Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

The United States has the highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections in the world. They most commonly occur in teenagers and young adults under the age of 25. In fact, approximately 25% of sexually active teenagers will get an STD before he or she turns 21.

Infections are often spread when the infected person is asymptomatic (has no symptoms). Many people with an STD may not even be aware that they are infected, and unfortunately, those who are infected do not always discuss it with their sexual partners.

The only method of protection that works 100% of the time is to abstain from oral, anal, or genital sex, or to have one mutually monogamous lifetime partner who is not infected. Condoms can lessen the risk of infection by STDs that are spread by body fluids found in the semen, blood, or vagina, but they must be used properly.

Since condoms cannot cover all body areas, they do not offer complete protection against STDs such as herpes, venereal warts, syphilis, molluscum contagiosum, pubic lice and scabies, which are spread by touching or other non-genital skin-to-skin contact. Remember, more than one type of STD can be transmitted at a time.

Birth control pills protect against pregnancy, but do not protect against STDs. Alcohol and drugs make it harder for you to protect yourself because they can cloud your judgment.

Types of STDs

There are more than 20 different types of STDs. Learn about some of them below.

HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV)

Genital warts, also known as venereal warts or condylomata acuminate, can be detected with a physical examination. For women, a Pap smear test may be done. In pregnant women, the baby can become infected during delivery, and precautions to avoid this must be taken.

Warts are treated by surgical or chemical methods. Since warts are often stubborn, multiple visits may be required.

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

Scabies is caused by microscopic mites that burrow under the skin and cause severe itching. It is spread by close physical contact, although not necessarily sexual contact, and treated with medications that kill the mites.

Proper cleansing and hygiene are also necessary to eliminate the source of infestation as well as to prevent re-infection. This usually involves treatment of all individuals living in a household.

CHLAMYDIA

Chlamydia is an infection that can cause a whitish discharge from the vagina or penis or that can have no symptoms at all, making it undetectable. Without symptoms, the infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in a woman, which can result in infertility.

If a woman with chlamydia becomes pregnant, her newborn can become infected during childbirth. After a culture, chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are important.

GONORRHEA

Gonorrhea may have no symptoms or produce a discharge from the vagina or penis, or a burning sensation with urination. It can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility in women. If a woman with gonorrhea becomes pregnant, her newborn can become infected during childbirth.

Proper diagnosis allows for treatment with antibiotics. Partners also must be treated.

SYPHILIS

Syphilis causes non-painful sores on the body, most frequently the genitals and mouth. A rash can develop if untreated. Syphilis can damage the heart, blood vessels, brain, and nervous system. A baby can become infected during pregnancy.

A blood test is used to diagnose and monitor the disease. Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics, and partners must be treated.

HEPATITIS B AND C

Both hepatitis B and C can be transmitted sexually. Hepatitis B can cause fever, achy muscles, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage. It is the only STD that can be prevented with a vaccine.

The hallmark of hepatitis C is a yellow discoloration of the skin called jaundice. Hepatitis C is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, which may require a liver transplant.

Currently, no vaccine exists to prevent hepatitis C, but there is treatment that can cure the disease in a high percentage of patients.

HIV / AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus cripples the immune system, which can result in long-lasting infections, diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and can be fatal. It can be transmitted to the fetus during childbirth or during breastfeeding.

Treatments are available, but currently, there is no cure or vaccine to prevent it.