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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that
are spread by sexual contact. Besides colds and the flu, STDs
are the most commonly spread diseases in the United States.
There may be no apparent symptoms; people with an STD may
not know they have one. Anyone who has vaginal, oral and/or
anal sex with another person may get an STD.
To protect yourself, you should know your sexual partner.
Their sexual history becomes part of your sexual history.
The more partners you (or your partner) have had, the more
exposure and the higher the risk of getting an STD. Use of
a latex condom is a very significant aid in preventing getting
an STD. Avoid risky sexual activities; sexual acts that can
break or tear the skin, such as anal sex, carry a higher risk
of getting STDs.
Among the more common types of STD’s are;
Syphilis. Syphilis is caused by a
type of bacteria called a spirochete. It is spread by coming
in physical contact with another infected person through touching
their sore, rash or infected blood. It first appears as a
painless sore called a chancre. This sore will last 10 days
to six weeks after contact with the disease. It can be treated
at this time with antibiotics. If not treated, the next stage
begins in one week to three moths later; a rash or warts may
appear. This stage may disappear from visual sight in a few
weeks. The disease, however, is still in your body. A blood
test can be performed to properly diagnose this disease. If
you are pregnant with this disease, both you and your baby
may experience problems.
Genital Herpes. Genital Herpes
affects about 20% of all adults in the United States. The
herpes virus passes from the affected partner to the (previously)
unaffected one. This occurs through a break in the skin or
through the moist membranes of the penis, vagina, urinary
opening, cervix, anus or mouth. As you body begins to fight
the virus; it causes sores, blisters and swelling at the point
of entry.
Symptoms and severity vary with each person. Your provider
can obtain fluid from the affected area and have lab test
performed to confirm the diagnosis. There is no cure for herpes.
Oral medications can control and shorten the length of the
next outbreak of sores in the affected area. During an outbreak
make sure that the fluid from the sores and lesions do not
touch the other person’s skin. Over time, most affected people
find ways to cope with the disease.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Gonorrhea
and chlamydia are caused by bacteria in the mouth, genitals
or rectum of an individual. These diseases may have minimal
or no symptoms. If symptoms exist they may include a discharge
from the vagina or penis, painful /frequent urination, burning
or itching in the vaginal area, redness or swelling of the
vulva or vaginal bleeding between periods. If the symptoms
appear, they will be between two days to three weeks after
contact with an infected person.
Your provider may take a sample from the affected area and
have lab tests done to make an accurate diagnosis. Both diseases
can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Your partner
must also be treated to eliminate the disease in both partners;
otherwise you may simply pass it back and forth, from infected
to uninfected party.
If untreated they can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
(PID) which is a very serious infection of the uterus, fallopian
tubes and ovaries. Symptoms of PID are fever, nausea and vomiting.
Additionally PID may lead to infertility and/or an ectopic
pregnancy due to the scarring of the fallopian tubes.
HPV. Human PapillomaVirus has over 100
types of this virus already identified. Many of these types
have no symptoms. Some of the HPV identified can appear as
warts on the vulva, vagina, cervix and anus. Some of the HPV
can be considered pre-cancerous in both men and women.
Trichomonas. Trichomonas vaginitis
is a microscopic parasite that is spread through sexual activity.
It can be cured with treatment once it is properly diagnosed.
HIV and AIDS. The Human Immunodeficiency
Virus causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. The virus
enters the bloodstream by way of body fluids; typically blood
or semen. This disease does not only affect homosexual men
and intravenous drug users, but by having intimate contact
with a partner who is infected with the disease.
HIV weakens the immune system, making it susceptible for
other infections and certain types of cancer.
A woman with HIV/AIDS can pass this disease on to her newborn. |
