White Patches, Weird Breath, and Swollen Glands: Is It an STD or Something Else?
Recognizing Genital Warts
Genital warts are the result of an infection with the Human Papillomavirus. These benign growths occur on, in, or around the genital areas and can take on the appearance of small vegetation. They can be different colors and most often are the color of the person's skin, which makes them hard to detect. Both men and women can have this, but it is more problem-causing for females. Symptoms include discharge, itching, bleeding, or a burning sensation. If symptoms are ignored, tremendous discomfort and pain can result.
Syphilis: Primary to Tertiary Stages
Primary Syphilis: The First Stage
Syphilis is an STD caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It begins with a small sore-called a chancre-that marks the infection point of entry. The site of this chancre depends on the type of sexual contact that conveyed the infection; generally, chancres appear around the genitals or mouth. In general, the chancre heals on its own, but unless treated with antibiotics, the disease proceeds to stage two.
Syphilis Stage Two: The Rash Stage
The rash of the secondary stage is usually red or reddish-brown. The rash begins on the trunk and then spreads to the palms and soles. Without appropriate therapeutic interventions, syphilis progresses into its tertiary or final third stage. Other symptoms in this stage can also include headaches, fever, swollen lymph glands, weight loss, sore throat, muscle aches, or fatigue.
Tertiary Syphilis: The Final Stage
Tertiary syphilis is a disease in its most serious stage-the third. It is possibly lethal. Several organs can be affected; the symptoms are dependent on the different organs that will be involved. Neurosyphilis or the dissemination of syphilis to the brain and nervous system can also occur. Treatment, in this case, becomes tricky and usually involves more aggressive therapeutic modes and support and surgery.
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Acute Phase of HIV Infection
The acute phases of infection are common and often manifest as flu-like. Other early signs and symptoms include fever, rash due to HIV, a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes-or lymphadenopathy-and joints and muscle or bone aches. It is during this phase that the manifestations of seroconversion processes occur where, through replication, the virus invades the host's body cells. The rash due to HIV can occur anywhere in the body but often manifests itself most prominently in the face, chest, feet, and hands.
Chlamydia and Its Many Faces
chlamydia is one of the most prevalent STDs; it is usually asymptomatic. Symptoms, if any, include discharge from the genital area, dysuria, and a rash. Possible complications related to the infection, if left unmanaged, include infertility. Skin rashes occurring from chlamydia mostly occur post-treatment and after exposure from the sun.
Identifying Gonorrhea and its Effects
Like chlamydia, gonorrhea is another relatively prevalent STD. This presents with a penile or vaginal discharge, and a rash may develop. Characteristically, the rash appears over the trunk, limbs, palms, and soles but spares the face, scalp, and mouth. The disease is curable with antibiotics. It is often associated with a chlamydia coinfection.
Signs and Symptoms of Genital Herpes
Herpes simplex virus, or HSV, has two forms: HSV-1, which generally causes oral herpes, and HSV-2, which generally causes genital herpes. Both forms can appear as a rash with one or multiple blisters around the mouth, genitals, or anus. The blisters break open into small, painful ulcers that have red bases and cause itching, burning, or tingling sensations. HSV is treated with antiviral medication, which helps to manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Once herpes is contracted, it cannot be cured.
Hepatitis: The Warning Sign of Jaundice
Hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted viral infections, gradually harm the liver. Chronic hepatitis can lead to jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin build-up is typically a result of obstructed liver ducts, signifying the liver's inability to metabolize substances. Occasionally, jaundice can appear during the acute phase of hepatitis, when liver damage is still reversible. Symptoms may include extreme fatigue and darkened urine.
Asymptomatic STDs
Most of the STDs are asymptomatic, thus being a silent threat. Many who get infected remain oblivious to their infection until the condition becomes so advanced as possibly to cause serious complications. You had unsafe sex, and you have been at risk of contracting one or more of the STDs. Symptomatic or not, do not wait but take the test without any further ado. Remember, early detection and timely treatment avert life-threatening complications of the diseases.
Home Testing for STDs
In this new era of telemedicine, testing for many common STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis, is increasingly possible in the comfort and sanctity of one's home. Currently, there are a host of over-the-counter home tests available for a range of common STDs. Generally, these kits include the collection of a urine sample, a vaginal or rectal swab, or even a saliva sample that is to be mailed to a laboratory for processing. Results are usually available online within a few days. It's very convenient and can be done in private as taking matters into their hands regarding sexual health, in turn, may promote early detection and treatment of STDs. However, let one not forget that even house testing does not guarantee that one is clearing consultations with the doctor while having multiple sex partners or while under high-risk sexual behavior.
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