More than 65 million people in the United States are currently living with an incurable STD.
It is important to be aware of what sexually transmitted diseases are out there, how they are spread and how to be aware of the signs and symptoms. It is also important to know that the best way to avoid getting an STD is to maintain abstinence (abstain from any sexual contact) while single. If you do marry, select a partner who is not infected with an STD and remain sexually faithful during marriage.
Herpes
What is it?
Genital Herpes is caused by the simplex virus’s type 1 and type 2. Signs of Genital Herpes are blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. When the blisters break they leave sores. Over time the outbreaks will decrease, however the infection will stay in the body indefinitely.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The first outbreak occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted and sores generally heal within two to four weeks. Flu-like symptoms may occur during the first outbreak. Many have very mild signs that are unnoticeable and some are not aware of their condition at all.
What are the complications?
Herpes causes reoccurring sores in many adults, especially those with weak immune systems. Emotional distress is often a symptom of those infected. If a mother delivering a baby has an outbreak at the time of the delivery the newborn may receive the infection and at times this is fatal.
Is there a treatment?
There is no permanent treatment for Herpes. Medications, however, can shorten and prevent outbreaks.
How can it be prevented?
The best way to avoid Genital Herpes is to maintain abstinence while single. Condoms do not provide complete protection from the infection.
HIV-AIDS
What is it?
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is passed through sexual and blood to blood contact. Some of the people who have HIV infection will develop AIDS as a result.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The only sure way of knowing you have HIV is to be tested. Symptoms of HIV include, rapid weight loss, dry cough, recurring fever, fatigue, diarrhea that lasts more than a week, white spots on the tongue, pneumonia, memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders.
What are the complications?
HIV may lead to AIDS. AIDS is a disease that weakens the immune system. It can include the development of certain infections and/or cancers.
Is there a treatment?
There are medications to treat HIV. It is best to be diagnosed and treated early on. There is no cure for AIDS.
How can it be prevented?
The best way to avoid HIV-AIDS is to maintain abstinence while single. Condoms do not provide complete protection from the infection.
HPV
What is it?
Genital human papillomavirus is a virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Many people do not know they are infected with HPV. Some people will get genital warts. In rare cases this can lead to genital cancers.
What are the complications?
Some Viruses may cause abnormal Pap tests. They may also lead to cancer of the cervix, vagina, anus or penis.
Is there a treatment?
There is a vaccine that will protect against four types of HPV. This does not protect against all cancer causing types of HPV. There is no cure for those who have HPV.
How can it be prevented?
The best way to avoid HPV is to maintain abstinence while single. Condoms do not provide complete protection from the infection.
Syphilis
What is it?
Cause by bacteria, syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with syphilis sore. These usually occur on the genitals, vagina, and anus or in the rectum.
What are the signs and symptoms?
In the first stage a single sore, a chancre, appears. It will remain 3-6 weeks with minimal pain and if not treated will lead to the second stage. In this stage skin rash and mucous wounds occur. Multiple rashes will be seen on the body.
What are the complications?
The last stage if not treated will occur internally by damaging your brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. It may be many years before this takes affect.
Is there a treatment?
In early stages Syphilis is easily cured. Injections of penicillin will eventually cure the infection. How many will depend on how long someone has had the infection.
How can it be prevented?
The best way to avoid Syphilis is to maintain abstinence while single. Condoms do not provide complete protection from the infection.
Gonorrhea
What is it?
Gonorrhea is cause by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply in the reproductive tract. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes and anus.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Many women who are affected have no symptoms. The signs include a burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods.
What are the complications?
When untreated Gonorrhea can cause permanent health problems. It can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. People with this infection can more easily contract HIV.
Is there a treatment?
In the past there have been antibiotics that have successfully cured the infection. Gonorrhea, however, has become immune to many of these antibiotics. Although medication may cure the disease it will not repair any permanent damage done by the disease.
How can it be prevented?
The best way to avoid Gonorrhea is to maintain abstinence while single. Condoms do not provide complete protection from the infection.
Chlamydia
What is it?
Cause by bacteria, Chlamydia can damage a woman’s reproductive system. It is transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Chlamydia can also be passed to a newborn during childbirth.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Three quarters of women who have Chlamydia have no symptoms. The infection is usually not diagnosed until complications have developed. When signs do occur they include abnormal vaginal discharge or burning sensation during urination.
What are the complications?
Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women. It can lead to early pregnancy and infection of the infant at birth.
Is there a treatment?
Chlamydia is treatable. Usually with a single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline.
How can it be prevented?
The best way to avoid Chlamydia is to maintain abstinence while single. Condoms do not provide complete protection from the infection.
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