Most sexually transmitted diseases in Singapore can be cured, and all can be managed with medications, but it’s important to consult a doctor early.
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Sex is an important and enjoyable part of life. Unfortunately, however, it can also lead to the transmission of various diseases. Although most of these diseases can be cured and all of them can be managed with medications, it’s important to know the symptoms and get treated early, before irreversible damage occurs.
The most feared STD is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus is transmitted through sharing of bodily fluids during sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child. It’s nearly always fatal if untreated, because it damages the immune system, leaving the person vulnerable to many types of infections. However, if it’s caught early, then it can be managed with medications, allowing the patient to live a long life.
Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is also a serious disease. It damages the liver, leading to problems like liver failure, cirrhosis (hardening of the liver), or liver cancer. HBV is also transmitted by sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child. Unlike HIV, HBV is sometimes cleared by the body’s own immune system. There are medications that sometimes clear the virus, and can help to manage it if it remains.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are common STDs caused by bacteria. In many cases, these don’t cause symptoms; if there are symptoms, they generally consist of discharge from the penis or vagina, and burning during urination. They can be cured with antibiotics.
Syphilis is also caused by bacteria. It causes a sore on the genitals, followed by a rash, followed by a long period of no symptoms. Not everyone progresses past this point, but those who do experience damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, and other body parts. This can be disabling and is eventually fatal. Syphilis is easily cured by antibiotics, but the damage that has already occurred cannot be reversed.
Trichomoniasis is a common STD in Singapore. It’s caused by a single-celled parasite. It causes vaginal itching and discharge in women; in men, there are often no symptoms, but there may be discharge and burning with urination. It’s easily treated with antibiotics.
Genital herpes is caused by a virus. It’s transmitted by direct contact with infected areas, so condoms don’t completely protect you from getting herpes. It causes sores to form on the genitals (or the anus or mouth). The sores heal, but the virus doesn’t go away, and new sores commonly reappear throughout life. While it can’t be cured, medication can help to manage the virus and reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks.
Genital warts are also caused by a virus. Different strains of the same virus also cause cancer of the cervix in women. The virus, called human papillomavirus (HPV), is so common that nearly every sexually active adult in Singapore will encounter it at some point. Warts may or may not form in those infected with HPV. Either way, the body can clear the viral infection over time; those who don’t want to wait can have their warts removed by a doctor, although new warts may form until the body successfully clears the virus.
References
Sexually transmitted disease at Shim Clinic, Singapore