Chlamydia
and Gonorrhea
The CDC states that reported cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the
U.S. exceeded 1.4 million in 2007. These diseases pose a strong threat
to fertility. Both of these diseases show a higher rate among women than
men.
Both chlamydia trachomatis and gonorrhea are caused by bacteria. Although
both of these diseases can be diagnosed and treated, they often have
no symptoms and go undetected. If left untreated, up to 40 percent of
theses infections in women can result in pelvic inflammatory disease.
This is a condition that causes up to 50,000 women to become infertile
yearly. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause chronic pelvic
pain, ectopic pregnancies, and other serious health problems. The CDC
recommends annual chlamydia screening for all sexually active women under
26 and gonorrhea screening for high-risk, sexually active women.
Syphilis
A decade ago it was thought
that syphilis was close to being
eliminated as a public health
threat. Unfortunately the number
of cases has increased each year
since 2000. Syphilis rates among
women have increased since 2004.
Untreated syphilis from a pregnant
woman to her infant can result
in stillbirths, infant deaths,
or severe complications in the
children who survive.
Genital
Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1)
or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Symptoms typically
appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The
blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four
weeks to heal the first time they occur. Typically, another outbreak
can appear weeks or months after the first.
The CDC states that at least 45 million people ages 12
and older in the U.S., or one out of five adolescents and
adults, have had genital HSV infection. Genital HSV-2 infection
is more common in women (approximately one out of four women)
than in men (almost one out of eight).
Genital herpes can cause recurrent painful genital sores
in many adults. The CDC says the herpes infection can be
severe in people with suppressed immune systems. They report
that genital herpes frequently causes psychological distress
in people who know they are infected.
In addition, genital herpes can lead to potentially fatal
infections in babies. It is important that women avoid contracting
herpes during pregnancy because a newly acquired infection
during late pregnancy poses a greater risk of transmission
to the baby. If a woman has active genital herpes at delivery,
a cesarean delivery is usually performed.
The CDC reports herpes may play a role in the spread of
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Herpes can make people more
susceptible to HIV infection, and it can make HIV-infected
individuals more infectious.
The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted
diseases, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual
contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship
with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
Human Papillomavirus
(HPV)
Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes
more than 100 different strains or types. More than 30 of these viruses
are sexually transmitted, and they can infect the genital area of men
and women. They can also appear on the mouth and throat (in those who
have oral sex with an infected person).
Other HPV types can cause cervical cancer and other less common cancers,
such as cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, and penis.
The CDC estimates that 50 percent of sexually active people will get
a genital HPV infection at some point. Nearly 6.2 million people in the
United States develop a new HPV infection each year.
There is no cure for HPV.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the
single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The
vagina is the most common site of infection in women, and the urethra
(urine canal) is the most common site of infection in men.
The genital inflammation caused by trichomoniasis can increase
a woman's susceptibility to HIV infection if she is exposed
to the virus. Pregnant women with trichomoniasis may have
babies who are born early or with low birth weight.
Trichomoniasis can usually be cured with prescription drugs, either metronidazole
or tinidazole. However, an infected man, even a man who has never had
symptoms or whose symptoms have stopped, can continue to infect or re-infect
a female partner until he has been treated.
HIV/AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks
the immune system, which is what gives our bodies the ability to fight
infections. HIV destroys a type of white blood cell that the immune system
must have to fight disease.
HIV is generally found in the blood, semen, or vaginal fluid of an infected
person. HIV is transmitted in three primary ways: having sex with someone
infected with HIV; sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV;
or from being exposed to HIV before or during birth or through breast feeding.
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the final stage of the HIV
infection. Having AIDS means that the virus has weakened the immune system
to the point at which the body has a difficult time fighting infection.
The best way to prevent HIV is to practice abstinence.
Sex and You
The decision to have sex should not be taken lightly. You place
yourself at serious risk for pregnancy and several STDs. Birth control
and condoms do not eliminate these risks. The only sure way to avoid
pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection is abstinence. Once you
are in a long-term, mutually monogamous and committed relationship with
an uninfected partner (in marriage), you will not need to worry about
getting an STD.
Please feel free to contact Heartbeat of Toledo at 419-241-9131 to talk
to someone about your relationship and about your risks for STDs.
For more information on sexually transmitted diseases, check out the
Center for Disease Control website www.cdc.gov/STD
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