Pictures of STDs: A visual symptom guide
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: 9 Unusual Signs Your Reproductive System Has Been Compromised By Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a common infection that affects the reproductive organs of women. According to a report by the Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of India (FOGSI), 24-32% of women in India are affected by PID. The process normally entails a bacterial infection at the vagina and cervix, and then the spread vectors of the vaginal area and the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are among the common causes of PID. Sometimes, it may also be a result of other bacteria being introduced into the reproductive system.
In this article, Dr Kshitiz Murdia, CEO & Co-Founder, Indira IVF, helps us understand the condition and the various signs and symptoms that the body can show up when you are dealing with the complications of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
What Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a concerning infection quite common among women. It's a deep infection in the female reproductive system and is often the result of untreated sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Specifically, PID can be a silent attacker on a woman's fertility.
According to the experts, bacterial infection is the primary driver behind PID, often coming from untreated STIs. They sneak into the reproductive system via the cervix, triggering infection and inflammation. Women with a diverse sexual historical background, past STI episodes or cases of PID, routine use of douching, or those using intrauterine devices (IUDs) for contraception might be more at risk.
Scroll down to know the subtle signs and symptoms that that body may show up when you are suffering from PID.
Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory DiseaseIn cases where the symptoms are less severe, many women fail to notice the occurrence of PID. The most common PID symptoms include:
If not treated, PID can severely affect fertility in women. One of the ways it impacts fertility is by scarring and damaging the fallopian tubes. The role of these tubes is crucial in the process of fertilisation as they carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, and facilitate the process of fertilisation wherein the egg and sperm fuse to form an embryo. When they are scarred or blocked, the whole fertilisation process is hindered thus, reducing the chances of conception. Another complication of PID is the development of tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOAs), which are inflammatory masses involving the ovaries and nearby pelvic organs. These abscesses can result in substantial damage to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which adds to the danger of infertility.
PID is also linked to a higher chance of an ectopic pregnancy, which is the implantation of an embryo in a position other than the uterus, usually one of the fallopian tubes. Unviable ectopic pregnancies can pose serious health risks for the woman. Moreover, some women may develop chronic pelvic pain as a result of PID, and this can result in poor life quality and might hinder with fertility in the future.
Essential Preventive Strategies You Should KnowPreventing PID is crucial for protecting fertility. Practicing safe intercourse with the use of physical barriers such as condoms, as well as regular STI screenings may help prevent PID. Moreover, proactive screening of chlamydia in young and sexually active women can help them prevent PID and take measures to safeguard their reproductive health. Early detection and immediate treatment of STIs can also prevent them from advancing into PID. Preventing PID in women can help them guard their reproductive health and increase their chances of conceiving in the future.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections And Infertility: Doctor Explains How STIs Can Impact Your Fertility
In the dynamic landscape of reproductive health, the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) presents a formidable challenge, especially for individuals within the reproductive age group. According to statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 376 million new cases of curable STIs occur annually worldwide among people aged 15-49 years, underscoring the urgent need to address this issue. Beyond their immediate health implications, STIs can have major implications and often overlooked impacts on fertility, necessitating a closer examination of this critical intersection.
Understanding the intricate relationship between STIs and fertility is paramount to safeguarding reproductive well-being. If left untreated, STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium can wreak havoc on the reproductive organs of both men and women, leading to infertility. In this article, Dr Kshitiz Murdia, CEO & Co-Founder, Indira IVF, tells us more about the possible side effects of untreated STIs on fertility for both males and females.
Consequences of Untreated STIs on FertilitySTIs are primarily spread via sexual encounters. These could be bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections impacting numerous body parts, the reproductive system included. Common names on the list are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HPV. The tricky part about STIs is while some visibly manifest symptoms, others may not show any signs, making it vital to detect and treat them timely.
STIs In Women And Its Effect On FertilityDear women, take a look at how Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can have serious health consequences if left untreated:
For men, STIs could degrade sperm quality and quantity, which can decrease fertility. Conditions such as epididymitis, essentially the swelling of the tube that serves as a storage and transporter for sperm, can come from untreated STIs. Furthermore, STIs could cause clogging in the male reproductive system, obstructing sperm transport and stepping up infertility risks.
Furthermore, the impact of STIs extends beyond fertility, posing risks to pregnancy outcomes. Individuals with untreated STIs face an increased risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications, highlighting the broader implications of these infections on reproductive health.
Prevention and Treatment StrategiesPrevention and timely treatment are pivotal strategies in mitigating the adverse effects of STIs on fertility. Encouraging safe sexual practices, regular screenings, and prompt treatment can significantly reduce the risk of STI transmission and progression. By prioritising sexual health and fostering awareness about the link between STIs and infertility, individuals can take proactive steps toward preserving their reproductive health and ensuring a healthier future.
In essence, addressing the link between STIs and infertility requires a comprehensive approach encompassing prevention, early detection, and effective treatment strategies. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, we can mitigate the far-reaching consequences of STIs on reproductive health and pave the way for a brighter, more fertile tomorrow.
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Study: High Percentage Of Chlamydia And Gonorrhea Patients Not Receiving CDC Recommended Treatment
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, impacting 2.4 million in 2021, and the number is rising. A recent study of individuals ages 15 to 60 measuring and comparing treatment rates for these STIs has found that nearly one-in-five patients with chlamydia and one-in-four patients with gonorrhea did not receive Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended treatment for their infection.
Individuals seen by clinicians in a private healthcare setting were less likely to receive CDC recommended treatment than those seen in a public health clinic.
Males, younger patients, individuals identifying as Black or multiracial, people with HIV, and those with both chlamydia and gonorrhea, all more likely to be seen in a public health clinic, were more likely to receive CDC-recommended treatment.
"Using data from multiple sources, including medication orders from electronic health records and Medicaid claims, we determined that treatment rates were higher than previous studies which relied upon less robust data from a single source," said Regenstrief Institute's Center for Biomedical Informatics Interim Director Brian Dixon, PhD, MPA, who led the study. "Although we found higher treatment rates, they still are too low. Almost 20 percent of individuals with chlamydia and about a quarter of individuals with gonorrhea are not being treated, illustrating we have to work to encourage CDC recommended treatment, especially by private providers. Treatment is critical to addressing the nationwide epidemic of rising STI rates." Dr. Dixon also is a professor of epidemiology at the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health.
Data identifying 52,946 chlamydia cases and 25,699 gonorrhea cases in the nine-county Indianapolis metropolitan area were received from four sources:
Our analysis of chlamydia and gonorrhea treatment rates, which sheds light on what proportion of patients receive treatment and who is more likely to receive treatment, is likely to be similar to treatment in other parts of the U.S. We hope this knowledge will help us target public health efforts to stem the rising tide of STIs."
Brian Dixon, PhD, MPA, professor of epidemiology at the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
Source:
Journal reference:
Dixon, B. E., et al. (2024). Treatment Rates for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a Metropolitan Area: Observational Cohort Analysis. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Doi.Org/10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001930.
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