Learn about sexually transmitted infections chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Nguyen Ba Hung - Reproductive Support Center - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Currently, the number of people infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is increasing, moreover, according to the World Health Organization, there are more than 30 diseases classified as STIs, of which There are diseases that still have no effective treatment such as: HIV, HPV, Herpes.... These types of STIs have a great impact on our health, causing a lot of trouble for ourselves. , for a partner and it can ruin the whole family happiness. To be able to protect yourself from STIs, you need to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge. Below, we'll provide helpful information about common treatable STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

1. What is a sexually transmitted disease?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases that appear and are spread through sexual contact. There are many types of STIs, but perhaps the most common are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. These STIs not only cause long-term health problems, but also affect those who are pregnant. Having an STI also increases your risk of getting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if you are exposed to it.

2. Chlamydia

According to statistics in the United States, Chlamydia is the most common STI. Chlamydia is caused by an intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be passed from person to person during vaginal, oral or anal sex. Infections can occur in the mouth, eyes, reproductive organs, urethra, and rectum. In women, the most common site of infection is the cervix.

Tìm hiểu về bệnh lây nhiễm qua đường tình dục chlamydia, lậu và giang mai — Vi khuẩn nội bào Chlamydia trachomatis

Factors that increase your risk of getting chlamydia The following factors can increase your risk of getting chlamydia :
Having a new sex partner Having multiple sex partners Your partner having many other sexual partners Having sex with someone have an STI Have a history of having an STI Do not use condoms consistently when not in a monogamous relationship.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia? Chlamydia is usually very subtle and has few obvious signs or symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may appear within a few days to several weeks after infection. Symptoms are usually very mild and can be mistaken for a urinary tract or vaginal infection. The most common symptoms in women include:
Yellow discharge from the vagina or urethra Frequent and painful urination. Bleeding between menstrual periods Rectal bleeding, pus, or pain

How to check if you have chlamydia? In women, testing for chlamydia can be done on a urine sample or on samples taken with a cotton swab from the vagina, mouth, throat, rectum, or the area around the cervix. can detect you are infected with Chlamydia but now rarely used. You can clean your vagina or rectum on your own at an obstetrician-gynecologist's (ob-gyn) or other professional health care center. For women younger than 25 years of age and women 25 years of age and older who are at risk for chlamydia, an annual screening test is recommended.

How is Chlamydia treated? Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Your sexual partner (anyone with whom you had sex within the last 60 days or your last partner) also needs to be tested and treated. You should use all medications as directed by your doctor. Chlamydia can be passed on to sexual partners even during treatment. You should avoid sexual contact until you are completely cured, and so should your partner. After 3 months of treatment, you should also go for a check-up to determine whether the disease is completely cured or not.

Complications of chlamydia If left untreated, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to long-term health problems and affect your ability to get pregnant.

2. What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is the second most common STI in the United States. Gonorrhea and chlamydia often go hand in hand. Gonorrhea is caused by gonorrhea bacteria that can be passed to a sexual partner during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Factors that increase the risk of gonorrhea are the same as those that cause chlamydia.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea? In women, gonorrhea often causes few typical symptoms or only very mild symptoms, and they may think they have a urinary tract infection or a vaginal infection. Symptoms and tests for gonorrhea are similar to those of chlamydia.
In men, gonorrhea often presents very typical symptoms such as painful urination, urethral discharge, painful swelling of the penis, swollen lymph nodes...

How is gonorrhea treated? Gonorrhea is treated with two antibiotics. The recommended treatment is an injection of one of the antibiotics followed by another antibiotic pill. If you don't have an injection, you can take both antibiotics. This treatment is also effective against chlamydia. Your sexual partner should also be tested for gonorrhea and treated.

What are the complications of gonorrhea? If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to long-term health complications similar to chlamydia, leading to infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes, uterine adhesions, vasculitis, and urethral stricture. and including pneumonia.

3. What is syphilis?

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium syphilis. This bacteria enters the body through a break in the skin or through contact with the sores of a person with syphilis. This sore usually appears on the vagina, anus, or penis. Syphilis is usually spread through sexual contact. Genital sores also make it easier for HIV to spread. Syphilis can also be spread by contact with the rash that appears in the later stages of the disease.

What are the symptoms of syphilis? Symptoms of syphilis vary by stage:
First stage: syphilis appears as a painless chancre. This lesion disappears without treatment within 3 to 6 weeks. Second stage: If syphilis is left untreated, the next stage begins when the chancre is healing or a few weeks after the chancre disappears, a rash may appear. The rash usually appears on the soles of the feet and palms, or as warts on the vulva. In addition, there may be flu-like symptoms. Latent infection: In some people, the rash and other symptoms may clear up in a few weeks or months, but that doesn't mean the infection is gone. It is still present in the body. This is called a latent infection.

How to test for syphilis? Testing at the site of syphilis chancre lesions can find syphilis spirochetes, but this method is rarely applied because the existence of syphilis is not much. The main diagnostic test for syphilis is through a blood test. All pregnant women should be screened at their first prenatal visit and re-tested after pregnancy and delivery if they are at high risk for the disease.

How is syphilis treated? Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. With timely diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be prevented. The length of treatment depends on how long you have had the infection. You may have periodic blood tests to see if treatment is working. Sexual contact should be avoided during treatment. If you are diagnosed with syphilis, you should also get tested for HIV. Your sexual partner should also be treated for syphilis.

What are the complications of syphilis? If left untreated, syphilis can return in its most severe form many years later. End-stage syphilis is very serious. Heart, nerve problems, and tumors can occur, leading to brain damage, blindness, paralysis, and even death. At any stage, syphilis can affect the brain, leading to meningitis, hearing and vision problems, and other neurological symptoms.

4. How can chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis infections be prevented?

The following measures can help prevent these types of STIs:
Use condoms regularly. Limit your number of sexual partners. See if your partner has a history of the disease or if they have an STI? Avoid contact with any sores on the genitals. You should get tested and tested if you are at risk of contracting the disease. Thoroughly treat all infected people and their sexual partners The Social Disease Screening and Examination Package of Vinmec International General Hospital helps customers to screen for social diseases in order to detect diseases early to guide them. effective treatment, avoid complications occur.
Package of screening for social diseases for all ages, for both men and women. For advice and to book an appointment, you can contact HERE