Treatment process

Appointment

General examination, lab tests

Treatment course

A personalised treatment course is devised

Post-therapy phase

Control tests (2-3 weeks after the therapy)

Prices

Qualification Clients of the clinic First visit
Doctor 42 € 45 €
Highly qualified doctor 52 € 55 €

Clinic's venereologist's

Doctors

Venerologist Resident Gunita Buiksa

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Highly qualified doctors

Venerologist Sergejs Vojevodins

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Venerologist Alise Huskivadze

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Venerologist Zanda Bogdanova

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Venerologist Dace Buile

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