Sexual health examination

Sex is a taboo subject in society, and sexual health is rarely discussed or understood by most people. However, this does not mean it is unimportant. When a man and woman engage in sexual intercourse, there is a chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) through sexual contact. Since humans have no immunity to STIs, and some people may have multiple sexual partners, STIs can easily spread, affecting their health and daily life. To ensure the safety of themselves and their partners, regular sexual health checkups are essential.

Definition of sexual health

According to the World Health Organization 's definition of sexual health: "sexual health and social well-being related to sexual activity. It requires a positive and respectful attitude toward sexual activity and relationships that enables people to enjoy pleasurable and safe sexual experiences without coercion, discrimination and violence." This means that people should engage in sexual activity in a healthy and pleasurable state, without worrying about sexually transmitted diseases or other illnesses.

Common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and their symptoms

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a broad term encompassing many different diseases. Below are five of the more common STDs:

1. Syphilis

Syphilis is a chronic sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum. The incubation period after infection can typically be a month or even longer before symptoms appear. Syphilis can be divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary stages, each with different symptoms.

In the early stages, painless, round ulcers will appear at the site of infection, medically known as "chancres". If left untreated, the syphilis spirochete will spread throughout the body via the blood and lymphatic system, progressing to the secondary stage.

In the second stage of infection, round red rashes appear all over the body, including the palms and soles of the feet, and the lymph nodes swell, but there is no pain or itching, which further delays the diagnosis.

Untreated individuals may develop tertiary syphilis 3-10 years after the initial infection, resulting in neurosyphilis. Syphilis attacks various organs in the body, including the brain, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints, and nervous system, potentially leading to death.

2. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

There are as many as 200 types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which are divided into high-risk and low-risk categories. Low-risk categories can cause dense skin warts resembling cauliflower on the genitals and anus; while high-risk categories may cause cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, penile cancer, head and neck cancer, etc.

Therefore, it is advisable to get the HPV vaccine as soon as possible, as both men and women can reduce their risk of infection.

3. AIDS

The dreaded AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus destroys white blood cells that make up the human immune system, causing the body to gradually lose its immunity. This makes patients more susceptible to common bacteria, viruses, or malignant tumors. Moreover, because of their low white blood cell count, they have difficulty fighting off diseases. What is a minor illness for normal people is a major illness for AIDS patients, who are more prone to various complications.

Initially, flu-like symptoms may appear, such as fever, sore throat, and joint pain. More than 10 years after infection, the disease enters the later stage, where the immune system is damaged, leading to various complications.

4. Herpes

Herpesviruses are classified into HSV-1 and HSV-2, both of which are highly contagious. Strictly speaking, sexually transmitted herpes refers to HSV-2. Infection with HSV-2 occurs through unsafe sexual contact. After an incubation period of 4-8 days, blisters may appear on the genitals and anus, which may rupture and ulcerate.

The ulcer will be very painful. Eventually, the wound will scab over and heal, but the virus will remain dormant in the nerve ganglia. If the patient's resistance is weak, it will relapse at any time, and the virus will accompany them for life.

5. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and the main route of transmission is through sexual contact with mucous secretions carrying the pathogen. After an incubation period of about 2-7 days, patients will develop symptoms. Men will experience yellowish-green purulent discharge from the genitals, as well as painful and burning urination; women will experience increased vaginal discharge and secretions. In severe cases, it may lead to urethritis and cervicitis.

What tests are typically included in a sexual health checkup?

A routine health check typically includes blood tests, urine tests, and Pap smears to test for antibodies and antigens. A positive result indicates the presence of the sexually transmitted infection (STI), while a negative result does not necessarily mean 100% immunity. It's possible the patient is still in the incubation period. Therefore, when seeking medical attention, it's crucial to be honest with the doctor about when, where, and with whom the sexual activity occurred, allowing for a more accurate examination and diagnosis.

Some sexually transmitted diseases can affect other parts of the body in severe cases. Therefore, in addition to sexual health checkups, it is recommended to have a comprehensive physical examination to ensure the health of your organs.