Sexually transmitted diseases

Basic Information

Sexually transmitted diseases STIs (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. HIV is an STD. There are more than 25 STDs that are spread through sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than one million people globally suffer from an STD every day. Most people with STDs have no symptoms and are therefore unaware of their ability to transmit the infection to their sexual partners (partners).

If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems such as sexually transmitted diseases, cervical cancer, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility (infertility and pregnancy problems. Some STDs (eg, chancroid, herpes, syphilis and trichomonas) can increase the risk of getting HIV if you are HIV negative and exposed to HIV. People living with HIV (HIV 1+2) may also be at greater risk of getting or having other STDs. people need to be seriously protected from sexually transmitted infections, when such patients are exposed to STDs, it is more difficult to get rid of sexually transmitted infections.

The USA is the country with the highest rate of STDs in terms of carrier and infection in the world. About 20 million new infections occur each year in the United States. Half of these occur among American teens (ages 15-24) who are more at risk of STDs than older adults. A 2014 report in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that for the first time since 2006, the number of people with chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis (three nationally reportable STDs) has increased. Teenagers account for about two-thirds of all new cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea, although there are only a small proportion of sexually active people overall.

There are several other reasons why teenage girls and young women are at risk of contracting STDs. First, in adolescents and young women, the cervix (between the vagina and the uterus) is lined with cells that are more likely to transmit STDs. Second, teenagers and young adults may have trouble getting the information and materials they need to prevent STDs. They may have difficulty obtaining STD prevention services; because they don’t know where to find them, they don’t have access there or they can’t pay for them. Even if teenagers and young women receive STD prevention services, they may not feel comfortable in spaces designed for adults. Also, you may have concerns about privacy. In this regard, as Istanbul Laboratory, we provide various conveniences and confidentiality.

Especially for chlamydia and gonorrhea, there are some countries with the highest rates of sexual transmission of young girls and sexually liberal women. The high rate of STDs among these women is the result of several factors, including increased poverty rates, reduced access to health care, and the already high prevalence of STDs in their cultural community. This already high STI rate increases a woman’s risk of getting an infection each time she has intercourse, because she is much more likely to have sex with an infected person in that community.

Regardless of race or age, less than half of those who need to be tested for sexually transmitted infections are screened for STDs. This is especially important for women, because women suffer from STDs more frequently and with more serious complications than men.

Many STDs show no symptoms, but can be passed from person to person. Many people who have had an STD don’t even know it. They may appear seemingly healthy and still carry an STD. The only way to know for sure is to get tested. You must perform regular sexual health screenings by your doctor asking for a test from a laboratory or by the ASM you are affiliated with. To get an STD screening test in Istanbul, Şişli or Kadıköy, you can call 444 7 522 between 8:30-18:30 on weekdays and 8:30 – 15:00 on Saturdays. Or you can come without an appointment. We are happy to assist you.

Fortunately, you can reduce your chances of contracting many STDs by living a safer sex life.

Most STDs can now be successfully cured through treatment. For other STDs, there are effective treatments and medications that can help you manage your condition.

Some Known Sexually Transmitted Diseases

While many people with STDs do not show any signs or symptoms of their infection, when they do have STD symptoms, they are most likely to be in the genital area. The genitalia in women are the vulva (the area of the vagina, including the lips), the vagina (the opening where menstrual blood opens), the buttocks, the urethra (the opening above the vagina where urine comes out), and the anus (the anus here comes out with a bowel movement). The genital areas in men are in the form of the penis, scrotum (testicle), urethra (urinary tract), and anus.

Some of the most common sexually transmitted infections are listed in the adjacent section.

KProtecting yourself and your Partner

You can reduce your risk of getting sexually transmitted infections by having safer sex. Some STDs, such as genital warts, herpes, and syphilis, can be spread through contact with infected skin. Here are some tips for protecting yourself:

If you are sensitive to latex, use a special latex condom for vaginal and anal sex or a plastic condom
Condoms can prevent many sexually transmitted infections
Use an oil-free condom for oral sex on a man
Use latex or plastic barriers (such as dental dams or plastic wrap) to perform oral or oral-anal sex on a woman; Use latex or plastic gloves if you have cuts or sores on your hands
Use latex condoms or barriers with water-based lubricants (KY, Astroglide)
DO NOT use oil-based products (Vaseline, body lotions) because they destroy latex.
Do not use chemical lubricants or condoms; may damage the lining of the vagina or anus and increase the chance of infection with HIV
Wash shared sex toys (dildo, vibrators) or put a new condom between users
Know that some birth control methods, such as birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms, will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. If you use one of these methods, also use a latex condom.
Talk to your sexual partner about sexually transmitted infections and using condoms
Speak honestly with your doctor and your sexual partner about any sexually transmitted infections that you or your partner have or have had
Get regular pelvic exams and cervical cancer screening (smear testing), but remember that cervical cancer screening tests do not screen for sexually transmitted infections other than HPV
Ask your doctor about routine STI screening as part of your annual physical or gynecological exam
Do not share needles or syringes for injecting drugs or other substances; If you share injecting equipment, be sure to sterilize and clean the syringe.

Important Note About STD

There are many sexually transmitted infections, including HiV. Some can be cured with treatment. Some are incurable, such as HIV and herpes, but can be managed. Many can cause serious health and fertility problems or even death if left untreated. Having safer sex protects you from many sexually transmitted infections.

If you have had sexual contact with someone infected with a sexually transmitted disease STD
If you have an excessive appetite, genital sores, urinary tract tingling or burning symptoms
If you are pregnant
If you are sexually active
If you have sex with more than one partner
If your partner has sex with people other than you;

It is important that you get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections. Most STDs have no symptoms. If necessary, take the treatment recommended by your doctor. Even if the symptoms disappear, you still need to finish the treatment. If symptoms persist after treatment, consult your infection specialist. Also, make sure your partner or partners are treated over the counter so you don’t get frequent infections.