Common Disorders of the Reproductive System

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), as the name suggests, are usually passed on by sexual contact. However, humans cannot develop good immunity to STD, and should therefore seek medical treatment when exposed to one.

STD	Symptoms	Treatment
Gonorrhea	In males: painful urination and bowel movement, anal itching, and pus from the penis In females: painful urination, cramps, yellow or bloody vaginal discharge, fever	Antibiotics: in advanced cases for females: removal of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Genital herpes	Pain around the genitals, small blisters in the genital or anal area, genital itch, and burning sensation when urine comes in contact with the blisters	Medicines to heal blisters and reduce pain: antiviral medicines as primary treatment
Syphilis	First stage: sores on the genitals, rectum, lips, or throat; and swollen lymph nodes near the sores Later stages: skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, sores in the mouth and throat, fever, headaches, clumps of hair falling out, and loss of appetite	Antibiotics or penicillin either injected to the muscle or given intravenously.
Chlamydia	In males: mild burning sensation on urination, and mucus discharge In females: vaginal discharge and urinary tract infection	Antibiotics
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)	First stage: swollen lymph nodes and flulike symptoms Later stages: persistent fevers, fatigue, diarrhea, and night sweats; unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite; swollen lymph nodes; purple sores on the skin or in the mouth and nose; and respiratory infections	There is currently no known treatment, but certain drugs have been developed to prevent symptoms and complications.