Due to the special location of vulvar leukoplakia, and the fact that vulvar leukoplakia and sexually transmitted diseases both have similar symptoms such as ulceration, erosion, and pain, some patients may mistakenly believe that vulvar leukoplakia is also a type of STD or a disease of disrepute. Is this really the case?
In fact, in current medical research, it is clear that vulvar leukoplakia is not an STD. The mechanisms and harms of the two are different, they are completely different diseases. Let’s understand the differences between vulvar leukoplakia and STDs:
From the perspective of disease mechanisms
STDs
STDs usually refer to diseases that are mainly transmitted through sexual behavior or contact, where bacteria and viruses are transmitted through sexual interactions. STDs are not a single disease, but a group of diseases, common ones include syphilis, gonorrhea, non-gonococcal urethritis, genital warts, etc., and the lesions mostly occur in the genital area.
Vulvar leukoplakia
Although the affected area of vulvar leukoplakia is in the vulva, it is not a disease caused by sexual infection, nor is it contagious. It is a disease caused by local nutritional disturbances in the vulva leading to tissue degeneration and pigment changes. The main pathogenic factors include: endocrine disorders, complications, genetics, childbirth injury, inflammatory stimuli, etc.
From the perspective of disease harm
STDs
In the later stages, STDs can have serious impacts on health. For example, late-stage syphilis can affect the skeleton, nervous system, and cardiovascular system, leading to bone damage, tabes dorsalis, paralysis, aneurysms, syphilitic heart disease, etc., resulting in loss of labor and life-threatening risks. Infection with HIV can lower immune function, manifesting as fever and wasting, which is difficult to cure.
Vulvar leukoplakia
Vulvar leukoplakia can significantly affect the normal life and work of patients, and in the later stages, it may even cause difficulty in urination or urinary incontinence. If a patient becomes pregnant during the disease, it can lead to birth difficulties and may also be inherited by offspring. Furthermore, vulvar leukoplakia even has a certain risk of cancerous changes, with a cancer transformation rate of 10%.
In summary, the disease mechanisms and harm of STDs and vulvar leukoplakia are different. Therefore, vulvar leukoplakia and STDs are two completely different diseases, but both have a significant impact on health. Therefore, regardless of the disease, it is important to seek treatment at a reputable and professional hospital as early as possible.
