Sexually transmitted diseases: how to protect yourself?

🫢"This only happens to those who have promiscuous sex", "if they find something, it's a shame". These myths are the main reason for the late diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In fact, STDs can affect anyone, regardless of lifestyle. They may not manifest themselves for a long time, but have serious health consequences. How to protect yourself, when should you get tested and why you should not postpone a visit to the doctor?

🔍 STDs are divided into:

• Bacterial - chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis
• Viral - HIV, herpes, hepatitis B and C, HPV
• Parasitic - trichomoniasis

📌 How do they manifest themselves?

Diseases can remain unnoticed for years. But this does not mean that they are safe. For example, chlamydia in 70% of women and 50% of men has no symptoms, but can lead to infertility. And untreated HPV infection increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Often, infections have subtle signs:

• Unusual discharge
• Discomfort or pain during urination or intercourse
• Redness, itching, peeling or small wounds in the intimate area
• Lower abdominal pain.

What is dangerous procrastination?

Many people live with a chronic infection for years without suspecting it. Consequences?

• Infertility (in both women and men)
• Risk of cancer (especially with human papillomavirus)
• Transmission of infection to a partner

🛡 How to protect yourself?

• Condoms: the main method of protection against STDs, but not a 100% guarantee
• Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B: significantly reduces the risk of infection
• Regular check-ups: an important step for those who are sexually active, even without symptoms

🔬 STD diagnostics: when should you get tested?

If you have had unprotected sex or a new sexual partner, if you notice even minor symptoms or just want to be sure of your health.

At Dokos Medical, the following are available:

• Smear and PCR testing for the main STDs
• Rapid tests for HIV and syphilis
• Blood analysis for hepatitis

Being informed means being protected. Testing is not about fear, but about taking care of yourself! One test - and you are calm. One visit - and you have no doubts.

👨‍⚕️ Why is it important to consult a dermatologist? 

• The doctor will not only make a diagnosis, but also prescribe effective treatment - self-medication can make the infection resistant to drugs.
• The consultation is completely confidential, and consulting a doctor is about taking care of your own health, not a reason for shame.

✅ STDs are not a reason for fear or shame, but a reason to act! If you have doubts or need a consultation - consult a dermatologist. Regular examinations are the norm, not the exception.

🏥 You can make an appointment for a consultation with a dermatologist at "Docos Medical"

Self-medication can be harmful to your health.