Introduction
Sexually transmitted infections treatments has evolve over the years. Various methods has been introduced and implemented to treating and eliminating pathogens of all kinds that cause STIs..
How health professionals diagnose Sexually transmitted infections
Your health professional will perform physical exam on you to look for any signs or symptoms of infection like discharge, rashes, blisters or sores. If you’re in doubts whether you may contract a sexually transmitted infection or sexually transmitted disease from your previous or current sexual partner, the above mentioned signs will be looked out for.
Laboratory tests
Laboratory test is the best known method for detecting sexually transmitted infection in your blood, semen, saliva and urine. Your health professional or doctor will take a sample of your blood or body fluids depending on the type of infection testing for. the following various tests can detect any infection in your body;
⦁ Blood test
⦁ urine sample test
⦁ vagina secretions/cervical swab
⦁ saliva for oral testing
⦁ semen/penile discharge swab
⦁ fluid sample from open sores
⦁ Screening
Blood Test
Some sexually transmitted infections require a blood sample test to confirms if a patient has the disease. HIV and reoccurring syphilis can be detected in the blood. The test will provide a clear report that the patient is diagnosed of the named infections or the virus and bacteria are present in the blood. Other sexually transmitted infections can be detected using the blood test. Including herpes and hepatitis
Urine sample test
The urine sample test is used in both male and female to confirm of sexually transmitted infections or diseases. This form of STIs test is mostly used for bacterial infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Recent study shows that Trichomoniasis, a parasitic sexually transmitted infection, can be diagnose using the urine testing method but not common they said.
Vagina secretions/cervical swab test
The swab test is perform to detect the presence of sexually transmitted infections. During this process, a special swab, the tool used to collect samples of discharge or secretions from your vagina or crevice. This will be able confirm for any sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis can be detected with this method in women.
Semen/penile discharge swab
The penile swab test is performed using the swab, to collect samples from the penis and urethra. This test is done to detect sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis in men.
Saliva for oral testing
Saliva testing can be done to detect HIV in patients although not accurate in every patient. Your health provider will later perform the blood test to be sure you have the infection. Samples can be collected from your mouth if you have sore, warts, blisters and chancres in any part of your mouth.
Fluid sample
Fluids from open sores can be examined to confirm for sexually transmitted infections. The sample is collected and studied another a microscope. Other places fluid samples can be taken from are the eye, throat, cervix, rectum, and anywhere the infection is located
Screening
Screening is the best measure to help detect, treat and prevent any disease or infections. This can help detect diseases in early stage and those that does not show symptoms. Screening is however a health practice of testing for an existing or potential infection or health disorder and diseases in people who do not show any symptoms of such disease.
Study shows that, early detection of any health disorder or infections can aids treatment, prevention and outbreak of the infection. Sexually transmitted Infections detected in their early stage can respond to treatment quickly compared to those that took long before they’re confirmed. HIV can be easily managed and patients can respond to treatment quickly if detected easily.
Chlamydia which is asymptomatic, showing no signs or symptoms in early stage can spread quickly among sexually active people. HIV is said to show no symptoms in some patients within 30 days of contracting the infection.
Depending on your body and immune system, you might not show possible symptoms of sexually transmitted infection which is why you need to do frequent screening tests if you’re sexually active and don’t practice safe sex. People with multiple sex partners and other underlying health issues have higher risks of contracting sexually transmitted infection.
Treatments
Treatments are based on the kind of sexually transmitted infections present in your body. There are numerous sexually transmitted out there. Before your health provider will want to treat you, they will have to know the kind of treatment method to give you, This is because sexually transmitted infections are caused by different pathogens which includes bacteria, virus, fungi and parasite.
Below are the various types of sexually transmitted infections and their causative agents and the treatment they can undergo.
Bacterial STIs
⦁ gonorrhea(caused by Neisseria gonorrheae),
⦁ chlamydia( caused by Chlamydia trachomatis),
⦁ syphilis(caused by Treponema pallidum),
⦁ bacterial vaginiosis(caused by Gardnerella vaginalis)
Viral STIs
⦁ HPV(Human papillomavirus) eg. genital warts
⦁ Herpes(caused by the Herpes simplex virus),
⦁ HIV(caused by the human immunodeficiency virus)
⦁ AIDS()causes by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome),
⦁ Hepatitis B(caused by the Hepatitis B virus, HBV)
Parasitic STI
⦁ Trichomoniasis(caused by Trichomonas vaginalis)
Fungal STIs
Yeast infection(caused by candida albicans). Although not considered a sexually transmitted infection, change in your body’s pH as a result of certain medications like hormonal contraceptives and semen releases into your vagina during sex can trigger the infection.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can cure many STIs. They can be in a single dose, weekly or monthly. Your doctor will be able to provide the best antibiotic to treat your condition.
Some infections will require you treat other sexually transmitted infections in addition. A case in point is treating chlamydia and gonorrhea together. Research shows that patients tested for any of the above infections may as well have both.
Antibiotics can treat infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, Trichomoniasis.
Antiviral drugs.
Patients who tested positive for herpes or HIV, you’ll be prescribed an antiviral drug. You’ll have fewer herpes recurrences if you take daily suppressive therapy with a prescription antiviral drug. You can still spread the virus to other people if you have unprotected sex.
HIV can be kept in place with antiviral drugs for many years however you’re at risk of transmitting the virus to other people.
HIV detected early can be helpful during treatment. Treatment can be more effective if your treatment start early. Taking your medications accurately can reduce the viral load in the blood making it less detected.
Conclusion
It is always advisable to abstain from sexual intercourse when treating your infections. Patients are usually required to stay for at least a week or more.
Make sure you take your medications on time and finish any prescriptions.
You will be told how long you have to treat a particular infection. You may later confirmed negative if a retest shows that you do not have the infections.
Pregnant women can as well undergo STI treatment so as to prevent their baby from contracting the infections.
Do not take any action of treatment on your own if laboratory test has not confirm the presence of an infection or the type of pathogens in your body.
It is advisable to visit your health provider to get tested so as to know the type of infection you are treating.
Sexually transmitted infection is a serious health condition which requires an immediate health attention. Bear in mind that untreated STIs have the potential of causing other health disorders like cancer, paralysis, skin infections, blur vision and death.
DISCLAIMER
Information provided here are for educational purpose only and must not be substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Monuji does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.