Today, STDs in women are widespread. This is primarily due to the frequent absence of vivid symptoms. In addition, this contributes to the high sexual activity of the population. Undetected and untreated in time, the disease becomes chronic, negatively affects reproductive function and health.
Women who have sex and often change partners, it is advisable to be regularly examined by a venereologist for an STD. A condom and other contraceptives do not completely protect against infection, although they significantly reduce the likelihood of infection.
Symptoms of STDs in women can be very mild. Therefore, if there was an accidental sexual contact or resort romance, you need to undergo a full examination, even if nothing bothers. If there are symptoms, then you should go to the doctor immediately.
It is important to understand that it is much more difficult to get rid of a disease in a chronic form. It will periodically worsen, ultimately leading to irreversible consequences. The main ones are infertility, various pathologies of the fetus and even its death.
In addition, chronic inflammation leads to changes in the mucosa, the functioning of the affected organ is disrupted. Over time, the uterus, appendages, urethra, and bladder are involved in the process. Pelvic pains appear , aggravated during examination and sex. The inflammatory process contributes to the onset of cancer. The role of HSV and HPV in the occurrence of malignant processes of the cervix is proved.
So, the signs of STDs in women:
- unusual vaginal discharge (discoloration, smell, quantity);
- itching, burning, redness, soreness, swelling of the genitals;
- pain during urination and increased urgency;
- the appearance of genital ulcers, rashes, vesicles;
- pain during examination and intercourse;
- soreness in the abdomen and lower back.
If such manifestations occur, then this is an occasion to visit a doctor. However, similar symptoms are also observed with inflammation caused by opportunistic flora, that is, microorganisms that are normally present in small quantities in the body. Often there are several infections, so it is so important to undergo a comprehensive examination.
Even an experienced doctor will not be able to determine the pathogen during examination. He will definitely take the tests. Today, crops and PCR are widespread.
The most common STDs in women are chlamydia, HPV, trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, gonorrhea, HIV. Mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, gardnerellosis and candidiasis are also common today. They can also be transmitted sexually, but are conditionally pathogenic. You can get sick without sex.
To detect STDs in women, PCR is effective. This method is very accurate, it allows you to detect a microorganism even with only a few of its DNA in the drug.
To identify the causative agent from a conditionally pathogenic flora, it is better to do crops, because its quantity is important, and not the fact of its presence in the genitals. In addition, drugs are usually immediately selected, to which the identified pathogen is sensitive.
In addition, blood can be examined for the presence of antibodies to microorganisms. In this case, the reaction of the body to the pathogen is checked. Typically, IgG and IgM titers are determined, which help to assess whether there is primary inflation, latent course or an exacerbation of the chronic process.
Thus, STDs in women can have vivid symptoms or may not manifest themselves for a long time. They are especially dangerous during pregnancy, and can even cause fetal death. Experts recommend regularly being tested for STDs, but this is especially necessary before conception. Their chronic forms are difficult to treat, leading to infertility, pelvic pain, cancer and the spread of inflammation throughout the urogenital system.