Sexual diseases

Sexual diseases are diseases that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse or sexual activity. Many forms of these diseases are widespread and can become annoying or life-threatening depending on their severity and severity. Some similarities of sexual diseases in advance:

• infection: All sexual diseases described here are caused by viruses or bacteria that can be transmitted in unprotected sexual acts, especially vaginal or anal intercourse.
• pathogen: The pathogens are often in the sperm, in the vaginal secretions and / or in the blood serum and get in the sexual act by the slightest injury in the circulation of the sexual partner.
• risk groups: Basically, a sexual illness can affect anyone who has intimate contact with other people. Individuals who change their sexual partners frequently and engage in unprotected sex with them, as well as drug addicts who share syringes and have direct blood-to-blood contact, are at increased risk.
• prevention: The best safety measure against sexual diseases is to use condoms. In case of a dry vagina as well as during anal sexual intercourse, a lubricant should additionally be used to prevent a possible rupture of the condom.

contents

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Gonorrhea (gonorrhea)
• Genital herpes
• HIV
• AIDS
• Vaginal fungal infections
• Trichomoniasis
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• Syphilis (Lues)
• HPV / Papillomavirus
• Prevention of sexual diseases

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is associated with an imbalance in the bacteria that normally live in the female vagina. It is unclear how this imbalance arises. The vaginal flora in healthy condition contains numerous lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli), which repel pathogens. Similar to vaginal fungus, bacterial vaginosis also disturbs this balance and allows other cultures to spread.

An overview of common sexually transmitted diseases. (Image: heilpraxis.de/SENTELLO/nazar12/fotolia.com)

Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis

The lactobacilli produce lactic acid and thus enrich the vagina with acid, which prevents other bacteria from spreading here. In bacterial vaginosis, these lactic acid bacteria are displaced by pathogenic germs such as Gardnerella vaginalis, chlamydia, mycoplasma or Bacteroides bacteria. As a result, the pH in the vagina increases, providing a better habitat for pathogens.

No classic sexually transmitted disease

Bacterial vaginosis is not a disease that can only be contracted through sexual contact. The disease can occur in any woman of childbearing age (often between 15 and 44 years). Nevertheless, the underlying bacteria can be exchanged during sex and women with frequently changing sexual partners are at increased risk.

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

In bacterial vaginosis there is an increased vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age. It is one of the most common vaginal infections. Typical symptoms include:

• Strong smelling discharge from the vagina (fish-like),
• Outflow is watery and has a grayish-white color,
• occasionally itching and burning,
• Symptoms increase after sex or during menstruation.

An overview of the female genitalia. (Image: Henrie / fotolia.com)

Effects of bacterial vaginosis

The vaginosis itself is in many cases largely symptom-free and is rather unpleasant nature. Nonetheless, treatment should be provided as other pathogens find good conditions during vaginosis and there is a significantly increased risk of contracting further inflammation and serious infections such as AIDS. Pregnant women are at risk for premature birth or neonatal infection.

Medicines for bacterial vaginosis

The most important drug to treat bacterial vaginosis is the antibiotic metronidazole. The success rate is 70 to 80 percent, but in 30 percent of patients with a quick cure, the disease returns in the coming months. In addition, the use is associated with any side effects such as somnolence, dizziness and nausea.

Naturopathy in bacterial vaginosis

For naturopathic support St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has proven its anti-inflammatory effect. It can also help against menstrual cramps, vaginal discharge and bladder problems and is considered a natural antidepressant.

St. John's Wort has proven its anti-inflammatory effect in menstrual disorders, vaginal discharge and bladder disorders. (Image: fotoknips / fotolia.com)

Chlamydia trachomatis

Chlamydia trachomatis is now the most common sexually transmitted disease in the developed world. The WHO estimates that 100 million new cases occur worldwide each year. Studies show that this infection is the most common bacterial disease in European countries and the United States. The bacterium transmits through oral, anal and vaginal sex without a condom. Both men and women can get this common infection.

Chlamydia infections in men

Symptoms are more common in men with Chlamydia, but again about 50 percent of the infections are symptom-free. The signs of infection are: pain during urination, redness or swelling of the penis end, discharge from the penis, usually in yellowish or beige. The urinary tracts are inflamed, making urination difficult. The pain is usually limited to the penile tip, where the urethra ends. It can also cause pain during sex.

As with women, untreated Chlamydia trachomatis infection can spread further in men. If the pathogen reaches the prostate and epididymis, it can cause severe pain and impaired functioning of internal genitalia. This functional restriction can lead to sterility.

Chlamydia infections in women

A Chlamydia infection in women often remains undetected, because about 80 percent of all infections are without visible symptoms. The only symptom that appears more often is a purulent discharge from the vagina. If left untreated, the infection may spread and affect the upper reproductive organs, such as the fallopian tubes. It can cause inflammation, which can lead to functional limitations to sterility, if the inflammation becomes chronic.

If the fallopian tubes are affected by a chronic inflammation due to a Chlamydia infection, this can lead to infertility. (Image: Kateryna_Kon / fotolia.com)

Not only genital organs can be affected

Chlamydia can affect various organs, including the penis, vagina, urethra, anus, eye, throat, and lungs, and can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to the reproductive system.

Chlamydia trachomatis treatment and complications

The good news is that Chlamydia is easy to cure with antibiotics. The bad news is that half of the infected women do not know they are infected and 30 percent develop serious complications such as damage to the fallopian tubes caused by pelvic inflammation, which can lead to sterility. Damage to the fallopian tubes may also cause the fertilized egg to implant outside the uterus; premature births are also possible.

Chlamydia in babies

A baby exposed to Chlamydia trachomatis in the birth canal may develop eye or lung inflammation. When the baby passes through the birth canal, it comes into contact with the woman's blood and vaginal fluid. An infected baby usually shows the symptoms of conjunctivitis, such as watery eyes and swollen eyelids (usually in the first 10 days after birth). Symptoms of pneumonia include wheezing cough, which is steadily worsening and usually occurs within three to six weeks after birth.

Naturopathy in Chlamydia trachomatis

To support naturopathy treatment are plants that are known for their antibacterial properties. These include, for example:

• sage,
• garlic,
• turmeric,
• cats Dorn,
• Saw Palmetto,
• Goldenseal.

Garlic is known among home remedies for its antibacterial effect. (Image: Alice_D / fotoliia.com)

Gonorrhea (gonorrhea)

Gonorrhea, also known as gonorrhea, is the second most common bacterial infection in Europe and a serious health problem because untreated infections can lead to sequelae, pelvic inflammation, premature birth and infertility.

Trigger of a gonorrhea

The sexually transmitted infection is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which thrives in the warm moist areas of the reproductive tract, the cervix, the uterus and fallopian tubes of the woman as well as in the urethra of men and women. The WHO estimates that about one percent of the world's population is infected with this bacterium. Every year, there are over 100 million new infections worldwide.

transmission

Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria that are found mainly in the semen and vaginal fluid of men and women who are infected. Gonorrhea is easily transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. Anyone who is sexually active can get them and pass them on.

Gonorrhea is significant because of its potential complications, such as female genital tract disorders that can lead to infertility, additional infections and neonates, and eye disorders. Gonorrhea patients are also often infected with Chlamydia. Gonoorhoe continues to promote sexual transmission of HIV, and the two diseases often occur together.

The symptoms usually appear two to fourteen days after the infection, however, many infected people show never recognizable symptoms. Such sufferers are ideal carriers of the disease.

Different pathogen types. (Image: designua / fotolia.com)

Gonorrhea symptoms in women

The early signs of gonorrhea are usually difficult to recognize. Men are more likely to have clear symptoms than women. Half of the women who develop gonorrhea symptoms have abnormal vaginal discharge and around 25 percent complain of genital pain. Less common symptoms of gonorrhea are pain when urinating and more bleeding during the period. The discharge often has an unusual consistency, sometimes it is creamy, sometimes it is reminiscent of blood or even greenish.

Gonorrhea symptoms in men

More than three-quarters of men with gonorrhea have symptoms, making it easier to detect the infection. The conditions disappear after a few weeks by itself, but the infection remains in the organism and can cause further damage in the body. The first symptoms may appear one week after transmission, namely:

• Burning pain while peeing,
• white discharge from the penis,
• Redness and swelling of the urethra mouth,
• increased urination,
• dull pain in the bladder area,
• Anus pain (if the anal area is infected).

Gonorrhea in babies

The infection can be transmitted from a mother to the child during childbirth. Newborns show symptoms in their eyes during the first weeks. These swell, redden and have a pulpy discharge.

Prevention of gonorrhea

Any form of unprotected sex with an infected partner may result in transmission. This includes certain sexual practices such as anal sex or oral sex. Frequent unprotected sexual contact with changing partners increases the risk of gonorrhea. In addition, it should be prevented to share clothes and towels with an infected person, because even their common use may be contagious.

The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae triggers the disease gonorrhea, better known as gonorrhea. (Image: Giovanni Cancemi / fotolia.com)

Naturopathy in gonorrhea

Eating fruits cleanses the blood, as well as vegetables, either raw or as juice. Bananas and potatoes should be avoided. However, papayas, wild apples and melons are known as natural remedies for gonorhoe. Although other forms of natural medicine such as acupuncture do not directly help against gonorrhea, but strengthen the immune system, so this is better prepared for the fight against the bacteria.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a variant of the herpes virus (HSV) that causes painful blisters in the genital area. Type 1 HSV usually causes feverish blisters in the mouth or face, while type 2 HSV typically occurs on the genitals.

Herpes viruses stay a lifetime

Mostly, herpes viruses are inactive and do not cause symptoms, but with a weakened immune system, it can often lead to outbreaks. Once infected with HSV, the virus remains in the body for a lifetime.

Herpes transmission

Both types of virus can be transmitted through direct contact, ie skin-to-skin contact, kissing, as well as anal, oral or vaginal sex. The first symptoms may appear after two to fourteen days, sometimes even years after the infection. Some people never show symptoms. Often these people do not even know that they are infected with the genital herpes, but can transmit the infection.

Genital herpes Symptoms of a first infection

The symptoms can vary from person to person. A newly-caught herpes infection is often manifested by the following symptoms, usually lasting one to two weeks:

• Red spots on the genitals, rectum and anal opening,
• Bubble formation with yellowish liquid,
• painful swelling of lymph nodes in the area,
• fever,
• burning pain on the skin,
• itchy rash at the infected site,
• Nerve pain in the leg.

After a herpes infection, vesicles that are filled with a yellowish liquid often form at the infected sites. (Image: nengredeye / fotolia.com)

Further outbreaks

After the first outbreak the symptoms disappear and the virus becomes inactive. It stays in the nervous system and can reactivate months or years later, usually in the same place where it first appeared. Often, other outbreaks associated with stress, fever and other disorders and women during menstruation. Over time, it is less common for the outbreak, the symptoms are milder and therefore often remain unrecognized.

Herpes and pregnancy

Herpes does not affect the fertility of men and women. If a woman becomes infected with the virus immediately before pregnancy, there is a very low risk that the disease will spread to the baby. If a primary infection occurs during the last 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby may become infected during the birth. By birth by caesarean section, however, this risk can be avoided.

HIV

HIV is a virus and stands for Human Immunodeficiency, ie human immunodeficiency. The virus only infects humans and closely related primates. Normally, our immune system protects the body from viruses. In the case of HIV, however, the virus directly attacks the immune system, which is incapable of repelling and destroying HIV.

HIV transmission

The HIV viruses are primarily in the seminal fluid, in the blood and in the vaginal and wound secretions. The most common mode of transmission is unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse. Also oral sex carries a low risk of infection. Furthermore, direct blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing cannulas among drug addicts, is associated with a high risk of infection.

Transfer from mother to child

There is a risk that infected pregnant women transmit the virus during pregnancy to the child in the womb or during childbirth. An infection after birth via breast milk is possible.

No general risk of infection

In addition to the described transmission paths there is no risk of infection in everyday life. It is safe to live with an infected person, to work, to eat and to share the sanitary facilities. There is no transmission risk from coughing or sneezing, as well as ordinary physical contact such as kissing, hugging, shaking hands or drinking from the same vessels.

In everyday life a normal coexistence with HIV positive persons is possible without any problems. Except for sexual and direct blood-to-blood contact, there are no risks of infection. (Image: sewcream / fotolia.com)

Increased risk of infection

The virus often enters the body through minor injuries. Those who suffer from other sexual illnesses such as syphilis, herpes, Chlamydia, Gonnorhoe or vaginal inflammation, therefore, has a higher risk of becoming infected with HIV during unprotected intercourse.

HIV symptoms

The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the degree of infection. The onset of infection may be symptom-free, but flu-like symptoms may also occur. These include, for example:

• fever,
• a headache,
• body aches,
• swollen lymph nodes,
• weight loss,
• diarrhea,
• to cough.

The long latent period

After the first phase, when the immune system tries unsuccessfully to fight the virus, the symptoms disappear. The HIV infection is now entering the second phase, which consists of a long symptom-free period. In this latent period many sufferers do not know that they are infected and transfer the infection to others. This period may last for ten years or more.

What happens in the body of an HIV-infected person??

During the second phase, HIV slowly kills white blood cells, destroying the immune system. Blood tests during this phase show the loss. Normally, a human has between 450 and 1400 of these cells per microliter. This number changes constantly, depending on the person's condition. In HIV infection, the number of white blood cells is steadily decreasing, making those affected vulnerable to other infections. In addition, there is a growing danger that the advanced stage of AIDS will be initiated.

HIV treatment

Treatment with anti-HIV drugs prevents HIV from multiplying and destroying the immune system. This protects the body from life-threatening infections and cancer and protects against HIV becoming AIDS.

Today's HIV therapy with effective drugs allows sufferers a largely normal life. (Image: Valeriy / fotolia.com)

AIDS

The term AIDS describes the most advanced stages of HIV infection. People whose infection is treated early do not develop this stage. AIDS is a general term that includes various diseases that result from a very weakened immune system.

AIDS equals death?

Just a few decades ago, medicine was powerless against this virus. This is not the case anymore. AIDS or HIV today is no longer synonymous with a speedy death. With the right treatment and care, many people with AIDS recover from the resulting illnesses and lead a long life.

HIV equals AIDS?

HIV and AIDS are not the same. In the past, most HIV infections ended up in the AIDS phase. Today's HIV therapy makes this phase largely preventable. Even for people who do not receive treatment, there is usually a time frame of several years before AIDS develops. It takes a long time for the immune deficiency to reach a level that allows subsequent diseases an unprotected intrusion.

AIDS in the terminal stage

In the final stages of AIDS, the HIV virus has damaged the immune system so that the body can no longer ward off infections. Consequently, people with advanced AIDS develop repeated infections of the same type, especially pneumonia, tuberculosis, chronic herpes, toxoplasmosis or meningitis.

Increased cancer risk

The immune system is also involved in the defense against certain types of cancer. When the immune system collapses in the late stages of AIDS, the cancer occurs more often. The risk of getting cancer in the intestines, lungs and skin increases as well as the likelihood of developing lymph node cancer.

The condom is considered the most effective protection against HIV infection and against most other sexually transmitted diseases. (Image: Valerii Zan / fotolia.com)

Vaginal fungal infections

The fungus Candida usually lives in small quantities in the vagina. Fungal infection means that these fungal cells multiply and cause intense itching, swelling and discomfort. Candida infections usually affect women who still have their period. They are less common in the post-menopausal period, at least when no hormonal therapies are undergone. And they are rare in girls who have not had menstruation yet.

Vaginal yeast symptoms

The most common symptoms are itching and a discharge from the vagina. The latter is often tough, white and creamy - almost like shepherd's cheese. Other symptoms include burning and redness of the vagina area, sometimes the labia swells. Some women have pain when urinating. Sex can also cause pain because the inflamed vagina is irritated. For a more detailed description of this condition and treatment options and home remedies can be found in the article vaginal mycosis (vaginal mycosis) - causes, symptoms, treatment.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the single-celled parasite Trichomonas vaginalis that infects men as well as women. However, the symptoms differ in the sexes. In women, the vagina is usually infected, in men, especially the urinary tract are affected. The parasite usually transmits through sex with an infected partner.

Trichomoniasis symptoms

The symptoms usually appear five to 28 days after infection. The signs of a Trichommoniasis include in the woman a vaginal inflammation with foul smelling, yellowish-foamy discharge, burning, itching and pain during intercourse. In urinary tract infections, urinary pain and frequent urinary urgency may occur in men and women. In men, it can occasionally come to a tingling inside the penis.

Infections during pregnancy

Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis during pregnancy can cause a premature birth, which can lead to a poor health of the newborn. Infected babies need intensive care during the first few weeks, stay in the hospital for a long time and often suffer from a lengthy disability in the nervous system. In addition, pregnant women with trichomoniasis are at an increased risk of rupturing membranes before birth, which may result in low weight of the newborn.

Naturopathic prevention

Various herbs strengthen the immune system against the parasites. The most recommended herbal remedies here are garlic and the oil of tea tree.

The single-celled parasite Trichomonas vaginalis can trigger the sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis. (Image: Kateryna_Kon / fotolia.com)

pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammation affects the upper genital tract of the woman. These include the uterus, ovaries and neighboring regions of the pelvis. They can also extend to the abdomen. If the ovaries are affected, it can lead to deformities that can lead to infertility.

Pelvic infection contagion

Various bacteria cause pelvic inflammation, including the ones that trigger gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Usually, the bacteria first reach the vagina and cause inflammation here. If not treated promptly, or if the immune system does not automatically stop the infection, it may eventually spread to the pelvic organs.

Increased risk of infection

Sexually active women of childbearing age are the most at risk, and those under 25 more at risk than the elderly. During menstruation women have an increased risk of infection. Likewise, women who often use sexual condoms with various partners are at increased risk of infection.

Pelvic symtoms

A pelvic infection is often difficult to diagnose, because even when the symptoms appear, they can easily be confused with signs of a range of other illnesses. The complaints that occur include:

• Pain in the abdomen (pelvic pain),
• fever,
• exhaustion,
• vaginal discharge,
• painful bleeding after sex,
• irregular bleeding during menstruation.

Syphilis (Lues)

The syphilis has largely disappeared from the consciousness of the people. Nevertheless, this disease is not yet defeated. In 2015, according to the Robert Koch Institute, 6,834 people in Germany became infected with the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Even today, syphilis can cause permanent damage, in extreme cases even life-threatening. However, it can be treated effectively at an early stage.

The oblong bacterium Treponema pallidum triggers the disease syphilis. (Image: Tatiana Shepeleva / fotolia.com)

Syphilis infection

In most cases, the pathogens enter the organism through vaginal or oral intercourse and invade through minor injuries. Experts say they have a 60% chance of getting infected with unprotected traffic.

Syphilis symptoms

The first symptoms only appear several weeks after the infection. First, an ulcer forms, often where the bacteria have invaded. This is often the case on the genitals or on the mouth. However, once the ulcers have healed, those affected can not be considered cured. The pathogen spreads throughout the body. In the second phase of the disease, skin rashes and fever then appear. If the pathogens remain in the body, severe tissue damage can occur in the brain and spinal cord called neurosyphilis.

Syphilis treatment

With the discovery of penicillin, syphilis became curable. If detected early, a penicillin syringe is usually enough to stem the disease and kill the bacterium.

HPV / Papillomavirus

Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral-related sexual diseases. About 25 percent of women under the age of 30 are infected with HPV viruses. For over 30-year-old women, there are still about eight percent. In men, there are no numbers due to lack of routine examinations. However, experts assume a 70 percent probability that the respective sexual partner is also infected.

HPV symptoms

Typical symptoms are genital warts, also known as genital warts or pointed condylomas. Certain high-risk types of papillomavirus can cause cellular changes that are associated with increased risk of future cancers such as cervical cancer. In particular, men often do not know that they are carriers of the viruses, as these often cause only small lesions on the penis.

The use of condoms drastically reduces the risk of contracting a sexual disease. (Image: heilpraxis.de/nazar12/fotolia.com)

Prevention of sexual diseases

For all sexually transmitted diseases, safe sex, the use of condoms and genital hygiene are good ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Especially condoms can reduce the risk of most sexual diseases massively. A proper use is of course a prerequisite.

In order to keep the condom intact during sex, lubricants should also be used in case of a dry vagina or during anal intercourse. These should only be applied after the condom has a tight fit on the erected limb. After sexual intercourse, the condom should be held on removal, if possible, before the limb relaxes. (Somayeh Ranjbar, vb; updated May 8, 2018)