Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What are STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are spread by sexual contact. Sexual contact may be either vaginal, anal, or oral.  Even though there may be no symptoms to aware individuals of their disease, STDs can cause severe damage to your body-even death. They may be passed on by contact with skin, genitals, mouth, rectum, or body fluids. 

What are symptoms of STDs?

Symptoms of an STD can range from mild irritation to severe pain. ln most cases, the long-term health problems can be avoided by early treatment. STDs caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotics while STDs caused by viruses cannot be cured, but symptoms can be treated.

Types of STDs

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Two STDs caused by bacteria are gonorrhea and chlamydia. Often few or no symptoms accompany both diseases. If symptoms do appear they may include:

  • Discharge from a woman’s vagina or a man’s penis
  • Painful or frequent urination
  • Pain in the pelvis or abdomen
  • Burning or itching in the vaginal area
  • Redness or swelling of the vulva
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods

Both diseases can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is a common cause of infertility. Symptoms of PID are fever, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the abdomen. It can lead to long-term pelvic pain.

Human Papillomavirus
One of the most common STDs in the United States is Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV are spread through sexual contact.Like many STDs, there often are no signs of genital HPV. However, a few types of HPV cause warts in the genital area which may go away on their own or are treated with many treatments. 

Some types of HPV are linked to cancer in both women and men. Few women may develop cancer of the cervix which may be prevented with early detection and treatment. HPV also may be linked to cancer of the anus, vulva, vagina, and penis.

Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete. Major health problems-even death may occur if syphilis is not treated.

Often there are no symptoms of syphilis. Signs of the disease may be a painless, smooth sore at the site of the infection, warts or a rash. Syphilis is passed through direct contact with a syphilis sore which occurs on the genitals, in the vagina, anus, rectum or even on the lips or mouth. The disease is easily treated in early stages. Without treatment, the symptoms may go away, but the disease will remain often years later to return in full force.

Genital Herpes
The genital herpes virus is carry by millions of Americans. A sore on or around the genitals is the most common symptom of herpes. They appear as red spots, bumps, or blisters that can last from a few days to a few weeks.

The virus remains in your body even after symptoms go away often by themselves. Treatment can help heal the sores, but it cannot kill the virus. Often the infection is transmitted to others without knowing it.

HIV Infection
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The rate of HIV infection is increasing most rapidly among women who have sex with men.

HIV enters the bloodstream by way of body fluids, usually blood or semen. Once in the blood, the virus invades and kills cells of the immune system-the body’s natural defense against disease.

HIV weakens the immune system, which may lead to AIDS. With AIDS, a person’s immune system is so weakened that other life-threatening conditions, such as infections or cancer, can occur. Although there is no cure for HIV, treatment may prevent or delay the onset of AIDS, which can be fatal.

Trichomonas
A microscopic parasite that is spread through sex is Trichomonas vaginitis. Alhough many people have not symptoms, the disease can be cured with treatment. Symptoms include discharge from the vagina and vaginal itching and redness.

Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a serious infection of the liver caused by a virus. Hepatitis B and C can be sexually transmitted and spread by direct contact with the body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids) of an infected person. While Infection of hepatitis B may be prevented by a vaccine, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection. Most people infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C recover completely. However, some develop chronic liver infections, which can lead to long-term health problems.

Factors that increase the risk of STDs

  • Have or have had more than one sexual partner
  • Have a partner who has or has had more than one sexual partner
  • Have sex with some-one who has a STD
  • Have a history of STDs
  • Use intravenous drugs (injected into a vein) or your partner uses intravenous drugs

Ways to reduce your risk of getting an STD

  • Know your sexual partners and limit their number
  • Use a latex condom every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex
  • Avoid risky sex practices that tear or break the skin
  • Get immunized-A vaccination is available that will help prevent hepatitis B

If you think you have an STD, seek medical treatment to avoid long-term health problems.