Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What is a sexually transmitted disease?

A sexually transmitted disease, also called an STD, is an infection that is spread by having sex. STDs are contagious diseases caused by germs. They are usually passed on to others through sexual intercourse or other sexual contact. Common STDs include Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis. Other STDs include candidiasis (yeast infection), chancroid, hepatitis A and C, pubic lice, and scabies.

What causes a sexually transmitted disease?

Most STDs are caused by different kinds of germs, such as bacteria and viruses. The germs that cause STDs can be spread by any form of sexual contact, including oral (mouth) and anal sex. You usually get an STD through mucous membrane contact with an infected body fluid. Mucous membranes are those areas of your body that are usually moist, such as your mouth or vagina. Body fluids can contain the germs that cause STDs. They include saliva, urine, blood, vaginal fluids, and semen. Breaks in the skin, or having an open sore or infected skin are other ways that germs can enter your body. Some STDs, such as lice and scabies, are caused by parasites (small creatures that live on your body).

What increases my risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease?

• Gender differences: Being female, especially if you douche frequently. The vagina is a large mucous membrane area that may get small tears during intercourse. Women have higher rates for getting infected with Chlamydia, HIV, and herpes.
  
• IV drug use: Using intravenous (IV) street drugs or having sex with someone who uses IV drugs. IV drug users have higher rates of HIV and viral hepatitis.
  
• Multiple partners: Having sex with more than one person. Also, starting to have sex at an early age.
  
• Not vaccinated: A vaccine is a medicine that helps your immune system to fight a disease. You may be at risk for certain STDs if you are not vaccinated against them:
  
  
  • Hepatitis A: Men who have sex with men and street drug users (both IV and non-IV drugs).
    
  • Hepatitis B: Recommended for all sexually active people, as this is a common STD.
    
  • HPV: Young women should consider being vaccinated against the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV causes genital warts and may lead to cervical and other cancers.
• Unsafe sex: Not practicing safe sex, such as not using a condom. Ask your caregiver for more information about safe sex.
  
• Weakened immune system: Having a weak immune system increases your chances of having an infection caused by a fungus, such as Candida (yeast infection). The immune system is part of the body that fights infections.

What are the signs and symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease?

You may have no signs or symptoms. If you do, you may have one or more of the following depending on what STD you have:

• Blisters, warts, sores, or a rash on your skin which may or may not be painful.
  
• Discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus, which may have a bad smell.
  
• Fever, muscle pain, or swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
  
• Inflammation (redness and swelling) and itching of the skin.
  
• Pelvic or abdominal (stomach) pain, or pain during sex or when voiding (passing urine).
  
• Sore throat, mouth ulcers, or trouble swallowing.
  
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting after having sex.

How is a sexually transmitted disease diagnosed?

Your caregiver will ask you about your medical and sexual history. You will be asked about any STDs you have had before. He may ask about the health condition of your sexual partner or partners. You will have a physical exam where your caregiver will closely look at the affected area. This may be your genital area, anal area, or mouth. In women, caregivers may need to do a pelvic exam to check the vagina and internal sex organs. You may also have any of the following:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.
  
• Culture: This is a test to grow and identify the germ that is causing your infection. A sample may be taken by rubbing a cotton swab on the ulcer or taking a sample of fluid discharge.
  
• Smear test: A sample, such as discharge, is taken from the affected area and checked under the microscope. This will help caregivers learn what is causing your condition.
  
• Urine test: A sample of your urine is collected and sent to a lab for tests.

How is a sexually transmitted disease treated?

Treatment for your STD depends on the type of infection you have. Antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medicine may be given to fight the infection. Tell your sex partner about your infection. He may also need treatment. If your partner is not treated, you may get the infection back. Do not have sex until your caregiver says it is OK to have sex. Tell your caregiver if you are pregnant. Ask your caregiver for more information about the type of STD you have, such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea.

What can I do to protect myself and others from getting a sexually transmitted disease?

Ask your caregiver for more information about safe sex practices, which include:

• Abstinence: The best way to avoid getting an STD is to not have sex with other people.
  
• Avoid douching: Do not douche unless caregivers tell you to. A douche is when you clean the inside of the vagina with a spray of water or solution. Douching upsets the healthy germs that live in the vagina. Douching does not prevent or clear up vaginal infections.
  
• Avoid infected partners: Do not have sex with someone who has an STD. This includes having oral or anal sex.
  
• Limit sexual partners: If you are sexually active, having just one sexual partner who has sex only with you will decrease your risk.
  
• No sex during treatment: Do not have sex while you or your partners are being treated for STD.
  
• Screening tests: If you are sexually active, you should get tested for STDs on a regular basis. This is very important if you have more than one sexual partner. You may have an STD and not know it. If you are pregnant, you will be screened for STDs to prevent passing them on to your unborn baby.
  
• Use condoms: Use a latex condom every time you have sex and always wear a condom correctly. Use a new condom with each new sexual act. Both male and female condoms are available. Use a polyurethane condom if you are allergic to latex. Ask your caregiver for more information about using condoms.

Where can I find more information?

Accepting that you have STD may be hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, guilty, rejected, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your partner, caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org

• The National Women's Health Information Center
  8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
  Fairfax , VA 22031
  Phone: 1- 800 - 994-9662
  Web Address: http://www.womenshealth.gov

• CDC National Prevention Information Network
  PO Box 6003
  Rockville , MD 20849-6003
  Phone: 1- 800 - 4585231
  Web Address: http://www.cdcnpin.org

• Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Rd.
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 227-8922
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/std

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.