Treating Sexually Transmitted Diseases with Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Stem cell treatments are not a one-size-fits-all solution. At Cellebration Wellness, we tailor therapies to meet the unique needs of every patient. Stem cells hold the key to curing previously untreatable conditions and we are dedicated to turning this potential into reality.

Every year, there are reportedly more than 20 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases reported in the United States. This rate continues to increase every single year. It is currently believed that more than 20% of the United States population has some form of sexually transmitted infection.

Reports provided by the World Health Organization show that over 1 million STDs are diagnosed every day across the globe. Annually, more than 376 million new cases are reported. In some cases, people contracted multiple sexually transmitted diseases during the course of a year. Although some of the diseases are curable, there are some types, such as viral infections, that impact the lives of sufferers forever.

There are several types of sexually transmitted diseases that are diagnosed every year. There are generally three different categories of STDs that a person can contract. These include bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are over 30 different viral, bacterial, and parasitic STDs that are transmitted through sexual contact. In some cases, these diseases can also be transmitted between mother and child during pregnancy, during the birthing process, or even through breastfeeding.

Of the eight total pathogens that are linked to the most significant instances of sexually transmitted infections, four of them are curable. These include chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea. The remaining four are incurable.

There is also an array of other types of outbreaks that are emerging across the globe that are generally transmitted through sexual contact. These include Zeke, Ebola, Shigella sonnei, monkeypox, and Neisseria meningitidis. All of these diseases and sexually transmitted infections are presenting increasing challenges relating to controlling and ultimately preventing them.

Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Bacterial STDs are some of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases contracted in the world. The three most common bacterial STDs transmitted in the United States include:

Chlamydia: Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women and is spread through sexual contact with an infected person, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. If left untreated, this STI can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system of an infected woman.
Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. This STI is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is usually passed from one person to another during sexual contact. The vast majority of people diagnosed with this STI are between the ages of 15 and 24.
Syphilis: Syphilis can cause a number of symptoms, including a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. If it is not treated, it can damage the brain, heart, and other organs. In some cases, it can even be fatal. This infection has four distinct stages. These are the primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages. Each stage of the illness has its own range of symptoms for those afflicted.

These STDs are typically treated with antibiotics.

Viral Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are a number of viral sexually transmitted diseases that are common in the United States. Each of these viral STDs can cause many different symptoms and health complications.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common viral STD, with over 200 different strains that can infect both men and women. Some strains can cause genital warts, while others can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, or anus. Many people who contract HPV do not have any symptoms. Unfortunately, the virus is still able to be spread through sexual contact with other people. People who suffer from HPV often receive treatment that focuses on the warts associated with the disease.

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are two types of the herpes virus that can cause genital herpes. HSV-1 is more common; it is responsible for around 80% of all cases of genital herpes. It is usually transmitted during oral sex. HSV-2 is less common but more severe, causing around 20% of all cases of genital herpes. It is usually transmitted during vaginal or anal sex. Both types of herpes virus can be spread even when there is not an active breakout or flare-up.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is transmitted through sexual contact, including intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. Many people who have HIV generally experience symptoms as early as 2 to 4 weeks after contracting the virus. HIV attacks the body's immune system and can eventually lead to full-blown AIDS. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, causes severe damage to the immune system. It also severely impacts the ability of the body to fight off diseases and infections. HIV can spread through sexual contact, seminal fluid and infected blood.

Hepatitis B is another sexually transmitted disease. This viral infection is between 50 and 100 times more infectious than HIV. If left untreated, hepatitis B can cause severe liver disease. Hepatitis B is generally transmitted through the contact of vaginal fluids, semen, and blood. It can be spread through oral sex, anal sex, or vaginal sex.

Unfortunately, viral STDs are not curable. However, medications can be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of the diseases.

Parasitic Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Parasitic STDs are caused by parasites that enter the body through sexual contact. The most common parasitic STDs include:

Pubic lice: Public lice, commonly referred to as crabs, are typically found in pubic hair. However, they can also be found in other areas of the body, such as the eyelashes, eyebrows, and armpit hair. Pubic lice generally cause extreme itching and irritability in the affected area.
Scabies: Scabies is caused by a tiny mite that burrows into the skin of sufferers and lays The resulting rash is extremely itchy and can be incredibly challenging to treat.
Trichomoniasis: This STD is caused by a single-celled protozoan that is called Trichomonas vaginalis. This tiny parasite affects both men and women and can cause burning, itching, redness, and discharge from the genitals.

People who suffer from parasitic STDs are often required to take medications, such as antibiotics.

There is a new potential treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, and it involves the stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue.

What are Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?

Umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are a type of adult stem cell that have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types. Some of these cells include bone cells, fat cells, muscle cells, skin cells, and cartilage cells.

Umbilical cord tissue is known to be a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Wharton's jelly, a substance found in the umbilical cord to protect it, is generally the most potent source of these cells. UCT-MSCs are a promising cell therapy for treating a variety of diseases and disorders, and have shown good results when it comes to treating various sexually transmitted diseases.

Using UCT-MSCs to Treat Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There have been multiple studies surrounding the use of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat various STDs. One study, in particular, focuses on the treatment of damage to the female reproductive system caused by bacterial STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. This study determined that the use of UCT-MSCs were effective in treating microbial and inflammatory disease in patients who suffer from these conditions.

Furthermore, the study showed that the cells were effective in improving bioenergetics and inducing the phagocytic activity of the macrophages and neutrophils. Tissue repair was also noted, as well as the effective prevention of further tissue damage during an active infection. These findings are promising when it comes to providing patients with relief and potential reversal for their conditions.

One study on the use of UCT-MSCs for treating HIV showed favorable outcomes for patients. This study found that the total number of CD4 T cell counts was comparable with those at baseline. Moreover, studies found that the patients tolerated the therapy well. Another study surrounding the use of MSCs in patients with HIV resulted in a statistical increase in the CD4+ T counts, which fight infection, and they were well tolerated also. Furthermore, high-dose groups showed better cell recovery rates at the 48 weeks checkup than the baseline.

When it comes to treating human papillomavirus, umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells help reduce the symptoms associated with this disease by reducing inflammation and potentially eliminating all or nearly all of the damaged cells.

Given the fact that several sexually transmitted diseases are inflammatory, umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells show a lot of hope to be effective in treating these diseases. These stem cells are one of the most effective treatments available to reduce inflammation. Incredibly, they are also able to regenerate damaged cells.

Studies have demonstrated that umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells have proven to be beneficial in the treatment of various sexually transmitted diseases. Although further research is needed to determine the full scope and potential of these treatments, current studies suggest that these cells and their associated approaches are effective for treating a range of STDs. For those seeking an alternative or complementary approach to traditional methods, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell-based treatments offer promising results for patients.

Take control of your health with Cellebration Wellness. Schedule your consultation now at 1.800.601.8290 to explore personalized treatment options.