 |
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus that destroys the body's ability to fight off infection.
People who have AIDS are very susceptible to many life-threatening diseases and to certain forms of cancer. Transmission of the virus most often occurs during sexual activity or by the sharing of needles used to inject intravenous drugs.
|
|
Human Papillomaviruses(HPVs)
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) ia a common sexually transmitted disease that can cause genital warts called condylomas. These condylomas can occur on the inside or outside areas of genitals and may spread to the surrounding skin or to a sexual partner. Because HPV infection does not always cause warts, the infection may go undetected. Women with an HPV infection have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests can detect HPV infection, as well as abnormal cervical cells.
Although there is treatment for the condylomas (which sometimes go away on their own), the virus remains and warts can reappear. Smoking appears to increase problems related to HPV infection. Other types of HPV can also cause warts on other body parts such as the hands, called common warts, however, these do not generally cause health problems. Also, a new HPV vaccine has been approved by the FDA to help prevent cervical cancer.
|
 |
|
Chlamydial Infections
Chlamydial infections, the most common of all STDs, can affect both men and women. Infections may cause an abnormal genital discharge and burning with urination. In women, untreated chlamydial infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). However, many people with chlamydial infection have few or no symptoms of infection. Chlamydial infections can be treated with antibiotic therapy.
|
|
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea causes a discharge from the vagina or penis and painful or difficult urination. The most common and serious complications occur in women, which include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, and infertility. Gonorrhea infections can be treated with antibiotic therapy.
|
|
|
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes infections are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms may include painful blisters or open sores in the genital area, which may be preceded by a tingling or burning sensation in the legs, buttocks, or genital region. The herpes sores usually disappear within a few weeks, but the virus remains in the body and the lesions may recur from time to time. There is no cure for HSV but there are anti-viral agents an individual can take during an outbreak to decrease the length of the outbreak.
|
|
Syphilis
The initial symptom of syphilis is a painless open sore that usually appears on the penis, in the vagina, or around either sexual organ. If untreated, syphilis may go on to more advanced stages, including a transient rash, and eventually, serious involvement of the heart and central nervous system. Syphilis infections can be treated with antibiotic therapy.
|
|
|
Genital Warts
Genital warts or venereal warts (condylomata acuminata) are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is related to the virus that causes common skin warts, human papillomavirus (HPV). Usually, genital warts first appear as small, hard, painless bumps in the vaginal area, on the penis, or around the anus. If warts do occur, there are topic agents that can be administered to remove them. Cryotherapy is also available to treat warts. There is no cure for HPV. Once an individual is infected, he or she continues to carry the virus indefinitely.
|
|
Other diseases
- bacterial vaginosis
- chancroid
- cytomegalovirus infections
- granuloma inguinale (donovanosis)
- lymphogranuloma venereum
- molluscum contagiosum
- pubic lice
- scabies
- trichomoniasis
- vaginal yeast infections
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
|
|
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
