STD Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

STD

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are those that can be transmitted through the organs used for sexual contact: penis, vagina, mouth and anus. STDs can (in one way) be classified based on the type of entity that transmits them. These are bacterial, viral, parasitic, protozoan and fungal. In call cases, if medication is not available (and even if it is) prevention generally involves protected sex and sex between monogamous partners and indulgence in low risk behaviors.

Human Papilloma Virus or HPV: This is a viral infection that is spread through anal, oral and vaginal sex. About 100 different kinds of HPV have been identified and these infect large number of people at some point in their lives. About 30 of the viruses are transmitted sexually. One of the manifestations of HPV is genital warts that arise on female and male sexual organs as well as the mouth, throat and buttocks. The genital warts can be burned off. In cases of low level infections, the body develops a natural immunity. There is no treatment and a vaccine is currently in development.

Herpes is spread by the Herpes Simplex Virus: There are two strains of this virus:HSV-1 which causes cold sores and HSV-2 which results in genital herpes. There is no treatment for genital herpes and the infection is for life. Infection takes place through skin-to skin contact during every type of intercourse. Symptoms appear approximately one week after infection. It starts with painful itching and burning, which is followed by lesions in the infected genital area. In women, there is also vaginal discharge.

The initial outbreaks are generally the worst. Subsequent outbreaks are less painful but occur for the rest of the life. The Herpes virus resides in the nerves. Pregnant women are at a risk of: 1) passing the virus to the fetus, which results in permanent brain damage; 2) premature births and deliveries forced by C-section. There is no cure for herpes though there is medication to temporarily relieve the symptoms. Research is ongoing in the creation of a vaccine.

Hepatitis B: Is a viral disease, which like Hepatitis a and C, primarily affects the liver. Serious liver disease and even death occur, following cirrhosis. HBV is spread by anal, oral and vaginal intercourse and through the use of infected needles for drug use and tattoos. There is currently a Hepatits B. vaccine, which provides immunity for life. Infected pregnant women have a significant risk of passing the virus to the fetus through the umbilical cord. Unless the body protects itself, there is no cure for HBV. But drugs like Interferon Alfa and Lamivudine can slow down the progress of the disease. Symptoms manifest about 15-21 weeks after infection. Symptoms vary: from mild effects much like the common flu to jaundice like symptoms -- yellowing of the skin, dark colored urination and feces, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting. Immediate medical attention is necessary if the side effect become extreme.

HIV / AIDS: The Human Immuno Deficiency Virus is often synonymous with AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome), and it is widely believed to be the virus that causes AIDS -- though some might disagree. The last three decades have known to be scourged by AIDS, the STD that is getting the most attention. This disease is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, which might come from sexual intercourse as well as use of infected needles, and breast milk. Death is the eventuality, though the progress from infection to death varies considerably among individuals. Finding a cure has proved to be more difficult since the virus mutates into forms that cannot be targeted by a cure-agent. However, expensive drugs or cocktails of drugs, do stem and control (albeit temporarily) the effects of disease. The symptoms of HIV infection are similar to the flu. In addition, the lymph glands swell. The virus can remain dormant for even decades, but eventually attack the immune system. AIDS results when the immune system is completely overwhelmed. Death results from problems with the immune system or AIDS-related complications. Dementia is one of these symptoms.

Syphilis: This is a bacterial disease that affects men more than it does women (by about 60%). It is cases by the bacterial Terponoma pallidum. It is treatable by penicillin (except in cases of those with allergies, who are treated by other antibiotics). The cure is simple, though several cases go unreported. The symptoms occur in three stages and can even culminate in death. The progress through the stages takes place if the disease is left untreated. The first stage involves painless sores on the genitals, lips and tongues. In the second stage, a brown rash appears on the bottom of the feet and palms. Fever, swollen glands and hair loss occur at this stage. In the last stage the suffering increases from heart ailments, progressive loss of vision, dementia, and also difficulty in moving due to increasing numbness of the extremities.

Syphilis can be transmitted through sexual contact and also unisexual contact through open sores or wounds of an infected person. Transmission can also take place in the womb.

Trichomoniasis: is a parasitic infection. This parasite resides in the vagina for women and the urethra of men. Sexual contact between males-females and female-female results in this disease. Using infected towels or bathing suits might also result in an infection. Women generally show the infection in the form of a discharge, swollen labia, painful intercourse or urination, and genital itching. Men typically don't show symptoms. But might on occasion, suffer from painful urination or ejaculation or penile irritation. In men, in left untreated, it results in problems with the prostate and bladder. In women, the complications affect the fallopian tubes and the tissues of the cervix. The drug metronidazole has been found to be very useful in treatment of trichomoniasis and can be even given to pregnant women to prevent passing it on to the fetus.

Gonorrhea: Is transmitted by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrheae.