Venereal disease refers to a sexually transmitted disease that can be spread when engaging in sexual activity. Generally, these venereal diseases can lead to sores or ulcers on the genitalia, foul discharge or pain. Fortunately, venereal diseases can be treated.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common venereal disease associated with such symptoms as burning pain upon urination, swollen or tender testicles, a sore throat and penile discharge. In some instances, gonorrhea can also lead to increased urinary frequency, a fever, vaginal discharge and lower abdominal pain. This abdominal pain typically occurs in women.
Abstinence, being in a monogamous relationship and using condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse can help prevent gonorrhea. Treating gonorrhea involves receiving an injection of 125 mg of ceftriaxone or a single dose of 400 mg of cefixime. Sometimes, azithromycin can be given for people who are allergic to ceftriaxone or cefixime.
Syphilis
Syphilis, also known as Cupid's disease or Lues, is a venereal disease in which bacteria spreads through broken skin and mucus membranes. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that syphillis has three stages. The first stage involves the development of a painless sore (chancre) that can occur in the rectum, cervix or another region of the sexual organs. It states that these sores will resolve on their own in 4 to 6 weeks.
Specific symptoms of secondary syphilis include a skin rash that appears on the palms or soles of the feet. Also, lesions typically develop on the vagina, mouth or penis. In some instances, patches can also form on the skin folds and sexual organs.
Tertiary syphilis typically leads to heart or central nervous system (brain or spinal cord) problems.
Treating syphilis involves taking antibiotics such as doxycycline, penicillin, G benzathine or tetracycline.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually-transmitted disease in the United States, says MedlinePlus. It is associated with burning urination, rectal or penile discharge and testicular pain or tenderness. Additional symptoms include painful sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge, hepatitis and vaginal discharge. The bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis is the main cause for chlamydia. Treating chlamydia involves taking such antibiotics as azithromycin, tetracyclines and erythromycin.
