Sexually Transmitted Diseases THE BASICS

What are STD’s and how common are they? Sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) are more than 25 diseases spread through the process of sexual contact. STD’s are very common, with over 40 million people having chronic genital herpes and 4 million new chlamydia cases diagnosed every year.

Who is at risk of getting STD’s? Anyone who is sexually active can contract a sexually transmitted disease. STD’s infect men and women of all ages. It is important to note that women are at greater risk of contracting STD’s because of basic anatomy differences. Teenagers are at the highest risk of getting an STD due to high risk behaviors.

CHLAMYDIA Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is very common in young adults and teenagers. Many people do not even know they have chlamydia because over half of the people infected do not have any symptoms.

CHLAMYDIA Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. Primary Risk factor: Unsafe Sex Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics if you know you have been infected.

Symptoms in Women Nearly 75% of women infected with Chlamydia have no symptoms. Those who do exhibit: Vaginal discharge Bleeding after intercourse Bleeding between menstrual cycles Abdominal or pelvic pain

Symptoms in Men Nearly 50% of men infected with Chlamydia have no symptoms. Those who do exhibit: Discharge from the penis Burning with urination Swollen and/or painful testicles

Untreated Chlamydia If left untreated in women, chlamydia can spread to the pelvic area, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can lead to infertility If left untreated in men, chlamydia can lead to pain and swelling of the testicles, as well as infertility.

GONORRHEA Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is very common in sexually active adults and teenagers. Many women do not even know they have gonorrhea because most do not have any symptoms.

GONORRHEA Gonorrhea is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. Primary Risk factor: Unsafe Sex Gonorrhea can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics if you know you have been infected.

Symptoms in Women Most women infected with Gonorrhea have no symptoms. Those who do exhibit: Vaginal discharge Increased frequency of urination Burning during urination Bleeding after intercourse Bleeding between menstrual cycles Abdominal or pelvic pain

Symptoms in Men Most men exhibit the following symptoms when infected with Gonorrhea: Discharge from the penis Burning with urination Increased frequency of urination Swollen and/or painful testicles

Untreated Gonorrhea If left untreated in women, Gonorrhea can spread to the pelvic area, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can lead to infertility. If left untreated in men, Gonorrhea can lead to pain and swelling of the testicles, as well as infertility.

HERPES Herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once a person is infected with herpes, he or she remains infected for life.

Herpes Herpes causes blisters and ulcers to periodically appear near the initial site of infection. These occurrences are called “outbreaks”. Long periods of time (up to 2 years) may elapse between the initial infection and the first outbreak.

How is Herpes Spread? Herpes spreads through intimate skin contact with someone who is infected with the virus. Oral herpes can be transmitted through kissing, as well as through mouth to genital contact. Genital herpes can be transmitted through any form of unsafe sexual contact.

Is Herpes Treatable? There is NO CURE for herpes. Once you are infected with the virus you will carry the virus in your body for life. There are some medications and creams that may reduce the severity and duration of the periodic outbreaks.

What Triggers an Outbreak? Outbreaks of herpes can be caused by: Stress Exposure of Sunlight Sickness or high fever Certain types of foods or beverages Peanuts Alcohol Coffee Chocolate

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 70 viruses that can cause warts. Genital warts (HPV’s) are sexually transmitted and effect the genitals and anal area of both men and women.

How is HPV Transmitted? Genital warts are passed by direct contact during sex with a partner who has a wart or skin that is infected with the virus. Primary Risk Factor: Unsafe Sex Currently there is no cure for HPV. The warts can be removed. However, once the individual is infected, he or she carries the virus for life.

Cancers Caused by HPV Genital warts are also linked to cervical cancer in women, and anal cancer in men and women.

SYPHILIS Syphilis is caused by a bacteria that if left untreated can have many serious complications. Primary Risk Factor: Unsafe Sex Syphilis is treated and cured with antibiotics.

Syphilis Syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. In particular, the bacteria is transmitted through direct contact with syphilis sores. Because the sores are painless, if they are not in a visible location, a person might not even know they are infected.

Symptoms of Syphilis The first stage (or symptom) of syphilis infection is usually a small painless sore (chancre) in the area of sexual contact. The sore usually appears 2 to 6 weeks after exposure and then disappears within a few weeks.

Shortly after the initial sore heals, the second stage of symptoms will be noticed. These symptoms include: a rash all over the body, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and tiredness. These symptoms will disappear within several weeks.

Notice that the first two stages of syphilis clear up on their own Notice that the first two stages of syphilis clear up on their own. HOWEVER, THE BACTERIA WILL REMAIN IN THE BODY IF NOT TREATED. This will lead to a third and potentially deadly stage of syphilis. Syphilis is a very serious infection for both men and women. During the third and final stage of syphilis, the bacteria will spread throughout the entire body. Without proper treatment, the infection can cause heart disease, dementia, blindness, paralysis, and death.

How can I protect myself? STD’s are transmitted by body fluids such as semen, blood, and vaginal fluids. Abstinence is the only way to be 100% safe from contracting STD’s. Otherwise, using condoms during EVERY sexual activity will reduce your chances of catching an STD. REMEMBER, ONLY ABSTINENCE IS 100% EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES!