Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)-

Which are the most common STDs ?--
Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chancroid, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Donovanosis are the most  common STDs.
HIV has also been added to this group now.

What are the symptoms of STDs ?--
Initially most STDs produce symptoms localised to the genitalia. However as the disease progresses it produces more generalised symptoms.
The early symptoms are ----
Ulcer on the genitals
Warty growth on the genitals
Persistent discharge from the genitals.
Painful swelling in the groin especially if accompanying any of the above.
Pus discharge in urine
Burning pain at micturition

However it is always advisable to contact your physician for the diagnosis.

Is itching all over the body or the genitals a symptom of STD ?--
Itching all over the body & even the genitals can be caused by many different skin diseases.
Most commonly this is due to allergic conditions or fungal infections.
Hence this need not necessarily mean a STD.

If an individual has a scar on the penis, what does it suggest ?--
Generally most ulcerative lesions heal without leaving a scar. However in some cases there may remain some slight difference in color. This may be suggestive of prior STD.
Sometimes there may be a scar like lesion on the underside of the penis. This portion of the skin looks like a web. it is not due to any STD but is a remnant of fetal development & is normal.

Does a white patch on the penis suggest a STD ?--
Generally  a change in color is not due to current STD.
It may be due to a previous STD or any other condition. Hence in case of doubt, it is best to contact a physician.

What are the symptoms & signs of Gonorrhea ?--
Gonorrhea is caused by an organism called as Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
It causes a us like discharge through the urethra within 1-14 days of risky intercourse; especially within 2-5 days in majority of cases.
The patient also complains of pain while passing urine.
The clinical diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic examination of the pus.
The infection can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Left untreated, it can lead to a variety of complications. It can cause painful swelling of the testis ( epididymitis) , infection of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis). this can lead to infertility , ectopic pregnancy (fetus implanted in organs other than uterus). If the  mother is suffering from gonorrhea at the time of delivery, the newborn is at the risk of a potentially blinding infection.
In rare cases, infection spreads in the body & causes painful joints & skin lesions.

What are symptoms & signs of syphilis ?--
Syphilis is caused by an organism called as Treponema paliidum.
Patients having syphilis; in primary stage, have a painless ulcer on the genitals within 3 months of having risky intercourse. This ulcer disappears on its own if not treated. Within a few weeks or months the person shows signs of secondary syphilis. The most common of these are rash on the body & enlargement of of glands. After this stage for a long period there may be no symptoms.
In the stage of tertiary syphilis, the patient can have neurological disorders, heart lesions, certain skin lesions called gummas.

What are the complications of syphilis ?--
Inadequate treatment of syphilis in early stages can lead to complications.
The nervous system can be involved leading to paralysis, convulsions etc.
The heart may be involved. The heart valves can get diseased. aorta may undergo ballooning & finally rupture.
A pregnant lady may transmit the infection to the fetus leading to abortion or congenital syphilis.

What are genital warts ?--
Genital warts is a STD caused by Human Papilloma Virus.
It consists of a small cauliflower like growth on the genitals. Unless treated, the growth keeps on increasing.
It has been associated with cancer of the cervix.
There is no curative treatment. Certain chemicals are used that can root out the growth. However recurrences are common.

What is genital herpes ?--
Genital herpes is caused by a virus called Herpes simplex virus.
Initially the patient develops small vesicles (fluid filled lesions) in grape like clusters, later these break open to form ulcers or sore. Generally these ulcers last for 5-15 days. The ulcers tend to be recurrent. The ulcers are painful. They are recurrent.

What is "white discharge " ?--
When a women starts discharging whitish secretion from the vagina, it is called as white discharge. This is known as leucorrhoea in medical terms.
Normally a woman gets thin discharge just around the time of menses. This is normal unless associated with foul smell. This can be caused by poor hygiene, diabetes, STDs.
However every person having white discharge should not be considered to be suffering from STD.
White discharge can be easily treated with appropriate drugs.

Can there be an inguinal swelling without STD ?--
YES, inguinal swelling alone does not mean STD. It can occur due to many other reasons.

Can STD lead to HIV infection ?--
STDs per se do not get converted to HIV infection/ AIDS. However presence of STDs increase the risk of acquiring HIV infection after a risky intercourse 2 - 10 times. These STDs facilitate the entry of HIv into the body.
Also the risk of transmission of HIV from a person having STDs is higher.