Treatment of尖锐湿疣 Psychological barriers commonly found in patients with wet wart venereal diseases

1. Sense of Shame

The occurrence and extinction of a sense of shame are heavily influenced by societal whitewashing. Due to the influence of thousands of years of Confucian traditional culture, a small number of foreigners view promiscuity as the root of all evil, and since sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are often related to promiscuity, new STDs are perceived as "dirty diseases" or "diseases that make one lose face." Patients with STDs often feel ashamed to reveal their conditions publicly. In general, the degree of shame is inversely proportional to the level of openness in a region. Patients from more open coastal cities tend to experience less shame, while patients from rural areas experience more. Gender-wise, male patients tend to feel less shame. Due to this psychological impact, patients most desire to treat their STDs discreetly without others knowing. In the early stages of an STD, some patients may avoid seeking medical help out of shame, instead consulting books on their own, self-diagnosing, and misusing medication, which can lead to delayed treatment or even complications. When they eventually seek medical attention, they are reluctant to speak openly, downplay their symptoms, or fabricate their medical history. This makes it difficult for doctors to provide timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, doctors should be热情, patient when taking medical histories, ensure confidentiality for the patients, and avoid being condescending or dismissive. This allows patients to feel comfortable sharing their medical history and undergoing examinations, leading to timely and correct treatment.

2. Sense of Guilt

Sexually transmitted diseases differ from ordinary illnesses. For non-STDs, the majority of patients bear no responsibility for contracting the disease (with exceptions such as homicide or self-harm). Society generally shows sympathy and assistance towards non-STD patients. However, for those with STDs, the situation is different. Currently, most STDs result from unsafe sexual practices, meaning the patients do have some responsibility for contracting the disease. Some individuals consequently experience guilt, compounded by the physical discomfort and intense mental anguish associated with having an STD, leading to feelings of regret. This psychological state can both positively and negatively affect patients. Positively, it can lead patients to avoid future risky sexual behavior, aiding in the prevention of STDs. Negatively, if this feeling becomes extreme, it can drive patients to drastic measures. For example, one female patient contracted gonorrhea after engaging in prostitution while drunk. She experienced intense guilt, fearing the repercussions for her husband and children, and at one point considered suicide. After patient counseling, she abandoned this idea and vowed never to engage in extramarital affairs again.

3. Fear

Fear arises from several aspects:

(1) Fear of the STD itself: This fear stems from misconceptions about STDs. Given the current level of medical advancement, excluding AIDS, most STDs can be completely cured through proper treatment without leaving any lasting effects. However, due to excessive exaggeration in certain societal propaganda, some patients view STDs as incurable, worrying about severe permanent damage to themselves. Unmarried individuals fear becoming infertile or having abnormal offspring, while others worry about impacts on sexual function.

(2) Fear of infecting family members: Some patients, not fully understanding the transmission routes of STDs, worry about infecting their families through normal daily contact. Even after treatment, they may hesitate to resume marital relations, constantly washing their hands and genitals.

(3) Fear of workplace leaders, colleagues, relatives, and neighbors finding out about their condition and causing public scandal. Such patients often seek treatment from quacks, private clinics, or change doctors frequently. During consultations, they may provide false names, addresses, and workplaces, making follow-up difficult. This fear causes long-term stress, lowering immunity and hindering recovery. It can also cause loss of appetite, insomnia, and psychogenic erectile dysfunction. To address this, doctors should objectively explain the harm, treatment outcomes, and transmission routes of STDs to patients, ensuring confidentiality and helping them overcome their fears. Avoid exaggerated language or threats.

4. Pessimistic and Hopeless Mentality

Some STDs like gonococcal urethritis are persistent. Combined with patients often receiving untimely treatment, inappropriate medication, or incomplete courses, this leads to prolonged illness. Certain patients, despite being cured, may suffer multiple recurrences due to limitations in current treatment methods. The difficulty in completely curing STDs places significant psychological and economic burdens on patients, leading some to become pessimistic and hopeless, believing the disease is incurable. They may abandon treatment or become more reckless, potentially spreading the disease further. In such cases, doctors need to improve their skills and find effective treatments. They should explain the reasons for persistence to patients, ensuring they understand comprehensively, convincing them to establish confidence in overcoming the disease, adopt healthy behaviors, boost immunity, cooperate with treatment, and ultimately conquer the illness.

5. Hypochondriasis

Some individuals, due to occasional extramarital sexual activity or using unclean bedding, suspect they have an STD. They repeatedly examine their genitals, mistaking benign structures like pearly penile papules, vaginal rugae, or skin gland displacement for STDs. Even after multiple tests confirming otherwise, they remain skeptical. Some previously cured STD patients attribute unrelated symptoms like lower back pain, muscle twitching, or penile glans spots to STDs, believing they haven't recovered. Some doctors, limited by knowledge or motivated by profit, misdiagnose these as STDs, worsening hypochondria. For such patients, aside from patient explanations, placebo treatment can be used. Placebos work well for individuals resistant to explicit persuasion.

6. Hedonistic Mentality

Certain habitual prostitutes and clients, influenced by Western decadent lifestyles, view traditional sexual morality as a shackle and act shamelessly. They pursue sexual hedonism or money, viewing STDs as common colds. Despite repeated infections, they continue their activities. These individuals significantly contribute to the spread of STDs. For such cases, treating just the physical ailment isn't enough; persuading them to abandon harmful sexual behaviors is crucial. Beyond medication, comprehensive educational interventions are necessary.

7. Feeling of Social Abandonment

Some STD patients, having engaged in extramarital affairs, feel morally corrupt and stigmatized, viewing themselves as "bad people." Coupled with widespread societal discrimination against STD patients, they are seen as immoral and lowly. Leaders, colleagues, and even family members may treat them differently, and some doctors might show disdain, making patients feel abandoned by society, isolated, and helpless. Some may then become self-destructive or even turn to crime. As doctors, one should approach STD patients with understanding, sympathy, and assistance, avoiding ridicule or discrimination. Doctors also have a responsibility to change societal stigma and help patients overcome psychological barriers.