6 Hidden Sexual Health Conditions

When it comes to your body and mind, knowledge is power. Certain "uncomfortable" topics in our society are often labeled as taboo. The lack of open dialogue about "taboo" topics, such as sexual health, can perpetuate misunderstanding, guilt, and false beliefs.

When we discuss sex health, many people believe that it is only important to be aware of sexual health risks in order to avoid diseases. However, sexual health is more than just preventing STDs and STIs.

Sexually transmitted diseases can sometimes go undetected because they are asymptomatic, so it is of utmost importance to know about the signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases, especially when you are sexually active.

Sexual conditions that can go unnoticed are:

1. Chlamydia - It develops when a patient has been infected with the Chlamydia trachomatis virus. It is a frequently reported STI that can be transmitted through anal, vaginal, or oral sex. A pregnant woman can also pass it on to her newborn child during childbirth. It does not cause symptoms, but if the patient does not seek medical attention, it can lead to infertility and other complications. Among the signs and symptoms are:

• Pain while passing urine
• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Vaginal discharge
• Discharge from penis
• Pain during sexual intercourse experienced by women
• Testicular pain

 

2. Gonorrhea - Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterial infection of the genital tract. Bacteria can grow in your mouth, throat, eyes, and nose. The first signs of gonorrhea typically appear under 10 days of exposure. However, some individuals may be infected for months prior to actually showing any signs or symptoms. Among the symptoms and indications of gonorrhea are:

• Penis or vaginal discharge that is cloudy
• Urinary pain or burning sensation
• Bleeding in between two menstrual cycles
• Painful and swollen testicles
• Itching in the anal region

 

3. HIV - HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus impairs your body's ability to fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi that cause illness, and it has the potential to lead to AIDS, a prolonged, life-threatening disease. You may not have any symptoms first when infected with HIV. Some people become ill with a flu-like illness two to six weeks after already being infected. Even so, the only way to find out if you have HIV is to get tested. Early HIV symptoms usually fade within a week to a month and are often misdiagnosed as those of another viral infection. Among the early-stage HIV symptoms are:

• Fever, Headache
• Swollen lymph glands and a sore throat
• Rashes all over the body
• Fatigue

 

4. Genital herpes - Genital herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a strain of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that penetrates the body through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Most people with HSV are unaware they have it because they have no symptoms or their symptoms are so minor that they go unnoticed. Signs and symptoms of genital herpes may include:

• Small red bumps, blisters (vesicles), or open sores (ulcers) in the anal and genital areas, as well as the surrounding areas
• Itching or pain in the buttocks, genital area, or inner thighs

 

5. Male infertility - The incapability to conceive a baby is the most obvious sign of male infertility. Other apparent signs or symptoms may not exist. You might notice the following signs and symptoms:

• Sexual function issues, such as difficulty ejaculating, decreased sexual desire, or difficulty in maintaining an erect penis (erectile dysfunction)
• Lump-like swelling and pain in the testes
• Breast growth that is abnormal (gynecomastia)
• Reduced facial or body hair, as well as other symptoms of a chromosomal defect
• A sperm count that is lower than normal

 

6. Hepatitis - Hepatitis B is a highly contagious viral infection that affects your liver. Some people never experience any signs or symptoms. However, for those who do, symptoms may appear several weeks following exposure and could include:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Abdominal pain discomfort, particularly on your right side beneath your lower ribs in the area of your liver
• Appetite loss
• Fever
• Dark colored urine
• Jaundice

These diseases can be prevented with precautions like avoiding multiple sexual partners, using condoms, and maintaining sexual hygiene. You can find these sexual hygiene products at Apollo Pharmacy, online or in-store.

If you suspect you have one of these or another STI, or if you have been subjected to one, speak with your physician for testing. It is critical to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment in order to avoid or postpone more serious, possibly life-health complications and to ignore infecting others.

References

1. STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) : Symptoms, Causes and Treatment  Available from: https://healthlibrary.askapollo.com/std-sexually-transmitted-diseases-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/
2. URLife Team. 6 Steps To Take For Better Sexual Health  Available from: https://ur.life/article/6-steps-to-take-for-better-sexual-health