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About Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

What are STDs and how can their spread be prevented?

STDs are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Some STDs are infections that are transmitted by persistent and close skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual intimacy. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are usually incurable,such as HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8. What is more, many infectionscan be present in and be spread by patients who do not have symptoms.

The most effective way to prevent the spread of STDs is abstinence. Alternatively, the diligent use of latex barriers, such as condoms, during vaginal or anal intercourse and oral-genital contact protects against the spread of many of these infections. Still, there is no guarantee that transmission will not occur. In fact, preventing the spread of STDs also depends upon appropriate counseling of at-risk individuals and the early diagnosis and treatment of those infected.

What types of STD's are there?

Bacterial

Vaginitis - An infection of the vagina usually caused by a fungus. A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge. Women who have diabetes may develop vaginitis more often than women who do not have diabetes.

Chlamydia or NGU - a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria of the genus Chlamydia

Gonorrhea - a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea may be asymptomatic or may include symptoms such as urethritis, discharge, pelvic pain and inflammation of the tissues of the genitals, rectum and/or throat. Untreated gonorrhea may spread to the upper genital tract and lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and may become disseminated, affecting other organs such as the heart and brain.

Syphilis - a chronic contagious, usually venereal and often congenital disease that is caused by a spirochete of the genus Treponema (T. pallidum) and if left untreated produces chancres, rashes, and systemic lesions in a clinical course with three stages continued over many years

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - A gynecological condition caused by an infection (usually sexually transmitted) that spreads from the vagina to the upper parts of a woman's reproductive tract in the pelvic cavity. PID takes different courses in different women, but can cause abscesses and constant pain almost anywhere in the genital tract. If left untreated, it can cause infertility or more frequent periods. Severe cases may invade the liver and kidneys, causing dangerous internal bleeding, lung failure and death.

Viral

Herpes - viral diseases causing eruptions of the skin or mucous membrane

Genital Warts - Genital warts may be small, flat, flesh-colored bumps or tiny, cauliflower-like bumps. In men, genital warts can grow on the penis, near the anus or between the penis and the scrotum. In women, genital warts may grow on the vulva and perineal area, in the vagina and on the cervix

Hepatitis B - Formerly called гserum hepatitisд, it is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Approximately 10% of infected adults progress to chronic hepatitis B; 90% of newborns born to HBV infected women develop chronic infections; and young children have a 30-50% chance of developing a chronic infection. It is spread primarily through blood, unprotected sex, shared needles, and from an infected mother to her newborn during the delivery process. A safe vaccine for HBV is available.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) - A liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. The virus is transmitted through contaminated blood from other people who have the disease. The infection can be characterized by a prolonged symptom-free period of chronic infection. Progresses to chronic hepatitis in the majority of infections, and may ultimately lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. In technical terms, the virus is a positive stranded RNA virus of the Flavivirdae family. More directly, a microscopic infectious particle consisting of RNA carries the instructions for making more viruses and several proteins, some of which cover the viral RNA molecule like an envelope conceals a letter.

HIV - human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS

Parasitic

Trichomonas - Trichomonas vaginalis is a microscopic parasite found worldwide. Infection with trichomonas is called trichomoniasis (trick-oh-moe-nye-uh-sis). Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, mainly affecting 16-to-35-year old women. In the United States, it is estimated that 2 million women become infected each year.

What should I do if I think I have a sexually transmitted disease?

The first thing you should do is get tested and immediately seek the advice of a physician. Many STD's are treatable and patients that have contracted the diseases have gone on to live healthy and productive lives.