Sexually transmitted diseases and their tests

 HIV/AIDS- blood tests

Trichomoniasis- urethra swab and a pelvic exam

Herpes- Blood test and PCR test

HPV- cervical swab

Syphilis- blood test

 The diagnosis and treatments

A blood test is the most commonly used test to help determine if one is infected with HIV virus (Felman, 2018). Most of the blood tests that are available cannot however detect HIV virus immediately it is contracted. This is because the virus takes time to grow once inside the body and so it can take up to six months before a positive result is detected (Felman, 2018). The best test to help an early detection of HIV virus is the antibody combination screening test, which can diagnose HIV in two to four weeks after exposure. The test checks for certain protein that s normally formed in response to HIV infection. Once an individual has been diagnosed with HIV virus, they are put on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (Felman, 2018). This is where one is given HIV medications to help lower the viral load by controlling the growth of the virus and also fighting infections. These medications cannot however cure HIV; they just simply help strengthen the immune systems of the people infected with HIV helping them live longer and healthier (Felman, 2018). They also lower the one’s chances of transmitting the HIV virus to other people.

Trichomoniasis is diagnosed through a pelvic exam and a urethra swab (Guy & Jewel, 2016). The vaginal discharge collected is evaluated under a microscope to confirm the presence of the parasite.  Trichomoniasis greatly increases the risk of one acquiring or even spreading other STDs like HIV. Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole which are all taken orally (Guy & Jewel, 2016). One can get re-infected again after getting treated if one continues to have sex with infected partners.

Herpes is normally diagnosed through a physical exam and laboratory tests including blood test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (Boskey, 2019). These tests help to detect the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibodies either in the blood or in the DNA. There is no cure for Herpes, but its symptoms can be treated using antiviral medications like Zovirax and Valtrex (Boskey, 2019). These medications help the sores to heal much faster and help reduce the harshness of the recurring symptom outbreak. They also help to minimize the chances of herpes being transmitted to other people.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is diagnosed through the use of Pap test which produces abnormal results if one is infected (Gabbey et al., 2019). There is no cure or treatment for HPV virus, there are only treatments for the conditions that it causes which include, cancer and genital warts. There are vaccines that can be taken to help prevent one from getting HPV; the vaccines are given in multiple doses. Children who are aged between 9 and 14 receive two doses and anyone above 15 gets 3 doses (Gabbey et al., 2019).

Syphilis is normally diagnosed through a simple blood test and a physical examination to detect any sores on the body (Lori, 2017). Any person can be infected if they have directed contact with the sores of an infected person. The infection can be passed on from a mother to a baby during pregnancy and it is hence very important for pregnant women to get tested for the virus. Syphilis is normally treated through the use of antibiotics the most common one being Penicillin (Lori, 2017). If it is not treated, syphilis can spread to the rest of the body causing brain damage, loos of sight and hearing and also serious damage to the heart and other vital organs (Lori, 2017).

 

References

Boskey, E. (2019, May 04). An Overview of Herpes. Retrieved from

            https://www.verywellhealth.com/herpes-overview-2633380

Felman, A. (2018, November 29). HIV and AIDS: Overview, causes, symptoms, and treatments.

            Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/17131.php

Gabbey, A. E., Cafasso, J., & Schulman, J. (2019). Human Papillomavirus Infection: Symptoms

and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/human-papillomavirus-infection

Guy, L. R., & Jewel, T. (2016). Trichomonas Infection: Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment.

            Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/trichomonas-infection

Lori. S. (2017, December 21). Syphilis: Causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment. Retrieved

 from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/186656.php