Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a group of infectious diseases transferred by sexual contact and are being caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites.
There are more than 20 types of STDs including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes Simplex, HIV, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), Trichomonas, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Hepatitis etc.
Usually, women are in a higher risk for complications than men who gave STD. The most common complications for women are Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility.
Pregnant women with STD might transfer it to the newborn and expose him/her to substantial health problems.
Risk Factors for STD include unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple partners, illicit drug use, and alcohol consumption.
Unprotected sex in Tel Aviv is unfortunately common, therefore we get to test and treat all types of STD, on a daily basis
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are two of the most common STD, and unfortunately we get to treat patients with a these infections every week. The germ is being transferred from one person to another during an unprotected sexual intercourse; vaginal, anal or oral. It can also pass from one person to another, by sharing sexual toys without proper cleansing or covering with a condom.
Most of the time, there are no symptoms, and the person who get them is a "silent carrier". Therefore, he/she can transfer it to his/her sexual contacts, if the sexual intercourse is not fully protected.
The symptoms usually appear 1-3 weeks after the sexual contact, but they can also appear months or years later.
The most common symptoms of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infection are: · Burning sensation and/or pain during urination · Discharge from the urethra/anus/vagina · Vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between menses · Lower abdominal pain · Frequent urine infections · Perineal pain · Blood in the semen · Testicular pain · Throat pain · Anal pain · Eye infection
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infection is being diagnosed easily by a simple urine test. There is also an option to take a culture with a swab from the penis, anus, eyes, or vagina.
Proper diagnosing and treatment reduce the burden of complications substantially, whereas developing one of them (for example – a pelvic inflammation), makes it much harder to treat and eradicate. We recommend any person who develop one of the above symptoms get checked, but also any other person who has one of the above mentioned risk factors.
Treatment is usually very effective with either Doxycycline or Azithromycin pills for Chlamydia and Ceftriaxone injection for Gonorrhea (which can be given in our clinic in Tel Aviv)
Syphilis
Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Treponema Pallidum. It is usually transmitted through unprotected sex. The disease progresses in stages and can lead to severe complications. It usually begins as a painless ulcer in the genital area, mouth, or other body organ. In advanced stages of the disease, it can cause serious damage to the heart and brain. However, when the disease is diagnosed early, it can be treated relatively easily with antibiotics.
The stages of the disease are:
The first sign of the disease are painless ulcers in the site of infection ("Chancre"). The ulcer can appear on the genitals or around/inside the mouth and are very contagious. They can infect anyone with whom the person have close contact (usually during sex). The ulcers disappear within 2-6 weeks.
The second stage include skin rash and sore throat. These symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks. After the disappearance of the symptoms of the second stage, the disease enters a latent (hidden) period that can last for years. During this period the disease is not manifested by any symptoms.
The third and most dangerous phase begins at the end of the latent period. At this stage the disease might involve the nervous system (brain and spine) and other organs.
The course of the disease
If the disease is diagnosed early, it can be easily treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin. If the disease is not diagnosed and treated, it can deteriorate into a serious and dangerous disease and cause conditions such as stroke, paralysis, vision and death.
Incidence
The number of new cases of the disease has been rising since 2000. Almost two-thirds of the new cases are in men who have sex with men. The prevalence of the disease is also on the rise in young women.
In 2007, the Israeli Ministry of Health reported an alert of a syphilis outbreak, due to the increasing numbers of infected individuals among men who have sex with men, some of whom are HIV positive.