STDs:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually
transmitted diseases, commonly called STDs, are diseases
that are spread by having sex with someone who has an
STD. You can get a sexually transmitted disease
from sexual activity that involves the mouth, anus,
vagina, or penis.
They
are serious illnesses that require treatment.
Some STDs, like AIDS, cannot be cured and are deadly.
Chlamydia
Quick Facts!Most
common bacterial STD. Both sexes can contract Chlamydia.
How
You Get It: Contact with secretions during
sexual activities.
Where
You Get It: Vagina/Cervix in females. Urethra
and throat in both sexes.
Symptoms:
Often none, so you don't know if you've got
it. Sometimes Vaginal/Penile discharge and pain with
urination.
Test/Treatment:
Lab culture test on secretions from infected
area. Treatment is antibiotics by mouth.
Gonorrhea
Quick Facts! Gonorrhea
is a bacteria. One of the oldest STDs in history.
How
You Get It: During sexual activity.
Where
You Get It: Vagina, Penis, Anus, or Throat.
Symptoms:
Many females have no symptoms, some have vaginal
discharge. Males usually have pain during urination.
Test/Treatment:
Urine test, lab culture test on infected areas.
Treatment is antibiotics by mouth or injection.
Syphilis
Quick Facts!
Syphilis is a
bacteria. It can be transmitted by oral sex.
How
You Get It: Skin to skin contact with syphilis
sores. Lips, mouth, genitals ...
Where
You Get It: Sores on oral, genital, and anal
areas.
Symptoms:
Primary Stage: Painless sores on mouth or genital areas.
Secondary Stage: A rash on hands and feet.
Late Stage: Includes paralysis and blindness.
Test/Treatment:
Blood test. Treatment is with antibiotics by
injection.
Trichomoniasis
Quick Facts! It
is a protazoa infection (little parasites).
How
You Get It: Contact with bodily fluids during
sex.
Where
You Get It: Vagina/Cervix in females. Urethra
in both sexes.
Symptoms:
Often none, so you don't know if you've
got it. Many women develop a frothy, yellow-green discharge.
Test/Treatment:
Pelvic exam and testing of vaginal fluid or
urine. Treatment is antibiotics by mouth.
Genital
Herpes
Quick Facts! Herpes
is a virus. You are infected FOR LIFE with Genital Herpes.
How
You Get It: Skin to skin contact during sexual
activity.
Where
You Get It: Genitals, mouth, lips.
Symptoms:
Some exhibit no symptoms while others experience
burning, itching, and/or red blisters on the mouth and
genitals.
Test/Treatment:
Culture, antigen, and blood tests. There is
NO CURE; you can only treat to heal the sores.
Human Papilloma
Virus (H.P.V.)
Quick Facts! HPV
is a virus. 50-75% of sexually active people have genital
HPV at some time in their life.
How
You Get It: Skin to skin contact usually
through sexual activity.
Where
You Get It: Genital skin, in the mouth,
and in the throat.
Symptoms:
Most people don't even know they have it and
pass it on. Can cause genital warts and cervical, penile,
and anal cancers.
Test/Treatment:
Blood test, culture test, and an examination
for warts. Warts can be treated, BUT NOT CURED. Cancers
can be treated with surgery and chemotherapy.
H.I.V.
Quick Facts! H.I.V.
is a virus (no cure for the disease).
How
You Get It: During sexual activity or from
I.V. drug abuse.
Where
You Get It: H.I.V. affects the immune
system, thus the entire body.
Symptoms:
The virus attacks your body's immune system
and you get serious infections, often leading to death.
Test/Treatment:
Blood test: screen for antibodies. There is
no cure for H.I.V./AIDS. Antiviral drugs to extend life.
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