Common STDs and Their Treatments

Chlamydia An infection caused by a bacterium that affects the vagina in females and the urethra in males. Most prevalent STD in the U.S. Common cause of sterility, and, if untreated can lead to nongonococcal urethritis.

Symptoms of Chlamydia: NGU – an infection caused by several different kinds of bacteria-like organisms that infect the urethra in males and the cervix in females. Symptoms of Chlamydia: Males: Pain and burning during urination and an unusual discharge from the penis.

Females: symptoms not always obvious Females: symptoms not always obvious. If symptoms do occur they may include an unusual discharge from the vagina, pain in the pelvic region, and painful urination. If left untreated Chlamydia in females can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Painful infection of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and/or uterus.

A pregnant female who has Chlamydia can transmit it to her baby during delivery. In infants can cause eye infection, blindness, and sometimes even pneumonia. Chlamydia is diagnosed through a lab test.

Certain antibiotics can cure Chlamydia, but if scar tissue has been formed, cannot undue that damage.

Gonorrhea Caused by bacteria that affect the genital mucus membrane, primarily in the lining or the urethra of the male and in the cervix and vagina of the female. Pregnant female can transmit bacteria to unborn child.

Symptoms of gonorrhea are not always obvious, especially in females. Symptoms in females: Slight discharge from the vagina. A burning sensation during urination. Abnormal menstruation. Abdominal pain or tenderness.

Symptoms may go away on their own, individual is still infected. Symptoms in males: Whitish discharge from the penis. Burning sensation during urination. Lymph nodes in the groin may become enlarged and tender. Symptoms usually appear between three days and three weeks after sexual contact. Symptoms may go away on their own, individual is still infected.

Can only be confirmed by a medical diagnosis. Can be treated by antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis Vaginal infection that can lead to urethra and bladder infection. Males are rarely infected, but can be carriers. Can lead to NGU if left untreated.

Can only be cured by a prescribed medication. Symptoms in females: Burning and itching in the vagina. A yellowish-green discharge. Pain upon urination. Symptoms in males: Itching of the penis. Clear discharge. Can only be cured by a prescribed medication.

Trichomoniasis can also cause vaginitis, another secondary infection, in females. Vaginitis – is a common inflammation of the female genitals. Caused by a bacterium, protozoan, or virus transmitted through semen and other body secretion. Medication is available in a single dose and can cure in 24 hours.

Genital Warts Pink or reddish warts with cauliflower like tops that appear on the genitals. Caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Once infected, a person has the virus the rest of their life.

The warts appear on the genitals one to three months after infection. Warts can be removed, but may reappear. Is known to be one of the causes of cervical cancer in women.

Genital Herpes Blister like sores in the genital area that are caused by the herpes simplex type 2 virus. Cannot be cured. Sores appear two to twenty days after infection and may last as long as three weeks.

Other symptoms include: Pain and burning during urination. Fever. Blisters can break out at any time and often occur during periods of stress. Diagnosed by medical examination.

Medications are used to treat the symptoms. To avoid spreading genital herpes, an infected person should avoid having sexual contact when blisters are present and right after they disappear.

Syphilis An STD that attacks many parts of the body and is caused by a small bacterium called a spirochete. Left untreated, can damage vital organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, CNS. It can cause heart disease, blindness, paralysis and insanity.

Develops in stages. Symptoms appear and go away on their own.

Primary Stage First sign of syphilis is a chancre. Chancre – a painless, reddish sore at the place where the pathogen entered the body. Appears 10 to 90 days after contact. Will last one to five weeks and then go away.

Secondary Stage If not treated the pathogen will be circulated in the blood. Within one to six months after contact, highly contagious second stage appears. Commonly characterized by a non-itching rash on the chest, backs of the arms, and legs.

Rash is most often found on the outer edges of the vagina. Sores may develop from the rash. Swelling may occur in the lymph nodes under the arms and around the groin.

Fever, sore throat, and a general sick feeling are also common symptoms. Without treatment, symptoms will disappear.

Latent Stage Begins two or more years after infection. All signs disappear, leading the individual to think that they are cured. Syphilis begins to attack the heart and blood vessels and the central nervous system.

Damage to these areas are slow. May relapse to the second stage and sores may reappear.

Neurosyphilis Stage Syphilis moves into this stage within 10 to 30 years. Heart, skin, brain, and spinal cord are affected. Person loses the ability to coordinate muscular movements and may experience blindness and insanity.

Loss of mental abilities. Syphilis in this stage can be treated but no cured. Blood test. Penicillin Early treatment is crucial

Other STDs Chancroid – bacterial infection with many similarities to the primary stage of syphilis. Deep sores show up near the genitals. Contact with sores will spread the disease. Treated with an antibiotic.

Candidiasis – yeast infection of the vagina Candidiasis – yeast infection of the vagina. Usually occurs without sexual contact, but is often passed to a partner during sexual contact. Symptoms: yellowish discharge, strong odor, and itching. Cured by medicated cream or tablets sold over the counter. Pubic lice – tiny insects that attach themselves to the skin and hair in the pubic area. Intense itching. Medicated shampoo.