STD Full Form - Sexually Transmitted Disease

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections. These are groups of infectious diseases that can spread from sexual contact. STDs can result from bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

More About STD

• STI can spread from sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal contact. 
• Breastfeeding and childbirth can also result in the spread of STIs from an infected mother to the child. 
• The Spread of STDs during birth can result in stillbirth, neonatal death, low birth weight, prematurity, sepsis, and congenital deformities in the child.
• There are more than 30 bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause different types of STDs. 
• There are 8 major sexually transmitted infections. Out of these 8, four are curable, and the rest 4 are still incurable.
• The four curable STIs include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
• The four incurable infections include Hepatitis B, HSV, HIV, and HPV.
• STIs like gonorrhea and syphilis can increase the chances of HIV.
• Using barriers like condoms is the most efficient method to prevent STDs.
• Vaccines are present for two types of sexually transmitted infections: HPV and Hepatitis B.
• Other biomedical interventions like voluntary male circumcision, microbicides, and partner treatments can prevent STIs.
• HPV vaccine became part of the immunization program in 111 countries by 2020.
• STIs are often asymptomatic, and when symptoms appear, they can be non-specific.
• Symptoms can include discharge from the vagina and penis, soreness, pain, itching, bleeding from the genitals, abnormal vaginal odor, and fever.
• Diagnosis of STI can be done from laboratory tests (blood test and urine tests), and some of the STDs can also be diagnosed from physical examination.
• Sex workers, homosexual contacts, drug addicts, multiple sexual partners, prison inmates, and unprotected sex can increase the risk of STIs.
• One can prevent STDs by reducing risky sexual behavior, educating people, providing counseling, and using protection.