Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections transmitted through sexual contact — vaginal, anal, or oral. They include bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections that can seriously compromise reproductive health.

Most common sexually transmitted infections

• Chlamydia trachomatis — most common bacterial STI, often asymptomatic
• Gonorrhea — purulent urogenital infections
• Genital herpes (HSV) — chronic viral infection with recurrences
• Syphilis — systemic bacterial infection with multiple stages
• HIV/AIDS — viral immunodeficiency
• HPV (genital warts) — genital warts and high-risk types
• Trichomonas vaginalis — parasitic vaginal infection
• Mycoplasma hominis — conditionally pathogenic bacterium
• Ureaplasma urealyticum — fertility impact
• Hepatitis B and C — viral liver inflammations

Why is screening important?

• Many STIs are asymptomatic — without regular testing you won't know you're infected
• Preventing complications — untreated infections lead to infertility, chronic pain, cancer
• Protecting partners — timely detection prevents further spread
• Safe pregnancy — screening before and during pregnancy protects the baby

STD diagnostic panel

• PCR panel — Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Trichomonas
• Serology — HIV, Syphilis (RPR+TPHA), Hepatitis B and C
• HPV typing — high-risk and low-risk types
• Swab — culture with antibiogram

Prevention

Consistent condom use, regular testing, vaccination (HPV, Hepatitis B), limiting sexual partners, and open communication are key STD prevention measures.