Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that are passed on during oral, anal or genital sexual contact with an infected partner without taking any prophylactic measures. Infection is also possible during non-sterile, non-sexual contact.
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Clinic of Aesthetic Dermatology Patient education Encyclopedia Venereal diseases Sexually transmitted diseases

It used to be thought that sexually transmitted diseases can be passed on only during sexual contact. With the scientific development that enabled new diagnostics methods in the 1980s, new infection types were identified, including additional factors that enable the passing of the disease, such as blood contact, transplants, and non-sexual contact.

Since 1999, WHO recommends substituting the term “STD” with “STI” – “sexually transmitted infections”.

Venereal diseases as a term for diseases that are spread by sexual contact was used mainly during the early and mid-20th century.

Every two in three cases of sexually transmitted diseases are registered for adolescents and youths (under the age of 25). Every fourth sexually active adolescent (under the age of 21) has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease at some point. More than 20 types of infections have been identified; the infections usually affect the urinary tract’s or reproductive tract’s mucosa.

The “Sexual and Reproductive Health Law” of the Republic of Latvia states that it is the duty of the STD-infected person to inform his/her sexual partner about the risk of infection.

Most common types of sexually transmitted diseases

Sex organ infections

As a broader term for sexually transmitted diseases, the reproductive tract infections refer to 3 main infection groups:

Penile diseases

Various sexually transmitted diseases (herpes, syphilis, etc.) can cause cutaneous inflammation of the penis. The symptoms of the inflammation may include smell, discharge and sores.

Reproductive tract infections of the penis occur when the sex organ or the skin of the sex organ has lowered defence mechanisms and is more susceptible to infections. Changes in the microflora of the skin (e.g. fungus) may share both visual and physical symptomatic similarities with sexually transmitted infections.

The foreskin and the glans of the penis can develop skin redness, inflammation, as well as skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis). 

Sexually transmitted disease subgroups

The etiological agent or the infection carrier determines the STD classification:

How does a person get infected with sexually transmitted diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases can be passed on in various ways:

Is it possible to pass on sexually transmitted diseases during kissing?

Yes. During a deep kiss, a small amount of blood is passed.

Sexually transmitted disease signs and symptoms

Most common sexually transmitted disease symptoms are:

The first symptoms may occur within 2-7 days. Other areas of sexual contact, such as rectum and mouth, can be affected as well. Note that the infected individual may show no signs of sexually transmitted disease, and the person may not be aware of the presence of the infection. One-off contact is sufficient for passing on sexually transmitted infections. 

Consequences of sexually transmitted diseases

Infertility caused by sexually transmitted diseases

STIs can cause infertility to men and women alike. The infection can damage hormone-active organs (prostate gland for men, ovaries for women), ovary tracts or spermatozoid tracts.

The reproductive organs, damaged by the infection, lose their functionality – the ability to make children or part-take in sex.

How to treat sexually transmitted diseases?

In order to effectively get treated from sexually transmitted disease, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the sexually transmitted disease, identify its cause, duration of the process, and identify the organ damage. A venereologist is a medical professional specialised in these questions.

Sexually transmitted disease testing is advised:

Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases

Using condoms reduces the risk of getting infected with sexually transmitted diseases that are passed on with semen, vaginal fluids, blood or other bodily fluids. It is important to note that condoms cannot provide complete protection since they do not cover the entire body; other types of STI can be passed on during close, non-sexual physical contact (e.g. scabies, crabs, herpes, contagious mollusc, condyloma, syphilis).

The only methods that can protect from sexually transmitted diseases are sexual abstinence (incl. oral and anal sex) or monogamous sexual relationship with one, non-infected partner for the entire life.

Important!

Treatment process

Appointment

General examination, lab tests

Treatment course

A personalised treatment course is devised

Post-therapy phase

Control tests (2-3 weeks after the therapy)

Prices

Qualification First visit Repeat visit
Doctor 30 € 27 €
Highly qualified doctor 50 € 45 €

Clinic's venereologists

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Resident Gunita Buiksa

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Dace Buile

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Gerda Bērziņa

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Ilona Zablocka

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Ingrida Ritina

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