Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), is a category of infections or viruses spread through intimate contact or sexual activity.
A common trend with many STDs is that many are asymptomatic, there are little to no signs of an infection but it can still be unknowingly passed on to others. That makes it crucial to frequently visit STD clinics in Singapore, to get screened for any possible STDs if you are sexually active. The World Health Organisation (WHO) calculated an global estimate of 1 million STI infections everyday.
There are dozens of STDs, but obviously some are much more common than others. This article will look at 2 extremely common STIs: Gonohrrea and Herpes. It will look at each STI’s symptoms and potential effects if left untreated.
- Gonohrrea
Gonohrrea, or ‘the clap’, is caused by the bacteria Niesseria gonorrhoeae. Like most STIs, it can be transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be spread prenatally from an infected mother to her newborn child.
Symptoms of gonohrrea, if they become apparent, differ for both males and females. The bacteria incubates inside our bodies before symptoms appear, usually 2 – 5 days after infection.
For women, it is quite common that symptoms don’t develop. Symptoms can be mild enough to be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Painful urination, anal itching, abnormal vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, swollen glands at the opening of the vagina and pain during sex are all common symptoms.
Gonohrrea’s symptoms are much more apparent for men. They include painful, frequent urination, anal itching and abnormal discharge from the penis.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, known as disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). The most common symptom is arthritis-dermatitis, resulting in joint and tendon pains.
- Herpes
Herpes is a viral STD caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes is widely recognised through forming distinctive ulcers in areas which have come into contact with the virus. Herpes can be spread through contact with these ulcers.
Herpes is an extremely common STD, with estimates as high as 60% – 95% of adults infected. Most of the time, the virus lies dormant, in a latent state where no symptoms develop.
However, herpes outbreaks lead to a multitude of symptoms. Itching and pain caused by ulcers are common, as well as fevers, chills, headaches and swollen lymph nodes. When suffering from a breakout, a person could also feel body aches and constant fatigue.
Sores typically last for 2 weeks before going away and are very contagious. Touching a sore and rubbing your eye could cause your eye to be infected.
If left untreated, and coupled with a supressed immune system, herpes could spread to your eyes and brain. This has serious repercussions. The virus is capable of damaging both vital organs. Thus, it is important to check for herpes at a STD clinic in Singapore even if its symptoms are not apparent.
Most STDs will not directly lead to severe consequences for your health. However, repeated infections or ignoring infections could encourage more serious conditions, like acquiring HIV or causing a loss of your eye sight. Even if there is a complete absence of any symptoms, it is still crucial to get screened for STDs in Singapore’s STD clinics.
