What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that can spread from one person to another via sexual intercourse. They also spread through sharing of needles, or having contaminated blood enter a person’s system via transfusion or an opening on the skin. STDs or STIs (sexually transmitted infections), are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Samples of these are trichomoniasis, HIV, chlamydia, and syphilis.
How common are STDs?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 77,000 people in the Philippines have been living with HIV as of 2018.
HIV, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) are some of the most common STDs in the Philippines.
STDs in the Philippines statistics published by the WHO show that more than a million people in the Philippines from ages 15 to 49 contracted STDs. This makes STDs in the Philippines a persistent and endemic health threat.
Every year, more than 376 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis are documented. In addition, 127 million new cases of chlamydia were reported in 2016. This was along with 87 million with gonorrhea, 6.3 million with syphilis, and 156 million with trichomoniasis. STDs in the Philippines statistics show the importance of educating people about sexual health.
What are the symptoms of STDs?
Most STDs do not exhibit symptoms, but for those that do, it can be in the form of any of the following:
- Burning sensation when you urinate
- Bumps, warts, or sores near your mouth, vagina, anus, or penis
- Aches, pains, chills, and fever
- Abnormal discharge from your penis or vagina
- Hepatitis B, yellowing of the skin caused by jaundice
When should I see my doctor?
If you think that you have contracted an STD or STI and you are sexually active, consult your doctor immediately. Most STDs or STIs are treatable. It is best to consult a doctor and not self medicate. HIV is also now manageable and treatable, preventing it from developing into full-blown AIDs. Early detection and treatment is best for all STDs.
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