Understanding Venereal Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Venereal Diseases

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

General

Venereal diseases include: -Chancroid, which is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi, transmitted by sexual intercourse. The infection results in open sores on and around the genitals. Risk factors for chancroid include sex with sex workers, men who have sex with men, drug or alcohol use, anything assocaited with higher risk sexual practices and multiple partenrs. -Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) is an infectious disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It causes a skin lesion followed by regional lymphadenopathy in the groin or pelvis. It may also cause severe proctitis, if it was transmitted by anal sex. -Reactive arthritis is an inflammation of the joint which is triggered by an infection of the intestines, genitals or urinary tract. It usually affects the knees, ankles and feet. Some of the bacteria which cause reactive arthritis are sexually transmitted like chlamydia and others are foodborne like shigella.

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Learn from others who are experiencing Venereal Diseases.

Signs & symptoms

-For men, chancroid symptoms may include a small, red bump on their genitals which change to an open sore which may be painful. For women, symptoms include 4 or more red bumps on their genitalia or thighs. Then, these bumps become ulcerated and the women might feel a burning or painful sensation during urination or bowel movement. The ulcers may bleed easily. - LGV occurs in 3 stages. On the first stage, a small skin lesion appears at the site of entry. On the second stage, masses on either one or both of the groin appear due to enlargement of lymph nodes. They may be tender or fluctuant. Inflammation of the lymph node is possible, with or without fever and malaise. Women may have pelvic pain and inflammation of deeper lymph nodes. On the third stage lesions heal. but sinus tracts may persist. -Reactive arthritis symptoms may include joint pain and stiffness, conjunctivitis, frequent urination, discomfort during urination, prostate gland inflammation, cervix inflammation, enthesitis, swollen toes or fingers, rash, skin sores and low back pain.

Diagnosis

-Chancroid is diagnosed with physical examination followed by a sample from the sore. -Diagnosis of LGV is made after identifying antibodies to chlamydia endotoxin or by using a PCR test. -Diagnosis of reactive arthritis is based upon findings in medical history, physical examination and blood tests. Also, a sample of fluid from the joint may be withdrawn to look for inflammation signs. X-ray of the joints may rule out other conditions.

Treatment

-Chancroid is treated with antibiotics, and sometimes surgical drainage. -LGV is treated with antibiotics, and sometimes surgical drainage. -Reactive arthritis treatment may include antibiotics, corticosteroids, topical steroids and physical therapy.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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I've always struggled with the stigma. But then my friend explained it's like any other illness you can catch, like a cold or cold sores. It's nothing to be ashamed of. **STDs** are a part of having an active sex life. Generally when I've told potential partners, they've either been totally fine with it or they are a little taken back because they don't know anything about it and they ask a bunch of questions. If they are rude about it, then it might help you dodge a judgemental person you wouldn't want to be with anyway.