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| SeXual Transmitted Infections |
Some 56 million Americans have an STI other than AIDS and many more are infected each year. A sexually transmitted infection
(STI; formerly called sexually transmitted disease or STD) is caused by a virus, parasite, fungus, or bacterium that can be passed
from one person to another through intimate or sexual contact. There are nearly 30 STIs in the world. Some can be cured, and some
can only be treated by not cured. If you have any symptoms or believe you might have a sexually transmitted disease, please see a
physician immediately. A medical doctor will be able to diagnose your condition, give you
Bacterial:
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea ("clap"), a common disease worldwide, is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. There are over 650,000 new
cases in the U.S. each year. 82% of cases of gonorrhea occur in teenagers and young adults, and females are twice as likely to
become infected after one act of intercourse with an infected male as males are after one act of intercourse with an infected female.
Gonorrheal infections may be asymptomatic in both sexes.
Symptoms of exposure include urethral or vaginal discharge and frequent and painful urination. Bacterial culture confirms diagnosis.
Gonorrhea requires antibiotic to resolve, so see your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Penicillin used to be the drug
of choice but many strains have become resistant. Sexual partners should be treated and intercourse avoided until the infection is
cured. Untreated gonorrhea can damage the heart or cause a form of arthritis.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Infection with Chlamydia is often concurrent with gonorrheal infections.
Chlamydia is the most frequently reported and fastest spreading STD in the United States. More than 3 million men and women in the
U.S. are diagnosed each year. Infection without symptoms and latent disease are not uncommon.
Males typically experience painful and frequent urination and a urethral discharge 7-21 days after exposure. Females often do not
have any symptoms and the infection is discovered in conjunction with a Gonorrheal infection. Chlamydia requires antibiotics to
resolve. A physician should be consulted for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Sexual partners should be treated and intercourse
avoided until the infection is cured.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a complication of Gonorrhea or Chlamydia. It is an infection that generally involves the uterus,
fallopian tubes, or pelvic area. Symptoms vary but usually include abdominal pain and tenderness, fever and vaginal discharge.
This is a very serious infection and requires antibiotics to treat and may also require hospitalization. A doctor should be consulted for
appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If untreated or inadequately treated, it may result in infertility and/or sterility.
Syphilis
There are more than 70,000 new cases of syphilis each year in the U.S. caused by the spirochete bacteria Treponema pallidum. The
risk of infection with syphilis after a single exposure is ~50%. Syphilis has four clinical stages -- primary, secondary, tertiary and
congenital (passed from mother to baby). The primary stage occurs between 10 and 90 days after infection and causes an ulcer at
the site of infection. The primary stage is highly infectious. Secondary syphilis occurs about 6 weeks after the primary stage and
causes a rash all over the body, fever headache, loss of appetite and joint pain. The tertiary form of syphilis has many different forms
and may present without any external signs or symptoms. If untreated, the third stage, can affect the heart, brain or other vital organs.
Syphilis is usually diagnosed by a blood test, The disease can cause many problems in all areas of the body including the heart,
brain, skin, bone, upper respiratory tract and liver. Syphilis requires antibiotics to resolve. Consult a doctor for appropriate diagnosis
and treatment.
Bacterial Vaginosis
This is a vaginal bacterial infection caused by several bacteria that are normally harmless. Signs and symptoms include malodorous
vaginal discharge, but you may or may not be symptomatic. This infection requires antibiotics to treat. Consult a doctor for
appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Protozoal:
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a readily curable infection caused by the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis. Common signs and symptoms include a
mild to severe malodorous vaginal discharge, intense itching and painful urination; males may not have any symptoms.
Trichomoniasis requires antibiotic therapy, so see your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The drug of choice is
metronidazole (Flagyl®). It is very effective but may produce several side effects. Both partners should be treated.
Viral:
Genital Herpes
The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes a recurrent, incurable viral disease that has two forms, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1, generally
appears as cold sores around the face--especially the mouth. HSV-2, generally is a sexually transmitted disease that manifests as
genital lesions.
First episode, initial infection: this presents with flu-like symptoms, clusters of lesions on the genitalia that can ulcerate and spread. It
may take 2-3 weeks before the lesions scab over and heal.
After the initial infection, the virus settles in the nerve root ganglia -- heads of nerves that run parallel to the spinal cord -- and
remains dormant until stress or other factors reactivate it.
Recurrent infections begin in about 50% of patients with a "prodrome" pre-reactivation flu-like symptoms and tingling around the area
where the lesions will be.
There is no cure for herpes, however, there are a few drugs that will help shorten the duration of the symptoms and relieve the
discomfort associated with herpes. These are antiviral drugs and they are available by prescription only. Therefore, see your doctor
for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Some 5.5 million new cases of HPV infection are reported each year in the U.S.. Twenty million Americans, men and women alike, are
infected with this virus. HPV is a double stranded DNA virus that is the causative agent of genital warts. There are more than 65
types of the virus. The lesions are usually papules or plaques that may be hard to see. In women, the infection may be intravaginal or
cervical. If the cervix becomes affected, cervical cancer can result.
There is no cure and the warts may recur at any time, however there are treatment options. Destructive treatment includes removal
of the warts by the use of lasers, freezing or burning. Some medications may be applied by a physician or the patient with proper
training , but there are some side effects. These include pain, burning, inflammation, skin erosion, scarring, and the medications
should not be used during pregnancy. Individuals with genital warts are also at risk for other STDs.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. Some 900,000 Americans are estimated to be infected with HIV with 40,000 being added each
year. Half of these cases are in those under 25 years of age. The virus can be spread by coming in contact with the bodily fluid
(semen, vaginal fluid, blood & breast milk) of an infect person.
The virus that enters the body through the transmission of bodily fluids and then begins to attack the immune system cells (T
Lymphocytes) in order to reproduce itself. As the virus continues to replicate. As the amount of HIV virus in the body increases, the
immune system is further impaired and opportunistic infections become more common. Some of the most common infections include
thrush , Kaposi's Sarcoma (cancer), pneumonia, recurrent herpes infections, and in later stages severe bacterial, protozoal or
,fungal blood stream infections.
HIV seriously weakens an individuals' immune system and eventually the individual will contract AIDS. Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS), a combination of signs and symptoms characterized by the lack of an effective immune system (the internal
defense against infection, such as viruses and bacteria).
There are many medications available to help slow the progression of HIV, however no cure is currently known and many infections
are drug resistant. Clearly prevention of infection is rational and desirable. If you have questions and also for appropriate diagnosis
and treatment, talk to a doctor.
For more information about sexual transmitted infections, please contact your physician or local health department.
Return to Sexual Health
(STI; formerly called sexually transmitted disease or STD) is caused by a virus, parasite, fungus, or bacterium that can be passed
from one person to another through intimate or sexual contact. There are nearly 30 STIs in the world. Some can be cured, and some
can only be treated by not cured. If you have any symptoms or believe you might have a sexually transmitted disease, please see a
physician immediately. A medical doctor will be able to diagnose your condition, give you
Bacterial:
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea ("clap"), a common disease worldwide, is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. There are over 650,000 new
cases in the U.S. each year. 82% of cases of gonorrhea occur in teenagers and young adults, and females are twice as likely to
become infected after one act of intercourse with an infected male as males are after one act of intercourse with an infected female.
Gonorrheal infections may be asymptomatic in both sexes.
Symptoms of exposure include urethral or vaginal discharge and frequent and painful urination. Bacterial culture confirms diagnosis.
Gonorrhea requires antibiotic to resolve, so see your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Penicillin used to be the drug
of choice but many strains have become resistant. Sexual partners should be treated and intercourse avoided until the infection is
cured. Untreated gonorrhea can damage the heart or cause a form of arthritis.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Infection with Chlamydia is often concurrent with gonorrheal infections.
Chlamydia is the most frequently reported and fastest spreading STD in the United States. More than 3 million men and women in the
U.S. are diagnosed each year. Infection without symptoms and latent disease are not uncommon.
Males typically experience painful and frequent urination and a urethral discharge 7-21 days after exposure. Females often do not
have any symptoms and the infection is discovered in conjunction with a Gonorrheal infection. Chlamydia requires antibiotics to
resolve. A physician should be consulted for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Sexual partners should be treated and intercourse
avoided until the infection is cured.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a complication of Gonorrhea or Chlamydia. It is an infection that generally involves the uterus,
fallopian tubes, or pelvic area. Symptoms vary but usually include abdominal pain and tenderness, fever and vaginal discharge.
This is a very serious infection and requires antibiotics to treat and may also require hospitalization. A doctor should be consulted for
appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If untreated or inadequately treated, it may result in infertility and/or sterility.
Syphilis
There are more than 70,000 new cases of syphilis each year in the U.S. caused by the spirochete bacteria Treponema pallidum. The
risk of infection with syphilis after a single exposure is ~50%. Syphilis has four clinical stages -- primary, secondary, tertiary and
congenital (passed from mother to baby). The primary stage occurs between 10 and 90 days after infection and causes an ulcer at
the site of infection. The primary stage is highly infectious. Secondary syphilis occurs about 6 weeks after the primary stage and
causes a rash all over the body, fever headache, loss of appetite and joint pain. The tertiary form of syphilis has many different forms
and may present without any external signs or symptoms. If untreated, the third stage, can affect the heart, brain or other vital organs.
Syphilis is usually diagnosed by a blood test, The disease can cause many problems in all areas of the body including the heart,
brain, skin, bone, upper respiratory tract and liver. Syphilis requires antibiotics to resolve. Consult a doctor for appropriate diagnosis
and treatment.
Bacterial Vaginosis
This is a vaginal bacterial infection caused by several bacteria that are normally harmless. Signs and symptoms include malodorous
vaginal discharge, but you may or may not be symptomatic. This infection requires antibiotics to treat. Consult a doctor for
appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Protozoal:
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a readily curable infection caused by the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis. Common signs and symptoms include a
mild to severe malodorous vaginal discharge, intense itching and painful urination; males may not have any symptoms.
Trichomoniasis requires antibiotic therapy, so see your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The drug of choice is
metronidazole (Flagyl®). It is very effective but may produce several side effects. Both partners should be treated.
Viral:
Genital Herpes
The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes a recurrent, incurable viral disease that has two forms, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1, generally
appears as cold sores around the face--especially the mouth. HSV-2, generally is a sexually transmitted disease that manifests as
genital lesions.
First episode, initial infection: this presents with flu-like symptoms, clusters of lesions on the genitalia that can ulcerate and spread. It
may take 2-3 weeks before the lesions scab over and heal.
After the initial infection, the virus settles in the nerve root ganglia -- heads of nerves that run parallel to the spinal cord -- and
remains dormant until stress or other factors reactivate it.
Recurrent infections begin in about 50% of patients with a "prodrome" pre-reactivation flu-like symptoms and tingling around the area
where the lesions will be.
There is no cure for herpes, however, there are a few drugs that will help shorten the duration of the symptoms and relieve the
discomfort associated with herpes. These are antiviral drugs and they are available by prescription only. Therefore, see your doctor
for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Some 5.5 million new cases of HPV infection are reported each year in the U.S.. Twenty million Americans, men and women alike, are
infected with this virus. HPV is a double stranded DNA virus that is the causative agent of genital warts. There are more than 65
types of the virus. The lesions are usually papules or plaques that may be hard to see. In women, the infection may be intravaginal or
cervical. If the cervix becomes affected, cervical cancer can result.
There is no cure and the warts may recur at any time, however there are treatment options. Destructive treatment includes removal
of the warts by the use of lasers, freezing or burning. Some medications may be applied by a physician or the patient with proper
training , but there are some side effects. These include pain, burning, inflammation, skin erosion, scarring, and the medications
should not be used during pregnancy. Individuals with genital warts are also at risk for other STDs.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. Some 900,000 Americans are estimated to be infected with HIV with 40,000 being added each
year. Half of these cases are in those under 25 years of age. The virus can be spread by coming in contact with the bodily fluid
(semen, vaginal fluid, blood & breast milk) of an infect person.
The virus that enters the body through the transmission of bodily fluids and then begins to attack the immune system cells (T
Lymphocytes) in order to reproduce itself. As the virus continues to replicate. As the amount of HIV virus in the body increases, the
immune system is further impaired and opportunistic infections become more common. Some of the most common infections include
thrush , Kaposi's Sarcoma (cancer), pneumonia, recurrent herpes infections, and in later stages severe bacterial, protozoal or
,fungal blood stream infections.
HIV seriously weakens an individuals' immune system and eventually the individual will contract AIDS. Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS), a combination of signs and symptoms characterized by the lack of an effective immune system (the internal
defense against infection, such as viruses and bacteria).
There are many medications available to help slow the progression of HIV, however no cure is currently known and many infections
are drug resistant. Clearly prevention of infection is rational and desirable. If you have questions and also for appropriate diagnosis
and treatment, talk to a doctor.
For more information about sexual transmitted infections, please contact your physician or local health department.
Return to Sexual Health
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