Here’s how you can find out and prevent hard-to-detect STDs

Why are some STDs hard to detect?

Dr Asha Hiremath, obstetrician, gynaecologist and laproscopic surgeon, Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, says some STDs are difficult to diagnose because they may not manifest any symptoms or their symptoms may be mild and readily confused with those of other diseases. “Infected individuals may unintentionally spread these STDs to others without realising it,” she says.

The spread of STDs can be controlled by using contraceptives like female and male condoms. (Source: Unsplash)

Which STDs are the hardest to detect?

Chlamydia

A bacterial illness that can affect the throat, genitalia or rectum, Chlamydia is incredibly hard to detect in both men and women due to its asymptomatic nature, according to Dr Shilpi Sachdev, obstetrics and gynaecology, Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Moti Nagar, New Delhi.

When symptoms do appear, they can include burning or pain when peeing, strange vaginal discharge and discomfort during sex, says Dr Hiremath. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics and they can also stop its side effects, Dr Hiremath explains.

Gonorrhoea

Another bacterial illness can affect the throat, genitalia or rectum, Gonorrhoea is like chlamydia as many people might not have symptoms. For those who do have symptoms, they include swollen testicles or unusual discharge and painful urination, Dr Hiremath says. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Syphilis

Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria that can progress through various stages. A chancre – a painless sore – may develop in the early stages of the condition, according to Dr Hiremath. “If unattended, it can advance to the secondary stage, which results in rashes, fever, and exhaustion,” she says. It can cause serious harm to the heart, brain and other organs in its advanced stages. Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics, especially in the early stages.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

It is a viral infection that increases the chance of developing certain malignancies, such as cervical cancer, or causes genital warts. Many HPV carriers experience no symptoms, however a small percentage may experience genital warts, according to Dr Hiremath. “Although there is no treatment for the HPV virus itself, the warts can be removed,” she adds.

Herpes

A viral illness known as herpes can result in sores or blisters in the oral or vaginal regions. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is to blame. Dr Hiremath says the initial outbreak is typically the worst, accompanied by painful blisters and flu-like symptoms. “Antiviral drugs can help with symptom management, but there is no known treatment for herpes,” she says.

What are the symptoms you should look out for?

According to Dr Sachdev, there are some symptoms for which you should, without fail, go to the doctor:

*Excessive discharge
*Coloured discharge
*Itchiness around your sexual organs
*Soreness or swelling in your sexual organs
*Pain in your abdominal area
*Fever
*General weakness

How can you prevent them?

The spread of STDs can be controlled by using contraceptives like female and male condoms as unprotected sex opens up channels for these organisms to travel between two people, Dr Sachdev explains. The best way to prevent STDs is to undergo routine testing, especially if you have had unprotected sex or have had several sexual partners.

Healthcare experts can do testing to detect these illnesses even when there are no symptoms and administer proper care. “To avoid problems and additional STD transmission, early testing and treatment are essential,” says Dr Hiremath.

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