Diseases of the genital organs

Among all diseases of the genital organs, the group of STIs is of particular interest. These are diseases that are transmitted through intimacy, and often their presence destroys not only health, but also marriages, close relationships.

Diseases of the female or male genital organs is an extensive group of diseases that includes both infectious and non-infectious lesions, including tumor processes – benign and malignant. Among all the pathologies of the genitals, diseases of the STI group (or the so-called venereal diseases) are of particular importance. The peculiarity of these pathologies is that they are transmitted mainly through sexual contact. Domestic infection with these diseases is rare.

Considering separately the group of diseases of the genital organs belonging to the category of STDs, it is important to note that in addition to the well-known HIV, gonorrhea and syphilis, there are still a lot of diseases that affect not only the genitals of men or women, but also many internal organs. To date, more than 20 infections are known to be transmitted through hetero- or homosexual contact. These infections affect millions of people around the world every year, but some of the diseases are incurable, only supportive treatment or long-term remissions are possible. Moreover, these diseases affect mainly young people, up to 40-45 years (although there are exceptions).

Diseases of the female genital organs

To understand what diseases of the reproductive organs are possible in women, it is important to know the structure and main anatomical and functional features of this area. The female reproductive system has several functions. The ovaries produce female sex cells called eggs. They are then transported to the fallopian tube, where fertilization with sperm can occur. The fertilized egg moves smoothly into the uterus, the mucous membrane of which is preparing to meet the fertilized egg. Once in the uterus, the fertilized egg can implant in the thickened lining of the uterus and continue to develop. If fertilization does not occur, the lining of the uterus is shed and menstrual bleeding occurs. In addition, the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones that support the reproductive cycle. Before menopause, the female reproductive system gradually stops producing the female hormones necessary for the reproductive cycle to work. At this point, menstrual cycles may become irregular and eventually stop.

The function of the external genitalia: allow sperm to enter the body and protect the internal genital organs from infectious organisms. The main external structures of the female reproductive system are:

small and large labia;
bartholin glands;
clitoris.

The female reproductive anatomy also includes internal structures:

vagina (vagina);
uterus;
ovaries;
fallopian tubes.

Diseases of the female genital organs categorized as STIs include:

parasitic diseases – pediculosis (pubic lice) and scabies;
microbial infections – gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis;
infections caused by protozoa – trichomoniasis;
diseases caused by viruses – hepatitis A, as well as B or C, HIV, papillomatosis (genital warts), molluscum contagiosum, herpes type 2.

In addition, specific problems associated with intimacy are typical for women – these are thrush, bacterial vaginosis, and inflammatory lesions of the small pelvis.

Diseases of the male genital organs

The male reproductive system is specialized in the following functions:

produce, store, concentrate and transport sperm (male reproductive cells and protective fluid);
secrete sperm into the female reproductive tract during intimacy;
produce and secrete male sex hormones into the blood.

The male reproductive anatomy includes external structures:

penis;
scrotum
testicles.

Internal structures include:

the vas deferens;
ejaculatory ducts;
urethra;
seminal vesicles;
the prostate gland (prostate);
bulbourethral glands (Kupfer’s gland).

Just like the female body, men can also suffer from a range of diseases. It:

parasitic diseases – pediculosis (pubic lice) and scabies;
microbial infections – gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis;
infections caused by protozoa – trichomoniasis;
diseases caused by viruses – hepatitis A, as well as B or C, HIV, papillomatosis (genital warts), molluscum contagiosum, herpes type 2.

In addition, the spread of infections to the internal genitalia threatens men with prostatitis and testicular damage, the development of infertility.

Characteristic signs of diseases of the genital organs in men and women

There are a number of sexually transmitted infections, as well as those arising from other causes that have manifestations in the genital area and the whole body. Let’s talk about the most common, highlighting the features in men and women.

chlamydia

Infection occurs with any kind of intimate contact. Often there are no symptoms, but the infection is transmitted to sexual partners. The first signs appear 2 to 3 weeks after unprotected sex.

Typical symptoms of chlamydia include:

Women

discoloration of the vaginal fluid;
vaginal bleeding after sex, spotting between periods, or more painful periods;
pain during intercourse;
pain in the lower abdomen;
burning or pain when urinating, sometimes wanting to urinate more often.

Men

burning or pain when urinating;
unusual discharge from the penis;
feeling of itching inside the penis;
pain and/or swelling in the testicles;
rectal bleeding or pus.

Pediculosis (pubic lice) and scabies

Pubic lice are tiny insects that live on hair, usually near the genitals. Scabies are tiny mites that lay their eggs in the skin of the hands or genitals. People can get lice and scabies through close contact with another person, including intimacy. In the initial stage, there may be no symptoms, but as the parasites multiply:

skin itching occurs;
tiny eggs (nits) are found at the base of the pubic hair.

The symptoms of scabies include:

itching and rash with red lines;
small bumps in the genital area or other parts of the body.

Gonorrhea

Infection with gonorrhea occurs with any kind of sex. Sometimes symptoms are mild, and women may mistake early symptoms for a bladder infection or less serious vaginal infections. The first symptoms usually appear 2 to 7 days after unprotected intimacy. Key symptoms of gonorrhea:

Women

change in color and smell of vaginal discharge;
change in the duration of menstruation or more painful periods;
vaginal bleeding after sex or intermenstrual spotting;
pain during sex;
lower abdominal pain;
burning or pain when urinating;
the need to urinate more often.

Men

unusual discharge from the tip of the penis;
feeling of itching inside the penis;
pain or swelling in the testicles.

Herpes simplex virus (type 2)

Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Type 2 herpes usually occurs in the genital area. It is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact. You can have herpes and not know it. Symptoms may not appear for months or years. If symptoms do occur, they occur 2 to 21 days after exposure.

Early symptoms of herpes may include:

itching, burning, or stinging in the area where blisters or sores may appear;
painful red sores or tiny blisters;
swollen lymph nodes, fever and body aches;
cold symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches.

HPV and genital warts

HPV is very common. Three out of four women will be infected with HPV by mid-life. HPV infection usually has no symptoms and goes away without treatment. Some types of HPV cause genital warts, while more serious types can lead to cervical cancer. Genital warts are usually spread by skin-to-skin contact during vaginal and anal sex. It takes 4 to 8 weeks for warts to appear after exposure to the virus.

Genital warts are painless bumps that can appear near the opening of the urethra and on the labia in women, under the foreskin, on the shaft of the penis, around the anus in men.

Syphilis

The infection is transmitted during unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex. A pregnant woman can also pass it on to her baby during pregnancy. The disease is difficult to diagnose because any symptoms can look very similar to other infections. Many people do not notice any symptoms at all. Without treatment, syphilis can cause serious health problems.

The symptoms of syphilis depend on the stage.

Primary stage: a painless sore may develop on the genitals or anus or in the mouth between three and 90 days after exposure. The person may not notice the ulcer. The wound will disappear on its own within a few weeks. However, syphilis will continue to progress.

Secondary stage: a rash without itching is possible from two weeks to three months after infection. It usually appears on the chest, abdomen, genitals, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Other symptoms may include headache, fever, hair loss, swollen lymph nodes, sores or patches in the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina.

Third or hidden stage: symptoms may be absent for 30 years or more.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is more common in women and is transmitted through unprotected vaginal sex. Men often do not notice any symptoms. Any manifestations of trichomoniasis usually appear between 4 and 28 days after infection. In some cases, symptoms do not appear for months.

Common symptoms in women may include:

vaginal itching with redness of the genitals;
unusual vaginal discharge;
discomfort when urinating.

Men often have no symptoms, or they may include a burning sensation during urination, discharge from the penis, or redness at the end of the penis.

Venereal lymphogranuloma (VG)

The disease is transmitted during vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can cause open sores in the genital area 3 to 30 days after infection. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin (buboes) may appear two to six weeks or several months after infection. Lymph nodes can rupture and cause scarring.

Other symptoms of lymphogranuloma include:

headache;
high fever;
fatigue;
swelling of the lymph nodes in the pelvic area.

Sometimes it can cause symptoms in the joints, lungs, liver, nervous system, or eyes. People who have anal sex may experience mucus and bleeding from the rectum.

Molluscum contagiosum

The disease is spread by skin contact, including sexual intercourse, and is not dangerous. In sexually transmitted infections, painless bumps appear on the abdomen, groin, genitals, buttocks, or thighs 2 weeks to 6 months after contact. After a few weeks, the bumps become hard, waxy, pinkish-white, and rise above the surface of the skin with a small crater in the center. They usually disappear within six months.

Pelvic inflammatory diseases

These are genital infections in women. They are caused by bacteria from the vagina passing through the cervix and penetrating into its cavity and fallopian tubes. Usually these problems occur with chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other cases include non-sexually transmitted bacteria and medical procedures such as abortion.

The most common symptoms include:

pain in the lower abdomen, usually on both sides, which may worsen during sex bowel movements or when a woman urinates;
fever or chills;
nausea or vomiting;
back pain;
abnormal discharge from the vagina;
frequent urination;
abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

This is an imbalance of bacteria commonly found in the vagina. It is not an STI but is more common in women who have sex. Many women with bacterial vaginosis do not notice any symptoms and do not need treatment. Common symptoms include copious discharge and a change in the odor of the vaginal fluid.

Candida infection

Vaginal yeast is very common in women, but can also occur in men. Yeast infections are unpleasant, but usually not dangerous. They are easily treated.

In women, yeast infection symptoms include:

vaginal itching;
dryness;
pain;
increased discharge, which can be thick and cheesy.

In men, yeast infection symptoms include:

red, raised dots or bumps on the head of the penis that may be itchy
profuse white discharge on the head of the penis;
the foreskin may swell and become tight.

Symptoms of diseases of the genital organs

Often there are no symptoms at all with these infections. Speaking in general, then men may experience the following symptoms:

burning or itching in the penis;
discharge from the tip of the penis;
pain inside the small pelvis;
sores, sores, or blisters on the penis, anus, or mouth;
burning and pain during urination or bowel movements;
frequent trips to the toilet.

Women may experience the following symptoms:

burning or itching in the vagina;
discharge or odor from the vagina;
pain inside the pelvis;
vaginal bleeding that is not menstrual;
deep pain during sex;
sores, sores, or blisters in your vagina, genitals, anus, or mouth;
burning and pain during natural administrations;
frequent urination.

Treatment of diseases of the genital organs

In order to choose an effective treatment for infections, you first need to undergo an examination and establish an accurate diagnosis. Some diseases from the STD group, unfortunately, are not curable, but it is possible to maintain the body and prevent relapses.

Diagnostics

A healthcare professional can diagnose all types of STIs by doing a series of tests and tests. The doctor will ask personal questions about sex life. It is important to be honest in order to get help. A urologist or gynecologist may take a sample of discharge from the vagina or penis, and do a blood test to confirm the problem. Lab tests can show if you have bacterial or viral STIs. Blood tests can show if you have a disease that infects your blood. Urine samples can show if you have bacteria in your urine.

Discharge patterns can show if you have active ulcers and help diagnose the type of infection.

Modern treatments

Treatment tactics depend on the type of infection. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, syphilis are treated with specific antibiotics, to which pathogens are sensitive. Trichomoniasis requires treatment with specific antiparasitic drugs in a strictly selected dosage and a certain course.

Viral infections can be suppressed by their own immune system or require antiviral drugs, immunomodulatory therapy. Unfortunately, not all sexually transmitted viral infections can be cured completely. Although the clinical symptoms resolve, the virus remains in the body for life and can flare up at any time.

Prevention of diseases of the genital organs at home

The only way to avoid an STI is to not have sex with an infected person.

Other ways to protect include:

the use of condoms for any kind of intimacy;
sexual relations with only one regular partner who does not have infections;
limiting the number of sexual partners.

Proper use of latex condoms helps protect against disease. However, condoms do not protect against all possible infections. It is possible to get infected or spread disease even when using a condom.