STD

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-20^th 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

Herpes simplex virus (HSV),
Genital or venereal warts (condyloma),
Papillomavirus (HPV),
Contagious mollusc (molluscum contagiosum),
Pubic lice (crabs),
Scabies,
Chlamydia,
Gonorrhoea,
Syphilis,
Hepatitis B and C,
HIV/AIDS.

Sex organ infections

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

Endogenous female genitalia infections (infection that spreads from the focus of infection “within”, e.g. bacterial vaginosis),
Iatrogenic infection (passed during non-sterile medical practice, e.g. repeated use of infected instruments),
Sexually transmitted 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):

Bacterial,
Viral,
Fungal,
Parasitic,
Single-cell organisms or protozoa (e.g. trichomonas).

How does a person get infected with an STD?

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

Sexual contact, including oral and anal sexual contact. The infection can be spread during close contact as well (i.e. during deep petting – the virus spreads from hands to vagina). STD infection during oral sex is possible due to the presence of infection agents in the biological liquids on teeth and tonsils.
Iatrogenic contact – repetitive use of non-sterile/infected instruments (dentist appointment, manicure, etc.).
Through blood transfusion.
Vertical contact – the mother passing the infection to the child; via blood contact.
Non-sterile non-sexual contact – sharing infection receivers-carriers without sterilising between uses or partners (vibrators, whips, lubricants, etc.).

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:

Discharge from sex organs,
Rash on face, lips or genitalia,
Smell from sex organs,
Redness or swelling around genitalia,
Itch,
Pain,
Burning sensation,
Enlarged or painful lymphatic glands.

Consequences of STDs

The consequences of sexually transmitted diseases may include:

Infertility;
Foetal death,
Premature death of the new-born – in the case of chlamydia or ureaplasmosis, the mortality rate of the new-borns can be up to 20 times higher. Genital herpes can cause the new-born’s infection with herpetic meningoencephalitis (the formation of herpes follicles in the brain) – in the event of infection, the new-born mortality rate is very high.
Ectopic or tubal pregnancy;
New-born’s infection with the STD;
Anogenital cancer – caused by prolonged inflammation of the anogenital tract and HPV.
Premature death of the infected person.

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:

After new, unprotected contact (possible infection),
After unprotected contact with STD-infected partner,
When planning a pregnancy.

Avoiding STD

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

Abstinence from oral, anal or genital sex,
Sexual relationship with one, uninfected partner the entire life, with both partners being monogamous.

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!

Multiple types of STD can be transmitted during one-off contact.
The use of alcohol or drugs limits the decision-making ability and does not facilitate sexual prophylaxis.
If the partner that has infected the patient is unknown, it is recommended to test for syphilis and AIDS.

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	Venerologist Sergejs Vojevodins Ask a question Make an appointment
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	Venerologist Dace Buile Ask a question Make an appointment

Most common types of STDs

Sex organ infections

Penile diseases

STD subgroups

How does a person get infected with an STD?

Can STD spread during kissing?

STD symptoms and STD signs

Consequences of STDs

STD-caused infertility

How to treat STD?

Avoiding STD

Important!

Treatment process

Appointment

Treatment course

Post-therapy phase

Prices

Clinic's venereologist's

Doctors

Venerologist Resident Gunita Buiksa

Highly qualified doctors

Venerologist Sergejs Vojevodins

Venerologist Alise Huskivadze

Venerologist Zanda Bogdanova

Venerologist Dace Buile

Make an appointment

Ask a question

Thank you for your question!

Your appointment has been made

STD

Most common types of STDs

Sex organ infections

Penile diseases

STD subgroups

How does a person get infected with an STD?

Can STD spread during kissing?

STD symptoms and STD signs

Consequences of STDs

STD-caused infertility

How to treat STD?

Avoiding STD

Important!

Treatment process

Appointment

Treatment course

Post-therapy phase

Prices

Clinic's venereologist's

Doctors

Venerologist Resident Gunita Buiksa

Highly qualified doctors

Venerologist Sergejs Vojevodins

Venerologist Alise Huskivadze

Venerologist Zanda Bogdanova

Venerologist Dace Buile

Make an appointment

Ask a question

Thank you for your question!

Calendar of appointments

Your appointment has been made