Sexually Transmitted infections (STI), also known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Venereal Diseases (VD), are diseases transferred via sexual contact. An STI can be contracted during vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.
There are multiple different types of STIs. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, herpes, and syphilis are some of the most prevalent STIs. Most STIs are curable or treatable, but they require the right Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment in Singapore.
What Are Common STIs in Singapore?
Gonorrhoea is one of the most common STDs in Singapore, and it can be spread through any sort of sexual contact. If the disease is not addressed, it can have severe effects. Chlamydia, genital warts, genital herpes, and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) are other common STDs in Singapore.
Vaginal discharge, painful urination, urethral discharge, frequent urination, genital discomfort (including burning and itching), skin ulcers, new skin growths, fever, stomach discomfort, and/or enlarged lymph nodes are all STD symptoms. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should schedule a health screening.
How are STIs Diagnosed?
STIs are diagnosed using a variety of methods to ensure accurate detection and prompt treatment. Typically, the diagnostic process consists of a combination of laboratory tests, physical examinations, and partner notification.
Analyzing blood, urine, or genital swabs in the laboratory detects any signs of STI-causing microorganisms. Visual inspections, palpation, and the collection of additional samples are all possible during physical examinations.
When a person tests positive for an STI, partner notification and contact tracing are used to identify and inform sexual partners who may also need testing and treatment. Healthcare professionals can provide an accurate diagnosis using these diagnostic methods, allowing for proper treatment and effective management of STIs in Singapore.
What Are STI Treatment Options?
Treatment options for STIs differ depending on the infection and its underlying cause. The primary goal of treatment, however, is to get rid of the infection, reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of the infection spreading to others.
Antimicrobial therapy is a common treatment method for STIs caused by bacteria or viruses. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The antibiotic used, and the duration of treatment may differ depending on the specific infection and factors such as drug resistance. Individuals must take the full course of antibiotics directed by a doctor to ensure effective treatment.
Antiviral drugs are also used to treat viral STIs, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV. While antiviral medications cannot cure many viral illnesses, they can help control the virus, reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks, and, in the case of HIV, halt disease progression. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to inhibit the virus and sustain immune function in the case of HIV.
Other treatment approaches, in addition to medicine, may be used to manage STIs. In the event of genital warts caused by HPV, for example, cryotherapy (freezing warts), topical medicines, or surgical removal may be advised.
How To Prevent STDs?
An STD-affected person can spread the virus to others by contact with infective skin lesions, mouth, genitals, rectum, and/or body fluids. All sexual intercourse, whether vaginal, oral, or anal, has the potential to transmit STDs. A person who has STDs may or may not have symptoms or issues. Even if a person feels perfectly healthy, he or she can still transfer STDs to a sexual partner.
Abstinence is the most effective approach to avoid STDs and HIV. However, practically, this is probably not the most important measure for everyone. When it comes to safe sex, the next best option is to only have one sexual partner in your entire life and stay faithful to him or her.
Although condoms do not provide complete protection, they do minimize the risk of STD transmission when used correctly. In other words, sex with condoms is not fully risk-free, but it is less risky.
