Venereology

Venereology is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of venereal diseases. As with diseases affecting other parts of the skin and mucous membranes, early diagnosis of venereal diseases is essential for their rapid and effective treatment.

There are numerous venereal diseases. These include infectious sexually transmitted diseases such as condyloma caused by HPV, genital herpes, molluscum contagiosum, genital fungal infections, chlamydial infections, syphilis, gonorrhea, and many others. Additionally, there are non-infectious conditions, such as inflammatory, autoimmune, tumor, or allergic diseases, which cannot be transmitted between sexual partners. Although not infectious, these conditions significantly impact the quality of life and require active treatment, similar to infectious diseases.

A dermatovenerological examination is recommended when the following symptoms appear:

Vaginal or urethral discharge,
Pain in the lower abdomen or scrotum,
Pain during urination or sexual intercourse,
Painful or painless ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes of the anogenital region,
Neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes of the anogenital region,
Prolonged itching in the anogenital area,
Or thickening or noticeable thinning of the skin and mucous membranes in this region.

The venereological examination starts with an anamnesis, a conversation between the doctor and patient, during which the doctor collects information about the problems that prompted the patient to seek evaluation. It is crucial to be completely honest and provide a full list of all problems and concerns, as this is the first step in making an accurate diagnosis. After the anamnesis, a painless venereological examination is conducted. The dermatovenerologist inspects the skin and mucous membranes of the genital and anal regions, and occasionally, the examination extends to other areas of the skin.

At times, a swab is taken during the examination, while in other cases, the patient is referred for additional tests, such as blood draws.

Following a thorough examination and receipt of the results (or immediately if no further treatment is needed), the recommendation for treating the venereal disease, if necessary, is given. The patient is also advised on measures for the protection and prevention of venereal diseases.

Any suspicion of a venereal disease must be promptly confirmed or ruled out to ensure timely treatment, prevent complications, and avoid permanent irreversible consequences.

Contact us with confidence

At Sokol Polyclinic, we prioritize the utmost discretion for all our patients, including those seeking care for venereological concerns. If you suspect you may have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), we are here to address your needs confidentially and professionally.