Sexually transmitted diseases are some of the most common complaints among sexually active patients. Although abstinence is the best way to prevent these complications, many patients prefer to build a physical connection with their partners through intercourse. However, one may forget to take necessary precautions, like using a condom. Clinicians appreciate the rise in STD transmission and the availability of different types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites causing these infections and thus develop accurate diagnostic protocols to recommend appropriate STD treatment New York for improved patient outcomes.
What causes STDs?
The main causes of sexually transmitted diseases or infections include bacteria, parasites, and viruses which pass from one person to the other through blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Although STDs depend on sexual activity, there are cases where these infections happen non-sexually. For example, mothers can transfer bacteria, viruses, or parasites to their infants during pregnancy or childbirth. Blood transfusions and the use of shared needles can also cause STD transmission.
What are the different types of STDs?
There are different types of STDs. It is important to collaborate with an experienced physician who understands the various causes and symptoms of STDs to make an accurate diagnosis that will guide your treatment and management plan for improved efficiencies. Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia are the most common types of STIs that develop due to bacterial transmissions. Clinicians have recognized a parasitic link in patients with Trichomoniasis. Specific viruses cause HPV, genital herpes, and HIV.
What are the diagnostic procedures for STDs?
Your clinician will review your sexual history and current signs and symptoms to determine whether you have a sexually transmitted disease. A pelvic exam is necessary to confirm signs of infection like warts, rash, and discharge. Clinicians also perform complementary laboratory tests to determine the root cause of sexually transmitted diseases. These tests can also help your clinician identify any confections you might have. Some of the most common laboratory tests include blood tests, urine samples, and fluid samples.
Signs and symptoms of STDs vary depending on the type you have. Some infections do not present any symptoms. For this reason, screening is an effective way to identify underlying complications before they develop into severe stages. Most clinical facilities do not offer STI screening as a routine part of healthcare. It would be best to schedule STI screening tests like a blood and saliva test for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, especially if you are between 13-64 years.
How do clinicians treat STDs?
The treatment of STDs depends on the cause. Clinicians recommend antibiotics for STDs with bacterial or parasitic causes. Sexual abstinence and medication adherence during antibiotic treatment of STDs are necessary to enhance clinical efficacy. STDs with a viral cause are harder to cure. However, management is possible and can lead to patients living long, healthy lives. Clinicians recommend antiviral drugs to patients with herpes or HIV.
Preventive treatment, including partner notification and counseling, can limit the spread of STIs. If you have multiple sexual partners, have a history of STDs, or use needles to inject drugs, call the office of Urologist: Michael Rotman, MD, to discuss the significance of undergoing diagnosis procedures.
