Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are diseases that transmit through sexual contact with another infected person. STDs can be divided into two categories: bacterial STDs and viral STDs. While all may still be transmitted through oral, anal and vaginal sex, the characteristics of the two are slightly different. The most obvious difference is that bacterial STDs can be cured with courses of antibiotics, while viral STDs are mostly incurable. Even though bacterial STDs can be cured, they can still hurt you a lot, sometimes to the point where permanent damage is caused to the body. In this article, we will explain three common bacterial STDs that may affect you.
Chlamydia
Perhaps the most common bacterial STD in Singapore, Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal and anal sex and its main symptom is a sharp pain when urinating. Often, chlamydia patients are not actually aware that they have contracted the virus, as it sometimes does not exhibit any symptoms. However, if left untreated, chlamydia could lead to severe, long-term health problems such as Pelvic inflammatory disease (for women) and Urethritis (for men). Fortunately, chlamydia can be treated with a few courses of antibiotics. To find out if you have chlamydia, it is recommended that you visit a well-respected STD clinic in Singapore. There, doctors will also be able to prescribe you appropriate antibiotics if needed.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea, also known in America as “the clap”, is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. Gonorrhoea is very easily transmittable – you don’t even need to have penetrative sex to be infected with gonorrhoea! Close genital contact could also lead to an infection. It is also possible for the bacteria to infect your eye, if seminal or vaginal fluids come into contact with it. One main symptom of gonorrhoea is a sharp pain when peeing, similar to chlamydia. It is because of this that the two often get mistaken for one another. Only an STD doctor will be able to tell for sure through confidential STD testing in Singapore. Gonorrhoea tests often simply require a urine sample or a swab of the genitals. Complications of gonorrhoea include Epididymitis, an infection of tubes that carry the sperm to the testicles (in men), and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (in women). Speak to an STD doctor immediately if you feel pain in your genital area, so you can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Syphilis
One of the scarier bacterial STDs is syphilis. Caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum, syphilis can lead to very severe complications including blindness, deafness and death. Fortunately, syphilis is very curable in its early stages with antibiotics, meaning it is important for every sexually active person to get tested for syphilis regularly. Early symptoms of syphilis include a painless sore on the penis or vagina. If you see this sore, you should get tested as soon as possible. Syphilis tests usually involve a physical examination and a blood test, and you will be able to get results within a week. If you are tested positive, doctors would prescribe you with antibiotics for treatment. As syphilis can take a while to cure, do be cautious about not engaging in sexual activity while on treatment, as you can still pass on the virus.
Conclusion
If you have any query or concerns about your sexual health, do not hesitate to call Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208.
