Hope you guys are now familiar with what is venereology. In general, prevention and treatment play a major role prior for each and every disease/infection. Let’s get to know in a detailed fashion. Prevention is the primary goal for all diseases. However, we cannot achieve the fullest efficiency of prevention of STDs.
Getting vaccinated, avoiding excessive consumption of alcohols and drugs, being educated about STIs, using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs suggested by the medical professionals, using proper protective measures (i.e., latex condoms or dental dam) in a recommended manner are some of the best preventive measures for STI.
Moreover, it is suggested not to use condoms that are made from natural membranes and never use an oil-based lubricant. Following mutual monogamy and practicing safer sex can also contribute for the prevention of STDs. But among all these, abstinences is the most effective/reliable way to avoid STD/STI/venereal diseases. Male circumcision can also help to prevent the transmission of genital HPV and genital herpes.
It is proven that venereal diseases such as herpes can be transmitted just by kissing in the mouth. Transmission of STDs takes place even from the mother to an infant. STI in infants can be fatal than compared to adults. So, screening for these infections must be done to all pregnant women. The tricky thing in venereal diseases is that one cannot judge whether the other has it or not since in many cases the signs or symptoms are not observed.
HIV being one of the severe venereal diseases, can be tested via at home blood test offered by MyDiagnostics.
Venereal diseases can be tested commonly by blood tests and urine tests that are recommended by CDC (The Centers for Disease Control). Apart from this there are many testing centers for STD. Plasma Reagin (RPR) or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) are some of the tests that are used for prenatal screening of those diseases.
The bacterial venereal diseases can be cured by antibiotics but the same can’t be observed in the case of viral venereal diseases. But treatments are available according to the infection. The important point to be noted is that one must not self-medicate for treatment. If a person is tested positive for STI then further action (i.e., treatment) must be done only under the guidance of an appropriate medical practitioner. EPT prevents reinfection and stops additional transmission.
Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is where your healthcare professional provide treatment for your partner without examining him/her especially in case of chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Specific STD/STI/Venereal disease treatments
1)Chlamydia and gonorrhea are treated with antibiotics. Your sex partners also have to be treated regardless of symptoms. Some strains of gonorrhea may be more resistant and so more than one drug would be suggested. Retest must be done after the treatment to check whether you are fully cured from the affected infection/disease. Failure of treatment may lead to infertility in women and permanent damage to the reproductive organ.
2)For syphilis, penicillin is the preferred treatment. Early treatment is much vital for the lesser risks.
3)AIDS is not completely curable and this is known to all. The treatment is focused on checking the HIV levels. Antiretroviral drugs are the standard therapy for HIV infection. But it is still debated when to begin the antiretroviral drug. It’s better to get treated with proper consultation with the medical practitioner.
4) For Hepatitis B, the vaccine is available. But it will not help in the case if you already have the disease.
A wide range of measures for these venereal diseases is being provided by the Indian government. People with STIs can have a deleterious effect. So prior diagnosis and treatment, and general checkups help people to lead a peaceful life with good health.
HAPPY READING!!!
Social Media