STDs are diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse. They have an infectious origin, therefore, it implies the presence of a latent or incubation period.
In this article, we consider STDs, the incubation period, the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.
Basic concepts
Latent or latent phase is a period of time that begins from the moment of infection (or the pathogen enters the body) and ends with the first clinical signs.
Infections that are transmitted during sexual contact include:
- Trichomoniasis
- Gonorrhea.
- Mycoplasmosis
- Chlamydia
- Ureaplasmosis.
- Syphilis.
- Genital herpes.
This list is usually not limited to. There are many such diseases.
Why does an incubation period occur during STDs? The reason for its occurrence is the need to adapt the pathogen in a new human body. This period is characterized by:
- Adaptation to an aggressive environment inside a person (acid-base, biochemical characteristics of a person).
- The formation of an allergic reaction of a person to the actions of an aggressive agent.
- Reproduction of pathogens in the body.
- A change in the excitability (most often reflex) of the nervous system.
- Violation of the immunological resistance of a person.
In various types of diseases, the latent period varies in duration. In addition, it is directly affected by human immunity, as well as the number of infectious agents that have entered the body. For example, signs of gonorrhea will appear in a maximum of one year, symptoms of hepatitis C or HIV infection - in a maximum of six months.
Be sure to have gender differences in the incubation phases. For example, the action of the hormonal background of a woman can increase or decrease the duration of this period.
It is important to note that donating blood for analysis to determine the presence of infection in the latent phase is most often pointless. He will not show anything yet. But a qualified consultation of a venereologist can help.
No changes in the body occur during this phase. Also, the patient is not dangerous to other people, since he still has a small amount of infectious agents. But if there is anamnestic data indicating the presence of infection, then it can be diagnosed even in the incubation period.
This happens with unprotected intercourse or a revealed pathology in a partner. Using highly sensitive diagnostic methods, the disease is determined (PCR method for detecting STDs).
The incubation period of STDs
There may be a big difference in the incubation period for various diseases. This is influenced by the type of pathogenic microorganism.
The incubation period has time limits. It depends on what kind of disease is present in a person:
- With urogenital herpes, the latent period is from 1 to 21 days. On average - 10 days.
- With gonorrhea - from 6 days in women (and 2 days in men) to 3 weeks. The average is also 10 days.
- With mycoplasmosis, it is 3-5 weeks.
- With syphilis - from 8 to 200 days, and an average of 21-28 days.
- With trichomoniasis - from 7 to 28 days. Rarely - from day to month. On average, the causative agent of trichomoniasis will manifest itself in 10 days.
- When ureaplasmosis is 3-30 days, the average is 21 days.
- With chlamydia - from 1 week to 3 months, and on average - 12 days.
- With venereal lymphogranulomatosis - from 3 days to 12 weeks, on average about 20 days.
A venereologist consultation will be required for the timely detection of the disease and its treatment.
The influence of additional factors
Other factors can influence the latent period of the disease. Its duration may depend on:
- Age. In older people, the incubation period is reduced due to a decrease in resistance to infectious agents.
- Paula. The hormonal background of a woman greatly affects the duration of the latent phase. It can decrease or, conversely, increase.
- The amount of pathogen that has entered the body. A negative effect on the body will begin faster if there is a lot of infectious agent.
- The presence of other acute and chronic diseases. This significantly reduces the body's immune defense, so the latent period is shortened. Completely destroys the immune system HIV infection.
- Taking medication. Taking antibiotics, for example, can adversely affect pathogenic microorganisms, so the latent period during sexual infections noticeably lengthens.
Symptoms of some STDs
After the incubation period, the first symptoms of the disease appear . Let's consider some of them. For example, by what signs is gonorrhea determined. Symptoms, treatment following the diagnosis, of course, are interconnected.
Men are characterized by the appearance of:
- yellowish-white discharge from the urethra;
- pain during urination.
Women are characterized by the appearance of:
- yellowish-white vaginal discharge;
- pain during urination;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- intermenstrual bleeding.
If these symptoms occur, you should immediately visit a doctor.
How is venereal lymphogranulomatosis manifested ? Small vesicles appear on the genitals, which after a while pass into the sores. They gradually heal. But after a certain period, the lymph nodes become inflamed.
Trichomoniasis (trichomoniasis) is a genital infection leading to inflammation of the genitourinary system. The causative agent of trichomoniasis is the vaginal (vaginal) trichomonas, which is transmitted through sexual contact.
In men:
- sometimes scanty whitish discharge from the urethra;
- pain and burning during urination;
- an admixture of blood in the urine;
Among women:
- vaginal discharge, plentiful, foamy, yellow;
- symptoms of colpitis: itching, burning, redness of the genitals and perineum;
- pain during sex;
- discomfort in the abdomen.
Depending on the state of the body, this disease occurs. In the most severe cases, the causative agent of trichomoniasis affects the internal organs - the uterus and ovaries, adhesions and cysts appear.
Features of the causative agent of trichomoniasis
Trichomonads are unicellular anaerobic microorganisms, parasites that are widespread in nature. Three types of Trichomonas can be found in the human body:
- vaginal (largest, most active, pathogenic);
- oral;
- intestinal.
Flagella provide activity and mobility of microorganisms. Trichomonas are asexual and omnivorous, multiply rapidly.
After fixing in the genitourinary tract cause inflammation in it. The products of their livelihoods poison the human body, immunity is significantly reduced.
Trichomonads have a high ability to survive: they change shape, disguise themselves as blood plasma cells, “cling” to themselves other microbes - all this allows them to evade the body's immune defenses.
Other pathogenic microorganisms (chlamydia, ureaplasma) penetrate into Trichomonas, where they hide from the effects of drugs and immunity. The epithelium is damaged, its protective functions are reduced due to Trichomonas. It is much more difficult to get rid of trichomoniasis than other genitourinary infections.
Diagnosis of STDs
How are infections detected? STDs are diagnosed using the microscopic method and a biochemical blood test. In the first case, a smear is examined under a microscope. So chlamydia, ureaplasma, trichomonads are found. This method is more informative, since antibodies are not detected in the blood during the latent period. But when taking a smear, not all types of pathogens are detected. To do this, apply more detailed studies.
Treatment methods
They treat STDs most often with strong antibiotics. The course of therapy is approximately 14 days, but can be extended. In addition to tablets, vaginal suppositories are prescribed. It is important to understand that treatment is necessary for both partners.
During this period, all sexual contacts should be excluded, as well as drinking alcohol is unacceptable. The doctor must choose the right medicine, otherwise the treatment process may be ineffective. A specific diet is selected that will help the body fight the pathogen. To strengthen the immune system, immunomodulators are often prescribed, as well as taking vitamin complexes.
Prevention
As a preventive measure, it is recommended to have a normal sexual life with a regular partner. It is also necessary to use methods of barrier protection, namely during sexual contact, a condom should be used.
A regular visit to the doctor and taking tests with a partner guarantee the timely detection of the disease. It is necessary to observe personal hygiene, as well as strengthen the body's defenses. All chronic diseases need to be treated. This will be the prevention of STDs. The incubation period, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are described in this article.