Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases Options

[*mzkandi*]

Guide to sexually transmitted deasease
Source Information Provided by http://www.epigee.org/guide/stds.html

An essential part of sexual health is educating yourself on sexual transmitted deaseases.


Sexually transmitted diseases (also called STDs or STIs -- sexually transmitted infections) are infections that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 15 million cases of sexually transmitted disease cases reported annually in the United States. Adolescents and young adults (15-24) are the age groups at the greatest risk for acquiring an STD, with 3 million becoming infected each year.

Brief overview, click link under underneath for more deph info

Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is unlikely that you will find any chlamydia pictures, as the infection does not cause any external sores to form
Type of Infection: Bacterial; from the chlamydia trachomatis strain which lives in vaginal fluid and semen

Mode of Transmission: Mainly through vaginal and anal sex; although it is much less common, it can also be passed on via oral sex and hand to eye contact

Symptoms: Chlamydia is known as the "silent" disease since up to 75% of women and 50% of men infected with it display no symptoms. When there are any chlamydia signs and symptoms, it is most likely abnormal vaginal or penile discharge (mucus or pus) and painful urination. Symptoms of chlamydia in women can also include abdominal pain, low-grade fever, pain during intercourse and the need to urinate more often. Chlamydia in men can also make itself known through inflammation of the rectum and swelling or pain in the testicles.

Treatment: Antibiotics are used to cure the infection. The most common ones include doxycycline and azithromycin. Depending on the type you are prescribed, the course of treatment can last from one to seven days. To ensure proper treatment, make sure you finish all your medication and refrain from having sex until your have finished treatment and tests have shown the infection to be gone. It is important to be treated as soon as possible. While the infection can be cleared up, any damage it may have done prior to treatment cannot be undone.

more info:
http://www.epigee.org/health/chlamydia.html


Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Type: Viral.

Modes of Transmission: Vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Symptoms: Painless fleshy, cauliflower-like warts develop on and inside the genitals, anus and throat.

Treatment: There is no known cure. Warts can be suppressed by chemicals, freezing, laser therapy and surgery.

more info:
http://www.epigee.org/health/hpv.html


Gonorrhea
Type of Infection: Bacterial; from the Neisseria gonorrheae bacteria

Mode of Transmission: Mainly through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Bacteria are transmitted through vaginal and seminal fluids. Infection can show up in the genital tract, mouth or rectum.

Symptoms: Once infected, symptoms of gonorrhea can take between two and ten days to show up. In women, the cervix is usually the first site of infection. From there, the infection moves up into the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. Women are much more likely than men to be asymptomatic. If they do develop symptoms, they are likely to include: bleeding after sex, pain or burning sensation when urinating, need to urinate more frequently, vaginal discharge that is yellow or bloody, cramps, bleeding between periods, nausea or vomiting and fever. In men, gonorrhea symptoms include a puss discharge from the penis (white, yellow or green in color) accompanied by pain, burning sensation when urinating and swollen testicles. If the infection is in the rectum, symptoms will include discharge, anal itching and painful bowel movements. It is also likely that your feces will have blood in them.

Treatment: Gonorrhea treatment usually consists of a single dose of medication. Depending on your age and whether or not you are pregnant, some antibiotics may not be suitable to take. Because it is very common for people to be infected with both gonorrhea and chlamydia at the same time, gonorrhea treatments often include medication for chlamydia as well. While the treatment can clear up the infection, it cannot undo any damage gonorrhea may have done to your reproductive system prior to treatment.

more info:
http://www.epigee.org/health/gonorrhea.html
Gonorrhea Symptoms:
http://www.epigee.org/health/gonorrhea_symptoms.html


Genital Herpes (HSV-2)
More than 45 million Americans are infected with the herpes simplex virus that causes genital herpes. There are two types of herpes virus: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2). Generally, HSV-1 is associated with oral herpes, marked by the presence of cold sores around the mouth, while HSV-2 is thought to be the cause of genital herpes. However, HSV-1 has also been shown to cause genital herpes. The herpes virus lives in certain nerve cells in your body where it remains for life.
Type of Infection: Viral

Mode of Transmission: Through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Symptoms: Although first episode symptoms of genital herpes tend to be worse than subsequent herpes outbreaks, often a person’s herpes symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed. If you have been exposed to the virus, genital herpes symptoms can take between two and ten days to appear. Symptoms of herpes can include an itching or burning sensation and pain around the infected area. Painful lesions in the vagina, on the penis, around the genital area or anus, and on the thighs or buttocks often occur as well. Female herpes symptoms may also include vaginal discharge. Women frequently develop vaginal herpes, with herpes bumps and sores occurring in the vagina.

Treatment: Currently, there is no herpes cure. However, you can receive herpes treatment to help relieve your discomfort during an outbreak as well as reduce the frequency of outbreaks. There are three different types of herpes medication available, one of which may help lower the risk of herpes transmission.

more info:
http://www.epigee.org/health/herpes.html
Herpes Symptoms:
http://www.epigee.org/guide/herpes.html
Herpes F.A.Qs:
http://www.epigee.org/health/herpesfaq.html


Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B is a potentially serious disease that attacks your liver. It is a viral infection similar to Hepatitis A and Hepatitis C. Unlike Hepatitis A, however, the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has the potential to seriously damage your liver and can cause chronic illness and even death. About 1.25 million Americans are currently infected with Hepatitis B. 10% of those infected will develop chronic Hepatitis B, in which the virus can stay in the body for years. 15 to 25% of those infected with chronic Hepatitis B will die from liver disease. A Hepatitis B vaccine is now available to safeguard against this virus.
Type of Infection: Viral

Mode of Transmission: Person to person exchange of bodily fluids: unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex; infected pregnant mom to unborn child; sharing of contaminated drug needles; piercing the skin with contaminated tattoo or piercing needles; piercing the skin with contaminated medical or dental instruments; receiving contaminated blood or blood products; and receiving contaminated tissues or organs.

Symptoms: A large percentage of those infected with Hepatitis are unaware that they are infected. About 30% of those with Hepatitis B experience no symptoms. Others feel like they have just caught a common flu. Hepatitis B symptoms can include: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice); fatigue or extreme fatigue; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; abdominal pain; fever and chills; dark, tea-colored urine; and grey or clay-colored bowel movements. It typically takes 9 to 21 weeks from the time of transmission for symptoms of Hepatitis B to manifest. Hepatitis B signs and symptoms are more likely to occur in infected adults than in infected children. 1% of those infected with HBV will experience extreme side effects. This is known as fulminant hepatitis. Fulminant hepatitis requires immediate medical attention.

more info:
http://www.epigee.org/health/hbv.html
Hepatitis B Symptoms
http://www.epigee.org/guide/herpes.html



HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was once thought to only affect a select group of people. Nowadays, it is recognized that HIV affects all people from every walk of life regardless of sexual orientation. The United Nations AIDS Programme estimated that, in 2003, there were 40 million people worldwide living with HIV with women accounting for half of these cases. In December 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that between 1,039,000 and 1,185,000 people in the United States were infected with HIV. In America, African-Americans and homosexual males are thought to be the most at risk of being infected with HIV.
Type of Infection: Viral

Mode of Transmission: Mainly through unprotected vaginal or anal sex as well as through breast milk and sharing drug needles with an infected person. May also be infected by performing oral sex on some who is infected or by sharing sex toys that have not been cleaned. While there was once concern about the possibility of infection through blood transfusions, strict screening procedures have been in place in North America and Europe for many years to prevent an infection from occurring this way. People living in other countries, though, may still be at risk of infection through blood transmission.

Symptoms: The initial symptoms of HIV are similar to the flu and include fever, swollen lymph glands, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and fever. However, many people fail to notice any HIV symptoms. Although the virus can remain dormant in your system for many years, the virus will continue to weaken your immune system by attacking your CD4 cells. Once the viral load overwhelms your CD4 cells (or T4 cells), you will likely develop an opportunistic infection resulting in a diagnosis of AIDS (Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

more info:
http://www.epigee.org/health/hiv.html


Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Treponoma pallidum. It is often called the "Great Imitator" because syphilis symptoms resemble those of other common diseases. It has also been given the names "Miss. Siff" and "The Pox". Almost 36 000 cases of syphilis are reported in the United States each year but many more go unreported. The majority of syphilis sufferers are male, accounting for about 60% of all cases. If caught early on, syphilis can be easily treated. However, if left untreated, syphilis can cause heart problems, psychological disorders, blindness, and death. Syphilis also increases the risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, by up to five fold.
Type of Infection: Bacterial

Modes of Transmission: Syphilis is almost always transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. The syphilis bacteria can easily spread from the ulcers on an infected person to the mucous linings of the mouth, genitals, and anus of an uninfected sexual partner. Though unlikely, it is possible to contract the infection by coming into contact with the broken skin of an infected person. Syphilis can also be passed from an infected mother to her unborn child.

Symptoms: Syphilis symptoms occur in stages. Primary syphilis results in painless sores called "chancres." These usually appear on the genitals, but they can also appear on the lips, tongue, and other body parts. These chancres generally disappear within a few weeks, but if left untreated, the disease can progress to chronic stages. Secondary syphilis begins with the syphilis rash. This is an infectious brown skin rash that typically occurs on the bottom of the feet and the palms of the hand. Fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and hair loss can also be experienced. The third stage of syphilis can last for many years, and you may suffer from joint and bone damage, increasing blindness, numbness in the extremities, or difficulty in coordinating movements..

more info:
http://www.epigee.org/health/syphilis.html


Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections. Over 7 million new cases occur in the United States each year. Also called "trich," this infection is caused by the bacteria Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis can affect both men and women but women are much more likely to suffer from symptoms once infected. In fact, only 10% to 50% of men infected will exhibit any symptoms of trichomoniasis. This makes infection of sexual partners very easy. It is important to get tested for trich if you think that you are infected.
Type of Infection: Bacterial

Mode of Transmission: Trichomoniasis is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Almost 100% of infections occur through penis-to-vagina intercourse, or vulva-to-vulva intercourse with an infected partner. Women can become infected through contact with both men and women. Men are more likely to contract the infection from women. The vagina is the most common site of infection in women while the urethra (urinary tract) is the most common site of infection in men. Because the bacteria can live outside the body for 45 minutes it is possible to contract trichomoniasis if you come into contact with infected towels, bedding, or bathing suits. However, it is very rare to contract the infection in this way.

Symptoms: Men generally exhibit no symptoms of trichomoniasis. However, they can experience irritation of the penis, a burning sensation during ejaculation or urination, and a thin, whitish discharge from the penis. Women are much more likely to show symptoms of Trich. These include a smelly, yellow-green discharge from the vagina, itchy genitals and thighs, swollen labia, and pain during intercourse or urination. Some women may confuse these symptoms with a yeast infection. 10% of women also experience lower abdominal pain and soreness. Women may also suffer from "strawberry cervix," in which lesions form on the cervix and vaginal walls, giving the appearance of redness

more info:
http://www.epigee.org/health/trich.html


Crabs
Public lice are parasitic insects that typically infest the hair surrounding the genital areas. They can attach to coarse body hair on the arms, legs, armpits, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Also referred to as "crabs" because of their pincers, these lice can cause itchiness and irritation in those infected. Genital crabs are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections with more than 3 million cases occurring in the United States every year. Genital crabs can be treated with prescription lotions or shampoos as well as over-the-counter remedies.
Type of Infection: Parasite

Modes of Transmission: Pubic crabs are easily transmitted between sexual partners. Any close contact with an infected person can result in you contracting the parasite. If your sexual partner is infested with pubic crabs, you have a 95% chance of becoming infected yourself. Pubic lice can also be transmitted within families as the lice can live for short periods of time on bedding, towels, and clothing. However, this type of transmission is unlikely, as crabs can only live for 48 hours without human blood. Genital crabs are common in cramped quarters and can run rampant in hostels, military bases, and anywhere where large numbers of people are in close contact with one another.

Symptoms: Crabs symptoms include itching and irritation in the genital area. Since crabs live off of your blood, you may find bluish spots where the crabs have been feeding. Dark spots may also be visible on your skin or underwear. These spots are the crab feces and indicate a definite infestation. Additionally, you may be able to see genital crabs crawling around in your pubic hair or find nits (eggs) close to the bottom of the pubic hair shaft. It is also common to experience a slight fever and feel irritated and run down when you have a pubic lice infestation.

more info:
http://www.epigee.org/health/crabs.html


Prevention:
Source information: http://familydoctor.org/165.xml
1. Condoms
Male latex condoms can reduce your risk of getting an STD if used correctly (see the box below). Be sure to use them every time you have sex, during all types of sex, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Female condoms aren't as effective as male condoms, but should be used when a man won't use a male condom.

Remember, though, that condoms aren't 100% safe and can't protect you from coming in contact with some sores, such as those that can occur with herpes, or warts, which can occur with HPV infection.

2. Absentience
This not old fashion at all. And is the only 100% effective way of not catching a sexually transmitted disease.

[lKVNiiKINKYl]

One time in biology we were looking at chlymydia under microscopes and someone got it in their eye...

Haha that was random but true

BRAVO! I never heard of "Trichomoniasis" before though.

[mai_z]

^^ ew chlamydia in their eye?? they could still contract it like that.....

[demolished]

added to the thread listed topic.

One time in biology we were looking at chlymydia under microscopes and someone got it in their eye...

Haha that was random but true

BRAVO! I never heard of "Trichomoniasis" before though.

They can have eye surgery. i think it would helps.

[lKVNiiKINKYl]

Haha he actually went to the doctor and somehow he got it. He took something btu he's better now =) gosh I never wanna look at chlymydia again -_-

[uLoVeMikeRoch]

Herpes A can give you Herpes B. If a girl (or guy, it's your life man do whatever you want.) gives you a head, (ahhh, that guy thing is stuck in my head now.) you can get B. and Vice Versa.

[lilliannnn]

Everything you said = why I am so scared to have sex even though I have so effing horny.

[weirdness]

Wow, nice guide to kids who haven't had health class yet. =)

[aera]

i never knew there were so many ><

[*xcaitlinx*]

this is really helpful. i mixed up some of these STD's. thanks for the info!

[yellowgurl]

i never knew there were so many ><

me neither and i couldnt pronounce most of the names.. but wow. i never knew so many.

[IamRad]

Everything you said = why I am so scared to have sex even though I have so effing horny.

hahahaha agreed! ill stay away from sex as llong as possible. too many diseases

[Laughsalot]

So it only takes ten or so days for herpes to appear after you've been infected with it? i thought it lays dormant for about 10 or so years and then shows up? i need all the facts i can get plz. and warts? after you've been infected wiht it how long does it take to show up? cuz i'm always scared that i got some sort of hidden virus in me. *shudders* which Diseases are the hidden ones?

[-sincerely]

this should be stickied. =] it's really helpful.

[pandamonium]

i will never have sex again.












SYKE jk. protect yourself betches.