6 Facts About STD | Dr. Li Says It's Not That Terrifying!

When it comes to STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) or STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections), some people usually feel embarrassed and sometimes even get discriminated against for it.But should they be labeled as "dirty"？ Is it fair? Today with our famous dermatologist Dr. Li, we will present you six facts about STD and hope more and more people affected can regain respect.

1.Not all STD is fatal, some can be cured

Among the most common ones like gonorrhea, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes, syphilis and AIDS, gonorrhea is the easiest to deal with, dermatologist Dr. Li suggests. If discovered at an early stage, It can be cured by taking cephalosporin antibiotics for continuous three to five days.

The postphase symptoms of syphilis include skin ulcers and papule; if drug is used rationally during latency or earlier phase, syphilis can also be cured.

Yet hiding diseases from family members or even doctors is not a smart choice and can only delay the treatment process.

2.Gynecopathy differs from STD

Gynaecopathia refers to diseases occuring in woman's genitals, including vulval and vaginal diseases; and patients with diseases in such parts need to see gynecologist. While STD, as its name indicates, is a sexually transmitted and patients should see dermatologist. 

Gynecopathy will not develop into STD, but some STD may aggravate gynecopathy such as cervical erosion etc.

3.STD means promiscuity? NO!

Though the main cause of STD is intercourse, we shouldn't equate STD with promiscuity, Dr. Li stressed. 

Given the study of clinical cases, a lot of people got STD from their bed partners. And contaminated syringe needle is also a source of infection for syphilis, AIDS and gonorrhea; moreover, sharing toothbrush, towel and bathtub may put you at risk for gonorrhoea; intimate contacts like touching lover's hands and kissing may also transmit the disease... 

Therefore many STD patients are virtually innocent victims who are unfortunately crucified and treated unfairly by the public. Don't they deserve respect and justice?

4.Will STD affect offspring?

Yes, if not treated, most of STDs will affect offspring. Syphilis and pathogen of non-gonorrheic urethritis can infect fetus through placenta, resulting in miscarriage, premature birth, fetal death, congenital malformation and syphilis; spontaneous abortion is related with gonorrhoea, mycoplasma and herpes simplex virus; besides, gonorrhoea can be passed down to children, causing ocular inflammation and blindness even.

5. Regular check-up is necessary even if you look very fit

One of the most common symptoms of STD is "no symptom" at all. Maybe you abstain from sex and thus think STD is not your concern; or maybe you had unprotected intercourse once and not any abnormalities occur afterwards. 

But you must know there is latent period for virus. And it would be very challenging to cure STD when the symptoms can be seen by naked eyes. So routine STD check-up is highly recommended.

6. The following cases require special attention:

★. ex diagnosed with STD

★. had unprotected sex before

★. replacing sexual partner

★. homosexuals(esp. gay population)

★. pregnant woman

...

If you meet any of the above conditions, we suggest you go to hospital and do STD check-up on a regular basis. Besides, woman over 20 years old, if not a virgin, should do annual pap smear tests to protect themselves from cervical cancer.

Nobody deserves discrimination even if he have STD. And we all need to respect and love ourselves so as to live a life we want — less prejudice, more respect and understanding.

Dr. Li Huiliang

Title: Associate Chief Physician, Associate Professor

Department: Dermatology

Expertise:

Director of Shanghai Association of STD and AIDS Prevention and Control. Rich experience in diagnosis and treatment of acne, seborrheic dermatitis, herpes zoster, hirsutism, senile dermatosis, sexually transmitted diseases, eczema, dermatitis, urticaria and other common skin complaints.

Experience:

Graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in 1978, Li has dedicated himself to dermatology and the study of venereal disease for nearly 40 years. His works include Practical Guidebook for Prevention and Treatment of STD, Full Listing of Psychological and Physiological Diseases(dermatology) and etc. He is also a co-writer of a book called Treatment and Prevention of Psoriasis.