Things to know about sexually transmitted diseases can 'eat people'

Recently, many researchers have issued warnings about a sexually transmitted disease capable of "cannibalism" leading to dangerous symptoms.

Donovanosis is considered a sexually transmitted disease capable of "cannibalism". In fact, most women have never known about this health problem and how to protect themselves from them. Donovanosis became a hot topic last year after a woman in the UK was diagnosed with the disease.

What is donovanosis?

Sherry Ross, a medical expert, gynecologist and author of She-Ology, says this is why they are nicknamed "cannibalism".

How is Donovanosis transmitted?

Donovanosis is spread by skin-to-skin contact but not through liquid . Therefore, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), any type of intimate contact can spread the disease, even without going through sexual intercourse.

However, sex is the most common way of spreading Donovanosis. In addition to vaginal or anal sex, Dr. Ross can get it through intimate oral contact.

Popularity?

Although the risk is not high, most women have never heard or known of Donovanosis.

Thankfully, Donovanosis is quite rare. They tend to occur in warm climates such as southeastern India, Guyana and New Guinea. According to the NIH, there are about 100 cases of this disease each year in the United States.

Although the risk is not high, most women have never heard or known of Donovanosis.

Does this disease really eat people?

Although the ulcers caused by Donovanosis can grow and spread, they really can't "eat people" . Basically, this disease is not related to health problems that cause necrotic tissue inflammation or human flesh-eating disease .

Necrotizing fasciitis originates from a bacterium that has the ability to "eat people". Donovanosis, meanwhile, is caused by a completely different bacterium. The biggest difference is that tissues usually recover after treatment for this sexually transmitted disease.

True flesh-eating bacteria often destroy skin permanently and cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of Donovanosis?

The most obvious symptom of this disease is the appearance of painless sores, usually located in the groin area. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they gradually develop into larger open sores if not treated promptly. In addition, sores often appear in skin folds, most commonly in the vaginal opening, around the anus. They may produce fluid and bleed easily.

The most obvious symptom of this disease is the appearance of painless sores.

If the subjective ulcer is not treated promptly, you may face secondary symptoms including fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and vaginal odor.

How to treat Donovanosis

This is not a health problem that can go away on its own. As mentioned, if not treated promptly, the disease will become more serious. Therefore, you need to see a doctor and take antibiotics as soon as you notice any abnormal signs.

The CDC recommends that azithromycin is effective, but it is also easy to relapse. Therefore, you will need to keep an eye out for new ulcers in the private area. Treating the disease early often results in a quick and minimal result, such as scarring or permanent damage to the skin.

You should see a doctor and take antibiotics as soon as you notice any unusual signs.

Because Donovanosis is quite rare, misdiagnosis is unavoidable. If you still suspect you have the disease, even after seeing a doctor, you can seek the help of many other experts.

How to protect yourself?

Condoms are not enough to protect you from Donovanosis. The only way to prevent the spread of this disease is to not have sex with an infected person. At the same time, paying close attention to the health of your private parts will help you detect the disease earlier. You need to check everything if something annoys you.

1. Sexually transmitted diseases cannot be cured
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