Attention! Female sexually transmitted diseases

What STDs are more susceptible to women during sex

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other parasites. Sexual intercourse can be vaginal, oral, or anal. Infection occurs not only during traditional sex, but also through oral and anal contact. In rare cases, when using contaminated items - wet towels, sponges or sexual accessories.

The main factors that increase the risk of contracting STD (sexually transmitted diseases):

• a large number of sexual partners,
• not using condoms,
• abuse of psychoactive substances, alcohol, which increase the propensity for risky sexual behavior.

It has been proven that women from 15 to 24 who live in large cities and who are not in permanent sexual relationships are most often affected by sexually transmitted diseases. Learn the key signs of STDs - the 15 most common sexually transmitted diseases. If you see some of them at home, then you need a preliminary consultation with a venereologist online.

Sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria

1. Gonorrhea caused by the gram-negative bacteria gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) occurs during sexual intercourse. A special case is when a sick mother infects her baby during childbirth. Extrasexual infections are extremely rare and can result from the use of infected objects - a damp sponge or towel, on which bacteria can persist for 3 to 24 hours. Gonorrhea in women is most often asymptomatic. In some, acute cases, purulent discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, intimate burning, menstrual irregularities and heavy menstruation are possible.

2. Syphilis is caused by the bacterium spirochete. Infection occurs through sexual contact - vaginal, oral, anal. If there are spirochete bacteria in the throat of an infected person, it is possible to get it through kissing. Sometimes syphilis does not give any symptoms, but even in latent form, it is harmful to health. If left untreated, it can damage the nervous system, cardiovascular system, bones, joints, mental disorders and cause blindness. In the overwhelming majority of cases, at the first stage, an ulcer appears on the genitals or vulva, then a rash on the skin, palms and soles of the feet, which goes away on its own.

3. Chlamydia develops due to Chlamydia trachomatis in 30% -50% of men and women. Since symptoms are often absent, it is diagnosed only when it causes complications - epididymitis and prostatitis in men or inflammation of the uterine appendages in women. Infection can occur not only through sexual contact, but also through damaged skin and mucous membranes. If untreated, chlamydia can lead to fertility problems and infertility.

4. Lymphogranuloma venereal (LGV) is a disease caused by three unique bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. More common in tropical and subtropical countries. It occurs more often in men than in women during homosexual intercourse. It manifests itself in the form of ulcers, vesicles or papules on the genitals, causes inflammation of the lymph nodes, joint pain and abscesses, chronic tumors of the genital tissues.

5. A venereal (or mild) ulcer is caused by the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi. Its main symptom is a painful sore on the genitals that looks like a grain of lentils with a bright red border. This is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes.

6. Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is more common in women after infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, vaginal Trichomonas, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium). The main symptoms are frequent urge to urinate, pain and burning sensation when urinating. Some women may experience vaginal discharge.

Sexually transmitted diseases caused by viruses

7. AIDS is the last stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). At the initial stage, the disease has no symptoms and can remain hidden for up to 10 years. Only at a late stage does AIDS cause an increase in diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and cancer.

Sexual contact is the most common cause of infection, but infection can also occur through blood (using non-sterile medical, manicure or cosmetic instruments) or during childbirth, when a mother infects her newborn baby. People who have sex with multiple partners should get tested for HIV regularly, as the absence of symptoms can lead to inadvertent infection of others.

8. Genital herpes causes small groups of painful blisters around the genitals or anus. The lesions enlarge over 1–2 weeks, then rupture and transform into small ulcers.

Treatment consists of administering oral medications or treating the affected areas with anti-inflammatory ointments.

9. Viral hepatitis B and C is transmitted through blood, through sexual contact. Not only vaginal contact is dangerous, but also sperm or vaginal discharge from an infected woman.

10. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It manifests itself in the form of papules and papillomas located around the anus and genitals (both outside and inside - in the vagina). In rare cases, they can occur in the mouth - on the tongue, on the mucous membrane of the throat, larynx, lips. Treatment involves the use of ointments, creams, and cryotherapy (freezing). In case of large changes, surgery or laser removal is necessary.

11. Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the Poxviridae virus. To adult women, it is most often transmitted sexually, occasionally through contact with infected objects. A characteristic symptom of this disease is the appearance of hard, translucent bulges of a flesh, pearl or yellow color, which are filled with a porous substance inside in women - on the pubic tubercles, labia, groin, around the anus. Treatment is with ointments, creams and oral antiviral drugs. Large lesions are excised with surgery, laser, or electrocautery.

12. Trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis. The main route of infection is sexual intercourse, less often infected toiletries that retain moisture - sponges, washcloths. Symptoms of trichomoniasis are found mainly in women: yellow-green, frothy vaginal discharge, itching and burning in the vagina, pain in the urethra, and pronounced urge to urinate.

13. Genital candidiasis is caused by the yeast Candida albicans. The most at risk of developing the disease are women taking antibiotics, whose skin in the genital area is damaged as a result of friction, various injuries or contact with detergents. Candidiasis causes unpleasant itching, burning and cheese-like vaginal discharge, discomfort during intercourse.

Sexually transmitted diseases caused by parasites

14. Scabies in intimate areas is caused by scabies mites. The first symptoms of the disease appear several weeks after the parasite enters the body. This is a severe itching of the skin of the labia and pubis. The parasites are not visible. They multiply by building scabby corridors in the epidermal tubules where they lay their eggs. Treatment of scabies involves lubricating the affected areas with special drugs.

15. Pubic lice cause chronic itching not only of the genitals, but also of the pubis, abdomen, groin, and thighs. Infection with this type of lice usually occurs during sexual intercourse, but the parasites can also travel to the pubic area from clothing, bedding, or towels belonging to the infected person. Treatment of pubic lice involves the use of special ointments, lotions, and shampoos.