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.