Sexually transmitted diseases and warts

Sexually transmitted diseases and warts

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact.
Sexual contact can be:
**vaginal
**oral
**anal

Some STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are transmitted through:
** skin contact
** blood
** vertical transmission from mother to baby

What are the causatives of STDs?
** bacteria (chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis)
** viruses (HIV, herpes, HPV, hepatitis)
** parasites (trichomoniasis, lice and scabies)

Symptoms of STDs:
** abnormal discharge
** discomfort during urination
** visible lesions (like blisters or warts)
** itching
** rash
** pelvic pain
** fever

Diagnosis:
** History
** physical exam which reveals:
-    Fever, tachycardia
-    Lower abdominal tenderness
-    Sometimes rash
-    Abnormal discharge
-    Adnexal mass or tenderness on bimanual examination
-    Skin lesions
** laboratory tests:
-    Elevated WBCs, CRP
-    Urine analysis and culture
-    Blood tests for antibodies, antigens or viral loads
-    Swabs taken from vagina, cervix

Treatment of STDs:
** bacterial: antibiotics
** viral: manage symptoms and give medications to reduce viral load and transmission
** parasitic: medication specific for the parasite
It is important to treat early in order to prevent permanent organ damage or infertility.

Prevention of STDs:
** avoid multiple sexual partners
** get vaccines (HPV and hepatitis)
** use condoms

Genital warts:
Are caused by human papilloma virus (6 &11)
The virus can’t be eradicated, but the treatment focuses on removing lesions, reducing transmission and managing symptoms.
It stays dormant and flares occur in cases or immunocompromise or illness.

How to treat warts:
** externally applied creams and ointments (antimitotic and immunomodulators)
** liquid nitrogen
** electrocautery
** laser
** surgical excision

If a woman develops warts, it is better to do routine pap smear due to increased risk of cervical cancer

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist