Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Sexually transmitted diseases are caused by viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal pathogens that are spread from person to person primarily through sexual contact. More than twenty sexually transmitted diseases have been identified.

STDs occur most commonly in sexually active teenagers and young adults, especially those with multiple sex partners. An estimated 200 to 400 million people worldwide are infected--representing men and women of all economic classes. Generally, STD incidence has declined in the United States over the past 15 years, although rates among certain populations have increased.

While many STDs cause a relatively harmless infection, producing few or no symptoms, others can be painful, irritating, debilitating, and life threatening. Some STDs are carried and can be spread for days or weeks, while others can be carried and spread for longer periods, even for life.

Complications of STD infection include:

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis in women)
• inflammation of the urethra (urethritis in men)
• inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis in men)
• fertility and reproductive system problems (both sexes)

Possible consequences to an infant infected in the womb or during birth, include stillbirth, blindness, and permanent neurological damage.

A person infected with an STD is more likely to become infected with HIV, and a person infected with HIV and another STD is more likely to transmit HIV.

Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Bacterial STDs can usually be treated and cured with antibiotics. If given an antibiotic to treat an STD, it is important to take all of the medicine, even if the symptoms go away. It is also important to not take someone else's medicine to treat your illness, as this may make it more difficult to treat your infection.

Bacterial STDs include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• PID
• Syphilis

Viral STDs can be treated and managed, but cannot be cured. Treatment will not prevent the disease from being passed on to a sexual partner.

Viral STDs include:

• Genital Herpes
• Genital Warts (human pappillomavirus - HPV)
• Hepatitis B
• HIV/AIDS

Parasitic STDs like trichomoniasis can be cured with antifungal agents.

Vaginal yeast (candida) infection is a common fungal infection that is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection of the vagina, also not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease.

Prevention

The only sure way to avoid becoming infected with an STD is monogamy with an uninfected partner. Prevention is possible only if sexually active individuals understand STDs and how they are spread. It is important for partners to discuss their sexual and STD history before having sex.

Here are some basic steps that you can take to protect yourself from STDs if you are not in a monogamous relationship:

• Learn about STDs. The more you know about STDs, the better you can protect yourself.
• Know the signs and symptoms of STDs. Look for them in yourself and your sex partners.
• Use adequate protection every time you have sex. A latex condom and a water-based lubricant is suggested. If you are allergic to latex, check with your healthcare provider for recommendations. Not all condoms offer the same levels of protection.
• Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch an STD.
• Choose your sex partners with care. Don't have sex with someone whom you suspect may have an STD.
• Get checked for STDs. Don't risk giving the infection to someone else.
• Don't use alcohol or drugs before you have sex. You may be less likely to use a condom if you are under the influence of either.

If you have or think you may have a sexually transmitted disease:

• Stop having sex until you see a doctor and are treated.
• Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment.
• Don't resume having sex until your doctor says it's okay.
• Return to your doctor to get rechecked.
• Be sure your sex partner or partners also are treated.
• If the STD is not curable, discuss the disease with your partner before having sex and use condoms whenever you have sex.