Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
Sexually transmitted diseases are diseases
(STDs) that are spread from one person to another through sexual touching. STDs
are very common.
Sexually transmitted diseases can affect
heterosexual or homosexual men and women of any race, and any economic or
social background.
There are many different types of STDs. Some have more severe consequences than others, if not treated.
HIV/AIDS
This is the one STD that many people are
worried about getting. It is a serious life-threatening STD; however, of all
the types of STDs available, HIV is one of the less common STDs.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a disease that destroys the ability of the body’s immune system to fight off infections. The disease itself isn’t fatal, but the infections that invade the weakened body are.
Medications
are used to boost the immune systems of those infected with HIV/AIDS.
Syphilis
Syphilis begins as painless sores to appear
on the genitals and sometimes the lips, tongue and other body parts. If not
treated, the disease progresses to the second stage where an infectious brown
rash grows on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. The final stage
causes joint, bone and brain problems. During this stage, called the third
stage, infected people lose their eyesight and ability to coordinate movements.
Often those infected with third stage syphilis lose feeling in their
extremities. They also suffer from hair loss, sore throats and high fevers.
Treatment most commonly involves a
penicillin injection. Penicillin completely cures the syphilis if it is caught
early enough.
Trichomoniasis
This is a another STD, a parasitic infection that causes men to experience burning when ejaculating or urinating and women to have swollen itchy genital and thighs. Men might get whitish discharge from the penis. Women usually get a smelly, yellow-green vaginal discharge.
Trichomoniasis is easily treated with oral antiobiotics.
Herpes
Herpes is a viral infection that can cause blisters to appear on the genitals and inner thighs of men and women.
There is no cure for herpes. Some medications might help
reduce the number of outbreaks and discomfort during an outbreak.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that usually has no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they could be pain during urination and discharge from the vagina or penis.
Antibiotics will usually clear the infection.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can cause yellow or bloody vaginal discharge and bleeding after sex in women. Men can get swollen testicles or experience pus discharge from the penis.
Treatment involves a single does of antibiotics.
Hepatitis
This STD is a viral infection that produces no symptoms in 30 percent of the people infected. If symptoms do appear, they can seem like the flu. Fever, chills, vomiting, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite and abdominal pain, and dark urine are a few of the symptoms.
Hepatitis is incurable, but there are medications available
to help relieve symptoms and prevent the virus from worsening.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is a viral infection that usually presents no symptoms.
If symptoms are present, they show up in the form of genital warts. HPV has
also been sometimes linked to an increase in cervical, penile and anal cancers.
Read more about HPV-infections here.
Crabs
Crabs, also known as pubic lice, are blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to the hair around the genitals.
Treatment for crabs involves prescription or over-the-counter shampoos, and thoroughly cleaning bed, clothes and linens.
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This page was last updated:
April 22, 2006
It is not the intention of Cervicalcancer.org to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorders. Specific medical advice will not be provided, and Cervicalcancer.org urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions.