Question

Describe the major STDs and their symptoms.

Answer 1

Name of the Disease	Causative agent	Symptom	Incubation period
Bacterial STI
Gonorrhoea	Neisseria gonorrhoeae	Affects the urethra, rectum and throat and in females the cervix also get affected. Pain and pus discharge in the genital tract and burning sensation during urination.	2 to 5 days
Syphilis	Treponema pallidum	Primary stage: Formation of painless ulcer on the external genitalia. Secondary stage: Skin lesions, rashes, swollen joints and fever and hair loss. Tertiary stage: Appearance of chronic ulcers on nose, lower legs and palate. Loss of movement, mental disorder, visual impairment, heart problems, gummas (soft non-cancerous growths) etc.	10 to 90 days

Cervical cancer:
Cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus called Human Papilloma virus (HPV). HPV may cause abnormal growth of cervical cells or cervical dysplasia. The most common symptoms and signs of cervical cancer are pelvic pain, increased vaginal discharge and abnormal vaginal bleeding. The risk factors for cervical cancer include

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Prolonged use of contraceptive pills

Cervical cancer can be diagnosed by a Papanicolaou smear (PAP smear) combined with an HPV test. X-Ray, CT scan, MRI and a PET scan may also be used to determine the stage of cancer. The treatment options for cervical cancer include radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.

Modem screening techniques can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Therefore screening is recommended for women above 30 years once in a year. Cervical cancer can be prevented with vaccination. Primary prevention begins with HPV vaccination of girls aged 9-13 years, before they become sexually active. Modification in lifestyle can also help in preventing cervical cancer. Healthy diet, avoiding tobacco usage, preventing early marriages, practicing monogamy and regular exercise minimize the risk of cervical cancer.