Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Overview:

Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as STDs, are transmitted by having sex with someone who has an STD. The proper use of condoms can cut your risk down substantially, but is not 100% safe. It is HIGHLY recommended that partners always use protection unless you have had a very long, monogamous relationship and you trust your partner completely. There are a number of ‘common’ STDs. Some are curable, some are not.

HIV/AIDS

HIV is an incurable virus that causes AIDS. HIV stands of human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS is the acronym for acquired immune deficiency, also incurable. It is possible to have HIV without having AIDS. A person gets HIV when another person’s body fluids enter his or her bloodstream. Blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk enters through the vagina, penis, mouth, anus, or an open wound. Men or women can get HIV. The virus becomes AIDS when an infected person gets and AIDS defining illness. The HIV virus attacks a type of white blood cell called CD4. When the cell count drops very low the body’s ability to fight infection becomes very low. That’s when HIV becomes AIDS.Chances of getting an HIV/AIDS from an infected sexual partner are very high. Always use condoms. The only way to be 100% safe is to abstain from sexual contact with anyone who has the virus. You cannot tell by looking at someone if they are infected. Diagnosis is done with a blood test.

Herpes

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-type 1 is the cause of fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes). HSV-type 2, known as genital herpes generally affects the genital area with the same type of lumps and blisters. Both viral types, however, can cause either oral or genital herpes. Once infected with HSV you have it for life. The virus can remain dormant for any length of time then ‘flare up’ presenting blisters and ulcers. It is possible to pass the virus along to a sexual partner even when you are not experiencing an outbreak.

Genital Warts

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) or genital warts are the most common STD (sexually transmitted disease) in North America. Some forms of this virus can cause cervical or penile cancer. Once infected it may be 2 or 3 months or even longer before warts will appear. Some people never get the warts at all, even though they are infected. The warts appear around the sex organs. They are usually a pinkish-flesh color and look like a tiny cauliflower. At this time, there is no cure for HPV. A medication is available that helps keep outbreak frequency, but it is not a cure.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an infection that affects the urethra in men and in women the urethra and cervix. If chlamydia is discovered and treated right away, you should have no problem. Left untreated, chamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. The infection can be transmitted in two ways: through sexual intercourse, or from pregnant woman to unborn child during passage through the birth canal.

For women, most of the time chlamydia presents no obvious symptoms, at least not at first. Symptoms that do show up are burning during urination, discharge from the vagina, bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, or abdominal pain. See your doctor.

In men, half the time no symptoms show up, at least for a while. When symptoms do arrive they are burning during urination, inflammation in a duct within the testicles, or discharge from the penis. See your doctor.

Syphilis

Syphilis is primarily spread by sexual contact (oral or anal, as well as vaginal) with someone who has the disease. It is very contagious. Pregnant women can pass syphilis on to their unborn child. It is possible to have this disease and not know it for some time. Therefore, you may have sexual contact with someone who doesn’t even know they are infected.

The first stage of syphilis is marked by the appearance of a single, or a few, sores called chancre. The sores can appear within 10 to 90 days after infection. Three weeks is the average. The chancre is a small, round lump and usually painless. Within 2 to 6 weeks the chancre will heal. Left untreated, syphilis will move on to the second stage.

With secondary stage syphilis, rough, reddish spots can appear on the palms of hands or the soles of feet. Rashes sometimes appear on other parts of the body and can be so undetectable they go unnoticed. Other symptoms during this stage are fever, muscle aches, headaches, patchy hair loss, weight loss and fatigue. In other words, flu like symptoms. Again, without treatment the syphilis will go on to the final stages.

In the late stages of syphilis, which can lay dormant for many years, the disease affects the brain, heart, nerves, blood vessels, and many more. Blindness, paralysis, and insanity among many others, can occur.

Syphilis can be diagnosed with a blood test. Special microscopic observation of tissue from a chancre can also aid in diagnosis. The best advice is, use protection during sex and get checked. Syphilis is treatable with penicillin.

Several More

Several more types of STDs exist. They are not all discussed here. Become aware of how to avoid STDs and what to do if treatment if necessary.

Source: WomensHealthBase