What are sexually transmitted diseases ?
Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs as they are commonly called, spread from one infacted partner to another sex partner during the sex act.
What type of germs cause STDs ?
STDs(sexually transmitted diseases) are caused by bacteria, viruses and fungus and parasites.
How are these germs spread from person to person ?
The germs live either directly on the skin or in body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions and blood. These diseases are spread by direct contact with a sore or with contact with body fluids that contain the STD germs.
Can you have an STD without knowing it ?
Yes, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have little or no symptoms.
Are STDs spread by public toilets ?
No. STDs are not spread by use of public toilets.
Are STDs spread by sharing clothes? What about washed clothes ?
No.
Can a person get more than one Sexually Transmitted Diseases ?
Yes.
Are there treatments for all the STDs ?
Yes, there are treatment for all the STDs(sexually transmitted disease) but we do not have a cure for all of them.
Some Common STD's
GONORRHEA & CHLAMYDIA
Summary
• Caused by bacteria; the infection starts 3 days to 3 weeks after having sex with an infected person.
• In men it causes a liquid (pus) to come out of the opening in the penis.
• Women usually don't have symptoms, but if untreated it can progress into a more serious disease and cause her not to be able to have babies in the future.
• completely curable, if treated early.
HERPES
Summary
• Caused by a virus.
• Appears 3 to 10 days after sex with person who already has the disease.
• The herpes sores start as blisters, then they open up into little holes, and then they scab up.
• By 5 to 15 days they heal and disappear.
• The germs stay in your body and the sores may return in the future, sometimes often.
• Women may not know they have herpes because the sores may be inside the vagina.
Q. What happens after the sores leave?
A. The virus stays in the body but it goes into a sleep phase where there are no symptoms present. It may stay like this for a long time ( months or years) before the symptoms reappear.
Q. Are recurrences the same as the original outbreak ?
A. Recurrent episodes of herpes are similar to the original outbreak but they are often less intense and they may not last for as long a time.
Q. What triggers the virus to reappear ?
A. Generally, stress, heat (such as a fever or hot sun), trauma (a heavy sex episode may trigger it), being run-down and having another illness such as a cold or other virus.
SYPHILIS
Summary
• Caused by a bacteria, sores appear 3 weeks to 3 months after having sex with an infected person.
• The sores look like holes in the skin that have a raised edge, usually painless.
• The sores disappear after a few weeks but the germ remains in the body and the disease reappears as a rash all over the body.
• This rash disappears too but the germs can attack other parts of the body years later.
• Syphilis can be completely cured at any stage.
• In women the sores may be hidden in the vagina. Syphilis can be passed from a woman to her unborn child.
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PUBIC LICE ('Crabs')
Summary
• Very small (1/8th inch) gray to brown animals that live in the pubic hair and cause itching.
• Easily treated with a medicine that is put directly on the pubic hair.
MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM
Summary
• Causes small, round, raised bumps in the genital area.
Q. What causes Molluscum ?
A. They are caused by a virus.
YEAST INFECTION
Summary
• Caused by a fungus.
• It causes an itchy redness under the foreskin in
uncircumcised men.
• In women it causes a thick white, itchy vaginal discharge.
• Easily treated with an anti-fungal cream.
HEPATITIS Summary
• A serious virus disease affecting the liver.
• May cause fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and darkening of the urine.
Q. Are there possible complications of Hepatitis?
A. Yes. Although hepatitis usually clears up by itself, it is possible to develop a chronic hepatitis which means that you will have it for years in your body. You are not usually sick with it for years but you may be able to infect others during this time. Having hepatitis B can also make a person more likely to get a cancer of the liver in the future.
VAGINITIS
Summary
• Infection of the vagina that usually causes a vaginal discharge.
Q. What are the symptoms of vaginitis ?
A. The most common symptoms of vaginitis is an increased discharge from the vagina. There may also be a vaginal discomfort or itching.
