Sexual Health And Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Chapter from the book: Bilgili, N. & Bilgili, A. (eds.) 2024. Academic Research and Evaluations in Health Sciences.

Ayşen Mert
Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University

Synopsis

Concept of sexual health; It includes a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination and violence. Sexually transmitted disease (STD) refers to a recognizable disease condition and is caused by a wide variety of fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites. STDs can be acute or chronic and can cause morbidity and even mortality. Lesions with different characteristics may occur in the clinic. Rashes and ulcers, vaginal or urethral discharge, lower urinary tract infection symptoms, inguinal and scrotal swelling and pain, lower abdominal pain and pelvic inflammatory disease, neonatal eye infections may occur. The most common way of transmission is unprotected sexual intercourse. It can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and can be transmitted through transfusion of blood products and contact with these products. There are over thirty bacteria, viruses and parasites that are sexually transmitted. Four treatable infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomonas) and four treatable but incurable, often chronic infections: hepatitis B (HBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human papillomavirus (HPV). are the most common STDs. Culture is the gold standard for diagnosis in most cases. In some cases, the diagnosis is made by clinical criteria, direct microscopic examination of the exudate in the tissue/lesion, nucleic acid amplification tests and serological tests. Purposes of treatment; elimination of pathogens, elimination of lesions and symptoms, prevention of late complications by reducing contagiousness and the risk of recurrent infections. Effective antimicrobial treatment, co-treatment when necessary, and appropriate management of the disease are important for cure. Individuals and healthcare professionals have duties to prevent STDs. In this review, STDs are discussed in the light of current literature and information is given about their etiology, treatment and prevention methods.

How to cite this book

Mert, A. (2024). Sexual Health And Sexually Transmitted Diseases. In: Bilgili, N. & Bilgili, A. (eds.), Academic Research and Evaluations in Health Sciences. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub431.c1878

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Published

March 27, 2024

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