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Venereology is one of the areas of research in modern medicine. He deals with the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. Unfortunately, the venereologist, i.e. a doctor specializing in the treatment of venereal diseases, is still reluctantly visited, and the patients themselves are often paralyzed by fear and a sense of shame before the examination.
What is venereology?
Venereology is a branch of medicine dedicated to sexually transmitted diseases. A doctor who specializes in this field is venereologist. He has knowledge and education, not only in the field of venereology, but also related dermatology. These areas differ only slightly to such an extent that a venereologist and a dermatologist complete the same specialization.
The work of a dermatologist focuses on the treatment of various skin diseases, while the field of venereology concerns only venereal diseases, which also manifest themselves in skin lesions. The name venereology, like the names of other areas of medicine, comes from Latin and Greek. Interestingly, the first part of the name comes from the name of the Roman goddess Venus. Ancient mythology identified the goddess Venus with love and beauty.
What diseases are treated by a venereologist?
Diseases treated by a venereologist are classified as venereal diseases, but their mutual origins may differ. Diseases included in this group are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. The most important of venereal diseases:
- caused by bacteria: gonorrhea, syphilis, bacterial dysentery, venereal ulcer, chlamydiosis;
- caused by viruses: AIDS, HPV, genital herpes, hepatitis (HBV, HCV);
- caused by fungi: candidiasis;
- caused by parasites: scabies, trichomoniasis, pubic lice, amoebiasis.
Symptoms with which you need to see a doctor
Some patients ignore the first symptoms of HPV infection, gonorrhea or other venereal diseases. Patients explain their behavior with a sense of shame or fear of the reaction of their closest environment. The symptoms of a potential STD should not be underestimated. By postponing an examination with a specialist doctor, we not only expose ourselves to serious complications, including infertility, but also risk the health of our sexual partner.
Some symptoms that can be associated with sexually transmitted diseases do not necessarily indicate diseases from this group. Sometimes some changes require not only venereological consultation, but also inspection by other specialists, such as an infectious diseases doctor, gynecologist, proctologist or ENT specialist.
Symptoms will not disappear by themselves, but they can get worse. If we suspect the disease, the visit to the venereologist should not be postponed. The symptoms of some venereal diseases are not difficult to spot. The most important symptom is skin changes on the genitals. The changes can take various forms: pustules, pimples, redness, often accompanied by itching, burning or pain. Other equally serious symptoms of venereal disease include unnatural secretions from the genitals or changes in smell.
Some venereal diseases may develop asymptomatically for a long time (eg hepatitis, HIV infection).
Particular attention should be paid to the following symptoms of venereal diseases (especially if they appear after sexual contact, especially without the use of a condom), as they may then be a signal to consult a venereologist:
- erosions, ulcers and oozing skin lesions in the genital area;
- warts or inflammation around the anus;
- purulent discharge and foamy vaginal discharge;
- painful erections;
- repeated urge to urinate frequently;
- rashes on the body, including the skin of the trunk, limbs, and the inside of the hands and feet;
- the appearance of ulcers on the oral mucosa after sexual contact (oral-genital, oral-anal) without condom protection.
Now you can check if you are infected with STDs by doing a blood test with the Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Diagnostic Tests package. If you want to check for syphilis, try the SYPH-Check-1 LabHome Syphilis Test – 98% effective. You can buy both studies on Medonet Market.
Check also: HPV in men
What is the examination at a venereologist?
To sign up for an appointment with a venereologist, you do not need a referral from your GP. Venereal self-examination is similar to a visit to a dermatologist or general practitioner. Initially, the doctor asks about the complaints of the patient, then it is necessary to show the venereologist the disturbing skin lesions.
Periodic visits to a venereologist may be indicated in people being treated for venereal diseases, especially in the case of HIV infection.
A venereologist can make a diagnosis based on the patient’s interview and examination, as well as appropriate tests, including blood tests or microscopic examinations. After diagnosis of venereal disease, the doctor will initiate appropriate treatment, and may also recommend follow-up visits. It is important to venereal examinationand then possibly treatment, the sexual partner also underwent treatment to prevent reinfection.
Do you want to run a diagnosis of syphilis? You can take advantage of the Medonet Market mail-order test for syphilis.
How to protect yourself from venereal diseases?
During a consultation with a venereologist, you can learn how to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases, and how to proceed if you or your partner are diagnosed with it. Among the recommendations for the prevention of venereal diseases, the following should be kept in mind:
- o the use of condoms for any type of sexual activity, including vaginal, anal and oral;
- in the case of unprotected intercourse, it is essential to know about the health status of sexually transmitted infections in yourself and in the sexual partner;
- HBV vaccinations and HPV vaccinations recommended for people who are not infected and not yet vaccinated.
Are you looking for a teaching aid to help you visualize STDs? We recommend the Contaminated Love set with educational toys available on Medonet Market.
Find out more:
- Sexually transmitted diseases – what tests should be done to rule out them?
- What to do when a condom is not enough?
- Get an HIV test. Twice
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