Can STDs Cause Itching All Over?
Everything You Need To Know About Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted infections can lead to sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment can depend on your diagnosis.
Often confused, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) aren't actually the same thing.
An infection —which is when bacteria, viruses, or parasites attack the body —comes before a disease.
And while an infection may result in zero symptoms, a disease usually always comes with clear signs.
Think of it this way: An STD will always start out as an STI. But not all STIs turn into STDs.
Now you know the difference between the two, here's the lowdown on the types of STDs that currently exist, how to treat them, and, most importantly, how to prevent them.
If an STD starts with a symptomatic STI, you might first experience:
But remember that not all STIs have symptoms.
If an STI progresses to an STD, symptoms can vary. Some of them may be similar to the above, such as pain during sexual activity, pain during urination, and irregular or painful periods.
But other symptoms can be quite different and depend on the STD. They can include:
All STDs are caused by an STI.
These infections are usually transmitted through sexual contact, including through bodily fluids or skin contact via vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
Some of them never become a disease, especially if they're treated, and they can even go away on their own.
But if the pathogens that caused the infection end up damaging cells in the body and disrupting its functions, an STI will progress to an STD.
While the list of STIs is pretty lengthy, there are fewer STDs.
They range from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), caused by STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, to some forms of cancer, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Below are the main STDs to be aware of.
Pelvic inflammatory diseaseGonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are common STIs that can lead to PID if left untreated.
But not all cases of PID are caused by an STI, as other bacterial infections can play a role.
Around 2.5 million women in the United States have a reported lifetime history of being diagnosed with PID, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Although this infection of the female reproductive organs is classified as a disease, some people have no symptoms.
Those who do have symptoms may experience:
Antibiotics can successfully treat PID if it's diagnosed early enough. However, they won't treat any scarring on the fallopian tubes that may have occurred.
This scarring can make an ectopic pregnancy more likely and has also been linked to infertility, with around 1 in 10 people with PID becoming infertile as a result.
Tertiary syphilisThe early stages of syphilis —a relatively uncommon infection — are considered an STI.
The infection first appears as one or more small round sores on the genitals, anus, or mouth. If left untreated, syphilis will move to the latent phase, which has no symptoms.
However, around a quarter of people will go on to develop tertiary syphilis from here —a process that can take between 10 and 30 years after the initial infection.
This disease can have serious consequences for several organ systems in the body, leading to:
The earlier syphilis is diagnosed and treated, the less damage it does.
While penicillin injections are typically used to treat tertiary syphilis and remove the bacteria from the body, they can't reverse any damage that's already occurred.
Of course, if the disease causes problems with major organs, like the heart, other medications and procedures may be required.
CancerAlthough some strains of HPV tend to cause no disease, other strains can cause abnormal cell changes.
This can lead to cancer, including:
According to the National Cancer Institute, most cases of HPV-related cancer in the United States are caused by HPV 16 and HPV 18.
HPV causes almost all cervical cancers, as well as over 90% of anal cancers, 75% of vaginal cancers, and over 60% of penile cancers.
Symptoms of these cancers vary, depending on where in the body they affect. Swellings and lumps, bleeding, and pain can be common.
If cancer is diagnosed early, it's often easier to treat with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
Some screening tests exist to detect pre-cancerous cell changes caused by HPV.
Genital wartsSome lower-risk strains of HPV can cause a disease called genital warts.
These skin-colored or white bumps show up on the genitals or anus, with over 350,000 people developing them every year.
They are treatable, but not curable, as the virus that causes them may remain. (In some cases, HPV disappears on its own.)
Genital warts can also go away by themselves, but they can also come back.
If you want to get them removed, options range from freezing or burning them off to applying a chemical cream or liquid.
AIDSHIV can damage the immune system and increase the risk of contracting other viruses or bacteria and developing certain cancers.
With today's treatments, many people with HIV live long, healthy lives.
But if left untreated, the virus can lead to AIDS, where the body becomes vulnerable to serious infections and illnesses.
People with AIDS may experience:
No cure is available for AIDS. And due to the variety of diseases that can be contracted as a result of a severely weakened immune system, life expectancy without treatment is around 3 years.
Some STIs can be transmitted to a fetus during pregnancy or a newborn during childbirth. But this isn't the case for all STDs.
Syphilis can be passed to an unborn baby, resulting in a serious infection, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
Genital warts can also pass to a baby, but it's extremely rare.
PID can affect future pregnancies, making an ectopic pregnancy more likely and causing infertility in 1 in 10 people.
Here's what else to consider if you're pregnant:
It's hard for healthcare professionals to diagnose an STD based on symptoms alone, so they'll need to do some tests and examinations.
Depending on the suspected STD, this may involve:
STDs can have varied effects on the body.
There are a number of treatment options, depending on the condition, including:
You may also be advised to make lifestyle alterations, such as abstaining from sex until treatment is complete.
Remember that, with most STDs, it's not possible to undo any damage that the disease has already caused. And some STDs, such as genital warts and AIDS, aren't curable.
The best way to avoid an STD is to prevent STIs. And the only foolproof way to do that is to avoid sexual contact.
But there are ways to make sex safer and reduce the risk of contracting an STI:
Many STDs are treatable, but not all of them are curable. Some can be life threatening, while others have less serious effects.
They are, however, all caused by an STI. So the best way to prevent them is to get regularly screened and practice safer sex.
And if you test positive for any STI, seek treatment as soon as possible.
Lauren Sharkey is a U.K.-based journalist and author specializing in women's issues. When she isn't trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on Twitter.
Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy Can Lead To Premature Delivery: What Can You Do?
If left untreated, BV could also lead to sexually transmitted infections. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make pregnant more likely to get Bacterial vaginosis (BV). The vaginal infection can lead to complication like premature delivery, if left untreated.Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina is disrupted, and "bad" bacteria overpower the "good" bacteria. It is a common vaginal infection estimated to affect about 35 per cent of women, mostly those age between 15-44 years. Women with BV are at increased risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STD) including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Having bacterial vaginosis while pregnant can lead to premature delivery or delivering the baby too early. Luckily, it is treatable with antibiotics, and treatment can help reduce the risk of these serious health risks. Sometimes, it goes away without treatment.
Symptoms ofBacterial Vaginosis to look out forNot all women with Bacterial Vaginosis experience symptoms. When symptoms appear, it may include:
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis are similar to other vaginal infections. T's important to visit a doctor to rule out other vaginal infection.
Risk factors of bacterial vaginosisFactors that can cause imbalance of vaginal bacteria and increase that risk of getting bacterial vaginosis include:
While sexual activity increases your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis, the infection is not sexually transmitted, and doesn't spread from person to person. However, it can transmitted between female sexual partners.
Sexual activity may change the bacterial environment in your vagina and make bacterial overgrowth more likely. This is probably the reason why the condition is most common in women who are sexually active. However, how sexual activity is associated with BV is not known exactly.
Complications of bacterial vaginosisIf left untreated, BV could lead to sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection of the reproductive organs which can cause difficulties conceiving, if left untreated), and complications during pregnancy.
Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancyPregnancy causes hormonal changes that makes pregnant more likely to get BV.
If you get BV during pregnancy, get it treated as it can cause premature birth, or your baby may be born at a low birth weight (weighing less than 5.5 pounds at birth). Typically, metronidazole or clindamycin are prescribed for treatment of BV. These medications come in different forms: pills (taken orally) or a gel or cream (which is inserted into the vagina).
Usually, the infection goes away completely with one round of antibiotics (taken for up to 7 days). Some people may need another round of treatment.
It's important to complete the antibiotic course prescribed by the healthcare provider, even if the symptoms go away, as stopping it early increases your risk of getting the infection again. Avoid self-treatment and be careful not to use medications meant for yeast infections, it can make BV worse. BV needs to be treated with the help of a healthcare provider.
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What You Should Know About Cramping After Your Period Ends
Post-period cramps can occur with certain health conditions, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts, among other causes.
Many people experience abdominal cramping before or during their menstrual cycle. Yet, it's also possible to have post-period cramps.
Painful cramping after your period is known as secondary dysmenorrhea. It's more common during adulthood.
These cramps aren't usually serious. However, it's important that you monitor them, especially if they last. Post-period cramps may be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of secondary dysmenorrhea.
Cramping after your period is usually felt in your lower abdomen and back. You may also experience pain in your hips and thighs.
Cramping and aching may be accompanied by nausea and lightheadedness. You can experience abdominal bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, too.
The pain may be more severe and continue longer than typical menstrual cramps. The cramps may also start earlier in your menstrual cycle instead of right before your next period.
Sometimes cramping after your period isn't serious. But if you have persistent pain from cramping that lasts longer than your menstrual cycle, it could be a sign that you have an underlying condition.
Here are possible causes for cramping after your period:
EndometriosisEndometriosis is a condition that happens when cells similar to uterus lining grow outside the uterus. This can cause painful cramping before, during, and after your period.
Cramping may be accompanied by inflammation and pelvic pain. The pain may be severe and can happen during or after sex or during bowel movements or urination. This ongoing pain may be felt in your lower back.
Symptoms of endometriosis include:
Endometriosis may be treated with medication, hormone therapy, or surgery.
AdenomyosisAdenomyosis is a condition caused by abnormal tissue growth. Instead of forming in the uterine lining, tissue grows in the muscular wall of the uterus. Symptoms include:
Adenomyosis can be treated with medications. In severe cases, it can be treated with a hysterectomy.
Pelvic inflammatory diseasePelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by a bacterial infection in the female reproductive organs. These bacteria can spread from your vagina to your uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
PID may cause no signs or only mild symptoms. Symptoms can include:
PID may be treated with antibiotics and temporarily avoiding sexual activity.
Since PID is often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), any sexual partners should be examined and treated for any STIs to prevent reinfection.
Uterine fibroidsUterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form on or in the uterus. Women with fibroids often don't have any symptoms.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids are influenced by the location, size, and number of fibroids. Symptoms, when present, may include:
Fibroids can be treated with medication, medical procedures, or surgery.
Ovarian cystsCysts that form inside the ovaries can cause post-period bleeding and cramping, too. Most ovarian cysts disappear naturally without any treatment. However, larger cysts may cause pelvic pain in the lower abdomen.
Your stomach may also feel full, heavy, or bloated. See a doctor immediately if you have any sudden and severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, or vomiting.
Ovarian cysts can be treated with medication or surgery.
Cervical stenosisCervical stenosis occurs when the cervix has a small or narrow opening. This may hinder menstrual flow and can cause painful pressure in the uterus.
You can treat cervical stenosis with medication or surgery. Or, you may have an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted.
Ectopic pregnancyAn ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself outside the uterus.
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may begin like a typical pregnancy. However, you may develop the following symptoms:
Heavy bleeding will usually occur if a fallopian tube ruptures. This may be followed by lightheadedness, fainting, and shock. Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms. A fallopian tube rupture is a medical emergency.
An ectopic pregnancy can be resolved with medication or surgery, but it should always be treated as an emergency.
ImplantationIf you become pregnant, your uterine lining may shed and cause light spotting. This is known as implantation bleeding. It usually occurs 7 to 14 days after conception.
Uterine cramping may also occur, especially in the first part of your pregnancy.
Take a home pregnancy test to confirm that you're pregnant.
Ovulation cramps (mittelschmerz)Mittelschmerz is lower abdominal pain on one side that's caused by ovulation. It may be short-lived or last up to 2 days. You may feel a dull, cramp-like sensation on one side. The pain may come on suddenly and feel very sharp.
You may also experience vaginal discharge or light bleeding.
See your doctor if the pelvic pain worsens, or if you also have a fever or nausea.
There are several ways to get relief from cramps. Some remedies include:
Exercise can also help relieve pain by increasing blood circulation and easing stress. Spend time doing light exercises, such as gentle stretching, biking, or walking.
You can try taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) which may help ease pain. Your doctor may also prescribe oral contraceptives since they're linked to reduced menstrual pain.
A massage or acupuncture treatment can help, too. You can gently massage your lower abdomen using skin-safe essential oils. Having an orgasm is also thought to help.
Make sure you're getting plenty of rest and sleep. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle and take time to relax. You may wish to use a heat source on your abdomen or lower back while doing relaxing or restorative yoga poses.
It can also be helpful to take a warm shower or bath and to drink warm drinks, like a cup of hot green tea.
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