This post exposes 3 unpopular killer STDs. – Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomoniasis and Chlamydia. I think you need to know their symptoms and treatment measures.
1. MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM
Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacteria that lives in the urinary and genital tract of humans. This disease was first discovered in 1981.
So, it is not entirely new. But, it was isolated then due to rare occurrences.
However, a recent cross sectional study by the International Journal of Epidemiology, revealed that the disease is fast becoming rampant.
Especially amongst sexually active people who have multiple sex partners.
CAUSES AND WHO IS AT RISK
According to the aforementioned study, Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted disease(STD). Meaning that it is contracted through sexual intercourse.
Also women and men between the ages of 16 to 19. And 25 to 34 respectively were found to be mostly at risk.
Especially those who have multiple sexual partners.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Generally, Mycoplasma genitalium is asyptomatic. This means that it is devoid of specific symptoms.
However, most of the women with the disease always report of light to heavy bleeding. After sexual intercourse.
See also: TIPS ON HOW TO STOP MENSTRUAL CRAMP.
DIAGNOSIS
There is no existing means of diagnosing this disease.
However, research reveal that a technology is evolving which would allow people to be tested for Mycoplasma genitalium. This would be done alongside test for other STDs.
TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment for the disease. Though, research is ongoing to discover a cure for the disease.
However, presently medical practictioners often recommend antibiotics.
Read: 10 Foods You Should Avoid During Pregnancy and Why
2. TRICHOMONIASIS(TRICH)
This is a disease caused by a bacteria called Trichomonas Vaginalis.
This is not an uncommon disease. Yet, it is not a quite pronounced infection. Like Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Staphylococcus. And the likes. It is one of the sexually transmitted diseases(STDs).
So, the common means of contracting the disease is through sexual intercourse. With an infected person of course. That is penis to vagina and vulva to vulva sex.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
This disease is often not accompanied by symptoms. Especially in men. This is one of the main reasons why it is not quite pronounced like other STDs.
However, when symptoms occur in men, they include:
• Penile irritation.
• Burning sensation during urination.
• Painful ejaculation.
For women, the symptoms are:
• Greenish-yellow and foul smelling discharge
• painful urination.
• Painful intercourse.
• Lower abdominal pain.
DIAGNOSIS
Unlike the Mycoplasma genitalium. There are simple and proven ways of diagnosing Trichomoniasis.
The first approach is the swab test. Here, the laboratory scientist usually conduct the test using vaginal or penile swab specimen. Which is then examined using a microscope.
Another effective approach to perform this diagnosis is the culture test.
TREATMENT
Trichmoniasis is also a curable STD. This may be one of the reasons why it is not dreaded. Like other stubborn STDs. The simple and effective treatment for Trichomoniasis is Antibiotics.
Particularly, Flagyl(Metrodiazole) is administered to Trich patients. And it has proven to be an effective treatnent.
Once diagnosed with Trich, it is also advisable to convince your partner to get treated.
Again, partners should avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.
Also ensure to go for another test after 3 months of the treatment.
WHY YOU SHOULD TREAT YOURSELF PROPERLY IF DIAGNOSED WITH TRICHOMONIASIS
Trichomoniasis may not be a dreadful disease. But, if left untreated may expose one to higher risk of contracting other STDs. Especially HIV.
It may also lead to premature birth in pregnant women. So, it is also advisable for pregnant women to test for Trich. To avoid complications during child birth. Or even passing the infection to the baby.
3. CHLAMYDIA
This is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria known as Chlamydia trachomatis.
Being a sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia is mostly transmitted through sexual activities.
Like having unprotected sexual intercourse. With an infected person.
This include vulva to vulva sex, penis to vulva sex and anal sex. Or even touching genitals with an infected person.
It can also be transmitted to a newborn baby during childbirth. If the mother is infected.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Just like the Trichomoniasis. Chlamydia is asymptomatic. Especially in the first one to three weeks of entering the body. However, when symptoms surface, they include:
• Penile irritation for men.
• Burning sensation during urination.
• Painful sexual intercourse eapecially in women.
• yellow discharge from the vagina and penis.
• Lower abdominal pain.
DIAGNOSIS
Chlamydia is easily diagnosed using a simple swab test.
Just like we explained earlier when we discussed about the diagnosis for Trichomoniasis. The swab test is effective for diagnosing Chlamydia in women.
While for men, a simple urine test is carried out. The anus and the throat is also swabbed. Especially to carry out a thorough test.
TREATMENT
Just like the Trichmoniasis. Chlamydia is also a curable STD. The simple and effective treatment for Chlamydia is Antibiotics. Because it is a bacterial infection.
Particularly, Azythromycin is administered to Chlamydia infected patients. And it has proven to be an effective treatment.
Once diagnosed with Chlamydia, it is advisable to get yourself treated.
And follow the prescription as directed by the doctor. Also it is advisable to convince your partner to get treated.
Again, partners should avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.
WHY YOU SHOULD TREAT YOURSELF PROPERLY IF DIAGNOSED WITH CHLAMYDIA
Chlamydia may be a very easy to cure infection. But, if left untreated may expose one to higher risk of contracting other STDs. And complications.
In women, it may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. This may damage the cervix and fallopian tube. Or the uterus. Leading to infertility.
Some infected women may also transmit it to their newborn babies. During childbirth. This often lead to pneumonia. And eye problems in children.
In men, untreated Chlamydia may lead to epididymitis. That is the inflammation of the the epididymis. Which is often very painful. The epididymis is the tube that holds the testicles.
PREVENTION
Just like other STDs, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomoniasis and Chlamydia can be prevented through the following:
• Abstinence. This remains the best way of preventing STDs. Especially if you are still single.
• Sticking to one sexual partner.
• Use of condom when having sex. Especially if you are single but can’t abstain.
• Getting tested regularly.
HEALTH IS WEALTH AND LIFE HAS NO DUPLICATE.
SO LIVE A DISEASE FREE LIFE AND AVOID STDs
SHARE THIS POST TO KEEP YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES AWARE OF THESE DEADLY DISEASES.