Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can have serious consequences if left untreated. While some STDs may not initially cause noticeable symptoms, leaving them untreated for a prolonged period can potentially lead to severe health problems.
Overview of STDs
STDs are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. There are many different types of STDs, including:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Herpes
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV/AIDS
Some of the most common symptoms of STDs include pain or burning during urination, unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, sores or bumps on the genitals or mouth, and pain during sexual intercourse. However, many STDs do not produce any noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. This makes getting tested regularly very important.
Complications of Untreated STDs
Leaving an STD untreated for an extended period allows the infection to spread further and cause irreparable damage to your body. Here are some potential complications of untreated STDs:
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial infections. When left untreated, they can spread to the reproductive organs and lead to:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries that can cause chronic pelvic pain and lead to infertility.
- Ectopic pregnancy – a potentially life-threatening condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
- Abscesses in the fallopian tubes.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea can also spread to the eyes and cause conjunctivitis or trachoma leading to vision problems or even blindness if not treated early.
Syphilis
Syphilis occurs in four stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary) if left untreated. Over time, it can spread to the brain, heart, liver, bones, and joints resulting in:
- Neurological disorders like stroke and meningitis
- Heart disease
- Loss of vision and hearing
- Dementia
Syphilis also increases the risk of contracting HIV if exposed.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that can lead to:
- Infection of the urethra in men
- Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal atrophy, and cervical cancer in women
- Infertility and higher risk of contracting HIV
HPV
There are many strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Some low-risk strains cause genital warts. But high-risk strains can lead to:
- Cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers
- Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) – growths in the respiratory tract that can block breathing
Herpes Simplex Virus
Genital herpes is a lifelong infection. Over time, the virus can damage the nervous system leading to:
- Meningitis – inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
- Loss of bladder control
- Weakness and paralysis of the legs
Herpes also causes 2-3 times higher risk of contracting HIV if exposed.
HIV
Over time, untreated HIV attacks the immune system leading to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This makes the body prone to multiple severe opportunistic infections like:
- Tuberculosis
- Cryptococcal meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Toxoplasmosis
- Candidiasis
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Cancers like lymphoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma
Without treatment, AIDS can be fatal.
Hepatitis B and C
Chronic hepatitis B and C can result in:
- Cirrhosis – permanent scarring of the liver
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer like hepatocellular carcinoma
They also increase the risk of other conditions like arthritis, lymphoma, glomerulonephritis, and cryoglobulinemia.
Increased Risk of Infertility
Many untreated STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. This can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes leading to infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
In men, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause epididymitis – inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicle – leading to low sperm count and motility.
Higher Risk of Contracting or Transmitting HIV
Having an STD like syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, or trichomoniasis increases the risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact. Open sores and inflammation make it easier for the HIV virus to enter the body.
Those living with HIV are also more likely to transmit the virus if they have another STD since the same behaviors and circumstances that transmit other STDs also promote the spread of HIV.
Increased Risk of Cervical Cancer
Untreated HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer in women. HPV 16 and 18 strains account for 70% of all cervical cancer cases. If precancerous cervical lesions are left untreated, they can progress to invasive cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer symptoms only appear once the disease has advanced to later stages. This is why regular Pap smear screening is important to detect and treat precancerous changes early.
Can Cause Birth Defects and Complications During Pregnancy
STDs like syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. This can lead to:
- Stillbirth
- Low birth weight
- Birth defects
- Neonatal death
- Miscarriage
- Premature delivery
STDs may also cause pneumonia, neonatal conjunctivitis, or sepsis in newborns. Some infections like syphilis and gonorrhea can be treated during pregnancy to reduce the risk.
Increased Susceptibility to Other Infections
STDs like herpes, HIV, and HPV suppress the immune system over time and make you more prone to other illnesses. People living with HIV are at higher risk of human herpesvirus 8 infection that causes Kaposi sarcoma.
Can Spread to Other Parts of the Body
STDs affect more than just the reproductive organs. If left untreated, the infection can spread through the blood to the brain, heart, eyes, bones, liver and other areas leading to potentially serious complications as discussed above.
Conclusions
The main conclusions are:
- Many STDs do not cause noticeable symptoms initially but can lead to severe complications if left untreated for long.
- Common complications include pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, neurological issues, heart disease, cancer, cirrhosis, and arthritis among others.
- STDs increase the risk of contracting HIV and cervical cancer.
- They can spread from mother to child during pregnancy causing birth defects, stillbirths, and other problems.
- STDs suppress the immune system and make the body prone to other infections.
- They can spread from the reproductive organs to other body systems through the bloodstream.
- Getting tested regularly and seeking immediate treatment for STDs is crucial to stop progression and transmission.
Early diagnosis and treatment of STDs is key to preventing long-term complications. Practicing safe sex by using condoms, limiting sexual partners, and getting vaccinated against HPV can also reduce your STD risk. If you are sexually active, get tested at least once a year and whenever you have a new partner.