Importance of Venereal Disease Treatment and Prevention
Transmission of infections from one person to another can occur through several modes. The term venereal refers to an act of sexual intercourse. Venereal diseases comprise infections that spread through sexual intercourse. Physicians also refer to these diseases as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. Most STDs are curable with early detection and the right treatment. Venereal disease treatment involves the use of appropriate antibiotics after the correct diagnosis of the infection.
What is a venereal disease?
Physicians use the terms venereal disease and sexually transmitted disease interchangeably. A sexually transmitted disease involves the transmission of viruses or bacteria through sexual contact. It can also spread through the use of infected needles or blood transfusion. A pregnant woman with VD (venereal disease) can pass on the infection to the fetus.
The infection may transmit through other bodily fluids like semen, vaginal secretions, or saliva. Most sexually transmitted diseases lack any symptoms. It is hard to diagnose a venereal disease unless an infected person considers going for STD testing. Most physicians recommend regular STD screening to rule out the possibility of missing a diagnosis.
STDs types and symptoms
It is logical to understand different STDs before knowing various treatment options. The following are some highlights of sexually transmitted infections. Syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, venereal warts, and HPV are common venereal diseases. Viral STD infections like HIV/AIDS are difficult to treat because antibiotics are not effective against the viruses.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea cause symptoms like pain during urination, discharge, and fever. Sores, rashes, and fever are common symptoms of syphilis. Patients with genital herpes experience painful blisters and sores in the mouth or around the genitals. HIV/AIDS is a severe STD attacking the individual’s immunity. It results in serious complications in the absence of early detection and treatment.
STD testing
Screening is a suitable solution to detecting a venereal disease as STDs are hard to diagnose without testing. Blood tests and urine examination procedures help physicians pinpoint an STD infection for correct treatment. STD testing may involve testing of bodily fluids such as vaginal swabs or fluid samples from the blisters.
Periodic screening is essential for men and women who are sexually active. It is a must for those not following proper preventive measures like using condoms or avoiding sex with strangers. Physicians recommend STD screening for all pregnant women. Each woman above 30 should consider a PAP smear test.
Venereal disease treatment options
Although several effective treatments are available to cure individuals of STDs, prevention is the best recourse to avoid possible complications and the spread of any venereal disease. Venereal disease treatment may be common for some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, as both infections may exist together.
The main venereal disease treatments are:
• Topical medications
• Antibiotics
• Antiviral medicines
• Surgery
Physicians order STD testing if they suspect a venereal disease while examining a patient and their history. Persons from high-risk groups like sex workers and people indulging in casual sex with strangers. STD testing is the basis for venereal disease treatment. Despite modern treatment options, some venereal diseases have no specific medicines like antibiotics for a complete cure.
