Venereal diseases are those diseases that can be transmitted during sexual activities of various kinds. For this reason they are also known as MST, an acronym for Sexually Transmitted Diseases . This category also includes diseases that - although normally acquired in different ways (parenterally, orofecally, etc.) - can be transmitted sporadically or occasionally through sexual contact.
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Etiological agents and methods of infection. Complications of venereal diseases. Care and treatment. Symptoms of venereal diseases. Risk factors and prevention. Vaginal pad.Other Articles on Venus Diseases
CandidaInfezioni urinarieCistiteUretritePerdite vaginaliHerpes genitaleCandidaProstatiteFlora vaginaleHPV and tumor dell'uteroToxoplasmosiGonorreaSifilideClamidia ClamydiaTrichomonasUreaplasmaAIDS and HIVCondilomi acuminatiVaginosi MononucleosiGardnerellaGiardia lambliaSalmonellosi ProctiteEpatite A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Mycoplasma hominisMalattia inflammatory pelvicaProfilattico preservativoLesioni or genitalsSexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Video
X Problems with video playback? Reload from YouTube Go to Video Page Go to Wellness Destination Watch the video on youtubeAround the middle of the last century, in the most industrialized countries, the improved socio-economic conditions and the post-war therapeutic achievements have greatly reduced the incidence of the classic venereal diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea, etc.), to the point of suggesting their gradual disappearance in the years to come. Subsequently, however, the group of sexually transmitted diseases has gradually emerged and enriched with pathologies of different characteristics compared to those previously known. On the one hand, in the developing countries there has been a spread of the most feared venereal disease, AIDS, while on the other hand, in more industrialized nations sexual promiscuity and globalization have helped to keep attention focused on this problem, which - far from being solved - continues to absorb huge financial resources for public health each year.
Infectious agents
Currently, the group of venereal diseases recognizes over 30 different etiological agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Among these, only some microorganisms are transmitted mainly by sexual contact:
- Neisseria gonorrhea : bacterium responsible for gonorrhea (also called drain or blenorragia);
- Treponema pallidum : bacterium responsible for syphilis;
- Chlamydia trachomatis : bacterium responsible for urethritis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease;
- Trichomonas vaginalis : flagellated protozoan (unicellular organism) responsible for trichomoniasis;
- HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) : some types (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58) can cause cervical cancer, while other strains are responsible for the condylomata acuminata;
- HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) : some types (one and in particular the two) are responsible for genital herpes.
Contagion
The infection occurs during sexual intercourse of various kinds (genital, oro-penile, oro-vaginal, anal) with direct contact of infected fluids, such as sperm, vaginal secretions and blood lost from small lesions. Particularly risky is anal coitus, often responsible for modest lacerations that become entry gates for germs. As far as petting is concerned, there is a certain risk of transmission in case of contact of the genitals or ejaculation in the vicinity of them.
Some microorganisms responsible for specific venereal diseases are instead transmitted with a certain frequency both by sexual means and by parenteral route; this is the case, for example, of AIDS and hepatitis B virus, both common in some categories of drug addicts. In addition to the exchange of syringes, these venereal diseases can also be transmitted through the mixed use of razors or not-sterilized cutting objects (for example for surgery or tattoos).
Other microorganisms recognize predominantly non-sexual modes of infection; this is the case, for example, of hepatitis A virus, Shigella, Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria, as well as of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parasites, all mainly transmitted via faecal gold (ingestion of contaminated food), but also during sexual intercourse of oro-anal and genito-anal nature (including sharing sex toys that are not adequately sterilized or protected by a condom). Cytomegalovirus and Epstein barr virus can be transmitted both through sexual contact and through a simple kiss (saliva is a vehicle of infection).
In general, therefore, the etiological agents responsible for venereal diseases recognize different modes of transmission which, although rarely, can also include the promiscuous use of underwear, towels or infected toilet articles. Outside of very few exceptions (we have seen mononucleosis for the kiss), venereal diseases are not transmitted by kissing another person, much less by drinking from the same glass or shaking her hand; the use of public sanitary ware is generally considered a low-risk practice, since most of the microorganisms responsible for venereal diseases do not survive long outside the body.
