Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or STD’s, are infections that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are over 15 million cases of sexually transmitted disease cases reported each year. Some STD’s can be cured, some cannot. However, none should be dismissed as harmless. Some common STD’s include:

Chlamydia – Is one of the most common STD’s and affects about 3 million people a year in the United States. Chlamydia infections usually cause abnormal discharge from the genitals and burning while urinating. However, in some cases, no symptoms may be present. Chlamydia can lead to Non-Gonococcal-Urethritis (NGU) in men, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, both leading to infertility. Infected persons and their sexual partners must be tested and/or treated with antibiotics. 

Gonorrhea – Is a bacterial infection that can produce a greenish or yellowish discharge from the genitals, a burning sensation when urinating, fever, and abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain in women. Gonorrhea will not go away by itself even if symptoms disappear. Untreated, Gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women; chronic prostate infection with painful urination and painful ejaculation in men; sterility and arthritis in both sexes.

Genital Herpes – Herpes infections are triggered by the herpes virus. Symptoms include: painful, blister-like sores that appear on and in penis, vagina and/or anus, sometimes around mouth or point of contact.  Herpes sores can go away, but may return. A breakout can be triggered by stress, or it can be triggered by nothing at all. Some patients have 4-7 breakouts a year. There is currently no cure for Herpes, only treatment.

Genital Warts (also known as Human Papilloma Virus – HPV) – Virus is spread by oral, anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HPV. Warts may appear a few weeks, months, or years after contact. There may be no symptoms at first.  Genital Warts are believed to be quite common, although many of them escape detection if they are within the vagina or present in a non-visible form on the penis. Immediate treatment by removal of the warts with surgery or topical preparations is recommended, but the virus may return.

Syphilis – Is an infection that can spread from the genitals throughout the body. One of the earliest signs of Syphilis is a sore on the genitals or mouth. This is often followed by a fever, a sore throat, headaches, or joint pain. If untreated, Syphilis can cause damage to hear, nervous system, blindness, insanity, or death.

How to Prevent a Sexually Transmitted Disease:

1.       Limit your number of sexual partners.

2.       Avoid sex with people who have multiple partners.

3.       Always use a condom.

4.       Avoid sex with people who are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease.

5.       Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has visible lesions on the genitalia.

6.       If you are infected with an STD, refrain from sexual activity until treatment is completed.

Come to AAnchor Health Center to receive a free Syphilis blood test when you are tested for Gonorrhea/Chlamydia