Here in this article, we will look at what is an autoimmune disease and what are sexually transmitted diseases.
Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmunity is a condition that is characterized by the presence of serum autoantibodies and T cells – self-reactive lymphocytes. It sometimes manifests itself when the body loses immune tolerance (the body distinguishes its antigens from foreign non-self-antigens and does not carry out an immunogenic attack on the former) and performs abnormal immune attacks, whether it is antibodies or T-cells, against a person’s self-antigens.
Some common autoimmune diseases are mentioned below–
- Celiac disease
- Graves’ disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Type 1 diabetes
We will look at the definitions, causes, and symptoms of some of these diseases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder of inflammation of the joints.
Causes
The body’s tissue at joints is attacked by its immune system.
Symptoms
- Tender, swollen joints, warm
- Usually, the joint stiffness is worse after inactivity like in the mornings
- Fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that may cause loss of central nervous system function. The immune system attacks the protective sheath of the central nervous system called myelin. The myelin sheath covers the nerve fibers. This can cause connection problems between your brain and body.
Causes
The body’s immune system malfunctions to attack Myelin which is the protective sheath of the CNS.
Symptoms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Partial or complete loss of vision
- Problems with sexual, bowel, and bladder function
- Slurred speech
- Tingling or pain in parts of your body
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Definition, Types, Causes, and Symptoms
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are usually transmitted by unprotected sexual contact from one person to another. Some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases are chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and herpes. We will be discussing some of these STDs.
Chlamydia
It is one of the most frequently reported STDs. It infects men and women. It affects the cervix, re(tum, or throat of women and the urethra, re(tum, or throat of men. It is caused by bacterial infection. If left untreated, it can cause urethral, prostate, or testicular infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even infertility.
Causes
Bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis
Symptoms
- Pain and discomfort during urination and sex
- Yellow or green discharge from the vag!na or pen!s
- Lower abdomen pain
HIV AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus causes AIDS by attacking cells that assist the body to resist infections. This makes a person more vulnerable to injury from others. In addition to sexual transmission, it can also be caused by blood transmission and improper use of needles after the use of the affected person.
Causes
- During pregnancy or through breastfeeding or delivery
- From blood transfusions
- Inherited
- Sharing needles
Symptoms
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Fevers
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Night sweats
- Rash
- Recurrent fatigue
- Sore throat
- Stomach issues
- Swollen lymph nodes
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is also called the clap is an STI caused by bacteria.
Causes
Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus is the bacterium that causes Gonorrhoea
Symptoms
- A yellow, white, beige, or green-colored discharge from the vag!na or pen!s
- Infections of the prostate gland, urethra, or testicles
- Infertility
- Itching around the area of genitals
- More frequent urination than normal
- Pain or discomfort during urination or sex
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Sore throat
Trichomoniasis
This is a rare venereal disease caused by protozoa. Infections are difficult to detect, especially in the early stages. It can cause urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. Learn all about the human brain here.
Causes
Trichomonas vag!nalis is a protozoan parasite which causes Trichomoniasis.
Symptoms
- Discharge from the pen!s or vag!na
- Discomfort or pain during sex or urination
- Frequent urination
- Itching or burning around the vag!na or pen!s
