Medical Conditions That Affect The Genitals

A healthy sexual life is an integral aspect of enjoying your sex life. It plays an important role in our overall emotional and physical health. When you are sexually healthy it means that you have access to sexual health information, you make intended efforts to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies and you share a satisfactory, pleasurable and intimate sexual experience whenever you desire. However, even with knowledge of sexual health, there are medical conditions that are known to affect the genitals. The genitals are described as someone's external sexual organs. When you understand your organs, you can avoid medical conditions that affect the genitals. These conditions usually affect both men and women and it is imperative that you visit your physician if you are experiencing any of them.

Bacterial vaginosis

This is a condition that is known to cause an individual to produce thin greenish, greyish, or yellow discharge. The bacterial vaginosis causes itchiness during sex and you will always feel an itchy feeling on your vulva and the surrounding areas.

Yeast infectionsThis is a common condition that affects many women and it is characterized by vulva and vaginal itching. Some of the other symptoms usually include soreness on the vulva and a burning sensation whenever you are visiting the bathroom. There are cases of labia welling or the skin on the outer part of the vaginal fold showing a cottage cheese texture.

Trichomoniasis

This is an infection that is known to cause vaginal itching and you are going to encounter a fishlike odor from the discharge. There is a high chance that this is accompanied by irritation, swelling, and inflammation of your vulva and vagina. During urination, you are going to experience a burning sensation.

Genital warts

Genital warts are small bumps that grow on the genital area and they are usually transmitted sexually. The main cause of these warts is a virus called the human papillomavirus or HPV. These bumps usually affect both men and women and it is important that you should seek immediate medical attention. You will find these warts either as individuals or they may come as a cluster around the genital area.

Chlamydia

This is the most common form of sexually transmitted infection that affects young people, especially men and women. The bacteria can infect the uterus opening and urethra in men. The disease is easily treated and it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you have it. Proper screening is done and the physician will give you the right medication. If this condition is not treated it could result in pelvic inflammatory disease which is a main cause of infertility in females.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a medical condition that affects the genitalia of both males and females. This condition usually results in the formation of blisters on the buttocks and the genital area. Some of the symptoms that patients with genital herpes experience include itching, swelling, and blistering. Genital herpes is a recurrent condition and you should ensure that you seek immediate medical attention where you will be given medication to clear it. It is also important that you practice safe sex because this condition is spread through contact.

Pubic Lice

This is the most underrated yet very dangerous condition that affects the genital area for both men and women. It is often called crabs or crab lice and they are wingless sucking insects that thrive on the skin of the pubic area. These lice are usually fast breeders and they can multiply very fast. Men are usually at a higher risk of pubic lice because they have coarse body hair. You must always practice safe sex and maintain your hygiene.

Intertrigo

These are brown or red elevated lesions that are usually on your genital areas. These can grow to something like skin folds and wrinkled frothy skin. Depending on the source of the condition, it can arise from bacterial or yeast infection which results in skin irritation. Wetness and wearing damp inner wears aggravate the condition. Always practice safe sexual health and a high level of hygiene.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is usually transmitted through anal intercourse and vaginal and oral sex. It is one condition that usually occurs alone or with chlamydia. The symptoms of this condition usually begin at the cervix or the bladder opening. This continues to grow and infiltrate the uterus before getting to the fallopian tubes. It is the main cause of pelvic inflammatory disease. You must seek immediate medical attention if you have these symptoms and ensure you always practice safe sex.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

This is a medical condition that affects the genital area and it is a result of a wide array of bacteria that begins on the outside of the vagina before becoming severe and affecting the internal organs. The most common causes of pelvic inflammatory disease are chlamydia and gonorrhea. It is imperative that you are checked to ensure that you do not have this condition, especially when experiencing the common symptoms associated with chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Balanitis

This is one of the medical conditions that affect the genitals and it occurs when the head of the penis is inflamed or irritated. Balanitis is mostly experienced by people who are not circumcised. You are likely to experience unusual discharge, tightness of the foreskin, swelling, and redness of the skin. It is a painful experience and you should ensure that you seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing this condition.

Peyronie's disease

This is more of a disease than it is a condition. It is usually characterized by the scarring of the penis. When this happens, a scar is formed on the penis and this causes it to take unusual curves or bend. A slight curve is normal, however, Peyronie's disease curve is usually very distinct and you will know it. It is associated with penis trauma or injury.

Psoriasis

This is a condition that affects both men and women and you will experience outbreaks of rash-like things on your genital area. It is usually caused by your immune attacking healthy tissues and this causes patches of dry and scaley skin. This condition might be worsened by other infections such as sexually transmitted diseases.

In conclusion, it is important that you always practice safe sex. Use condoms, maintain a high level of hygiene, and check yourself regularly. If you have any of the conditions visit a doctor and follow their recommendation to the latter.