Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD): Symptoms, Testing and Treatment

Namaste. Correct information about STIs is very important for your own health and your partner’s.

Direct answer: STIs are infections spread mainly through sexual contact. Many STIs have no symptoms at first, so relying only on symptoms is not right. Many STIs (such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis) can be cured with proper treatment, and others (such as HIV, herpes and hepatitis B) can be well controlled. Vaccines are available for hepatitis B and HPV.

Common symptoms

• Sores, blisters, warts or lumps on the genitals
• Unusual discharge, bad smell
• Burning while passing urine
• Pain during intercourse, pain in the lower abdomen in women
• Swelling in the groin, fever, rash on the skin

When to get tested?

• Before marriage, for both
• When there is a new partner
• After unprotected intercourse
• When there is any symptom or the partner is found to have an infection
• In early pregnancy (the doctor arranges this)

The Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda describes diseases such as Upadamsha (sores on the genitals) and Phiranga, considered to spread through impure or unsafe contact. Ayurveda regards Sadvritta (restraint and cleanliness) as the foundation of prevention, and considers Rakta Shodhana (blood purification) and strengthening Vyadhikshamatva (immunity) supportive in treatment. But in STIs, modern testing and medicine are essential; Ayurveda is not a substitute for them.

Practical steps

• Get tested after any unprotected contact; do not delay out of fear or shame.
• Condoms significantly reduce the risk of most STIs.
• If an infection is found, both partners need treatment, and no intercourse until treatment is complete.
• Discuss hepatitis B and HPV vaccines with a doctor.
• Do not suppress an infection with self-medication or home remedies.

About medicines

Depending on the infection, the doctor gives treatment from the antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal class. In Ayurveda, substances such as neem, turmeric, Manjishtha and Giloy are considered supportive for blood purification and immunity, but not as a replacement for the doctor’s medicine. The vaidya will decide the choice and amount after examination.

Warning signs: see a doctor immediately

• A sore, blisters or lump on the genitals
• Pus-like discharge, severe burning while passing urine
• Pain in the lower abdomen with fever in women
• If you feel at risk of HIV after unprotected contact, go immediately (a doctor’s advice within 72 hours is useful)

Whom to consult: Skin and STD specialist (STD clinic), gynaecologist, urologist, sexologist.

Example 1: A young man in his twenties had burning while passing urine and discharge, but out of shame kept trying home remedies for months. On testing, an infection was found; with proper treatment it cleared in a few days, and his partner was treated too.

Example 2: In a pre-marriage check-up, a young woman found that she had not been vaccinated for hepatitis B. Both she and her future husband took the vaccine, and they saw it as the start of a healthy married life.

In short: STIs are often without symptoms, so testing is needed before marriage, with a new partner or after unprotected intercourse. Many STIs are curable with treatment, others can be controlled. Condoms reduce the risk, and vaccines are available for hepatitis B and HPV.

You can seek advice about this confidentially. Your information and consultation will remain completely confidential.