Sexually transmitted diseases have been known since ancient times. Currently, the prevalence of STIs is increasing. This is due to the fact that many protection methods have appeared that protect against unwanted pregnancy, but do not save from sexually transmitted diseases. This group of pathologies is dangerous in that it is transmitted through sexual contact, brings a person great inconvenience, has serious complications. Some diseases are systemic and can be fatal if untreated, such as syphilis. A patient who has found signs of an STI should consult a specialist venereologist. Local physicians, gynecologists, urologists and dermatologists are referred to a narrow specialist of patients. In addition, a nephrologist can suspect a venereological disease if bacteria and protein are detected in a urinalysis in the absence of a urinary tract pathology or the possibility of a combined infection.
Who is the venereologist?
A doctor who deals with the identification and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is called a venereologist. In addition to the treatment of the main pathology, the duties of this doctor include the prevention of complications and relapses, as well as their elimination. STIs have similar symptoms, so the specialist should conduct the correct
differential diagnosis and prescribe timely and high-quality treatment. Another important goal of a venereologist is the prevention and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. To do this, the doctor must warn of possible complications, promote a barrier method of protection for patients who do not have a permanent sexual partner. The venereologist is dealing with all these issues.
What does this specialist treat?
In order to detect STDs, you need to pay attention to the most common symptoms. The main signs of sexually transmitted diseases are pathological discharge from the genital tract, pain during sexual contact and urination, the appearance of rashes on the penis in men, the labia and vagina - in women, itching and burning. STI is detected by a gynecologist, urologist-venereologist, dermatologist. Among the diseases, the main role belongs to bacterial (syphilis, gonorrhea), viral (genital herpes, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis), as well as fungal infections (candidiasis). Due to the fact that many pathologies are accompanied by a rash, they distinguish a special profession - a dermatologist-venereologist. The most common diseases include: gonococcal infection, genital herpes, candidiasis, chlamydia, syphilis.
Diagnosis of STDs
First of all, the doctor should pay attention to the patient's complaints and the relationship between the symptoms of the disease and the sexual contacts of the patient. The next stage of diagnosis is a thorough examination of the patient, including not only a gynecological (urological) examination of organs, but also the state of the body as a whole. The appointment of standard tests is necessary: a general analysis of blood, urine. If bacteria or bacteria are found in the urine or feces, bacterioscopic examination is necessary. After the doctor is sure that the patient has an STI, a
comparative analysis of venereal pathologies is necessary. To do this, it is necessary to send the discharge from the genital tract for bacterial culture, virological examination (PCR). Who is the venereologist? This is a doctor dealing with the problems of genital infections, he must be fluent in diagnostic methods, as well as modern technologies for identifying STI pathogens. At present, there are special laboratories equipped with the latest equipment that allow the carrying out of ELISA, RIF and other reactions. The task of a venereologist is to know the technique of conducting such studies and be able to interpret the results.
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
Once an STI is detected, the correct treatment must be prescribed. Venereologist
what treats? The doctor prescribes etiotropic therapy aimed at combating the causative agent of the disease. Since sexually transmitted diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi, their treatment is different from each other. When determining gonococcal or syphilitic infection, antibiotic therapy (penicillins) is prescribed. Candidiasis must be treated with antifungal medications (nystatin). Diseases such as genital herpes, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis require antiviral therapy (acyclovir, interferon). In addition to etiotropic treatment, it is necessary to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. Local therapy consists in washing the genitals with antiseptic solutions, applying lotions to the affected areas. Who is the venereologist? An experienced doctor should be able to prescribe a quality treatment that will not only save the patient from STIs, but also prevent possible complications. Currently, drugs that combine the etiotropic and anti-inflammatory components are widely distributed, they are aimed at treating several pathologies at once.
STI Complications
A good venereologist should warn the patient about possible complications, including the transition of the disease to a chronic form, prostatitis, orchitis, conjunctivitis, endometritis. The most dangerous complication is infertility. HIV infection leads to a complete loss of the body's immune properties, which leads to the attachment of many secondary infections and death.
STI Prevention
Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases boils down to limiting sexual partners and using condoms. Vitamin therapy, proper nutrition, lack of hypothermia and treatment of chronic diseases are important, since most STIs develop against the background of weakened immunity.
Who is the venereologist? A specialist in this field is a valuable and necessary doctor in connection with the wide spread of STIs, the danger of their complications, he assists in the treatment and prevention of diseases. If you have a sexually transmitted disease, you must definitely contact a venereologist and follow his recommendations.