Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most common bacterial STI in the United States, with an estimated 1.3 million new cases each year.

Symptoms

Chlamydia often does not cause any symptoms, especially in women. In men, the most common symptom is a burning or itching sensation during urination. In women, the most common symptoms are:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Painful or burning urination
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Complications

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications, including:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain
• Epididymitis in men, which can cause infertility and pain
• Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), a rare but serious infection that can cause skin ulcers, fever, and swollen lymph nodes

Diagnosis

Chlamydia is diagnosed with a simple urine test or a swab of the cervix, vagina, or rectum.

Treatment

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. The most common antibiotics used to treat chlamydia are azithromycin (Zithromax) and doxycycline (Vibramycin).

Prevention

The best way to prevent chlamydia is to use condoms during sex. Other ways to prevent chlamydia include:

• Getting tested for STIs regularly, especially if you have multiple sexual partners
• Notifying your sexual partners if you are diagnosed with chlamydia so they can get tested and treated
• Avoiding sex until you and your partner have been treated for chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common STI that can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications. The best way to prevent chlamydia is to use condoms during sex.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and some are more likely to cause health problems than others.

Transmission

HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact. This can happen during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be spread through sharing sex toys. HPV can also be spread from a mother to her baby during childbirth.

Symptoms

Most people with HPV do not have any symptoms. However, some types of HPV can cause warts on the skin or genitals. Warts are small, fleshy bumps that can be skin-colored, pink, or brown. They can be flat or raised, and they can appear singly or in clusters.

Health Problems

Some types of HPV can cause health problems, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Anal cancer
• Oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the throat)

Risk Factors

The risk of HPV infection is increased by:

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having unprotected sex
• Having a weakened immune system

Prevention

There are two vaccines that can prevent HPV infection:

• Gardasil 9
• Cervarix

These vaccines are recommended for all preteens and young adults. They are also recommended for adults who are at high risk of HPV infection, such as those with multiple sexual partners or a weakened immune system.

Treatment

There is no cure for HPV infection. However, the warts caused by HPV can be treated with medication, surgery, or laser therapy.

Outlook

Most people with HPV do not have any health problems. However, some types of HPV can cause serious health problems, such as cancer. The HPV vaccine is the best way to prevent HPV infection and the health problems it can cause.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can affect both men and women and can be passed from person to person through direct contact with an infected sore, usually during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Stages of Syphilis

Syphilis progresses through four stages:

1. Primary syphilis: This is the first stage of syphilis and usually develops within 10-90 days of exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms include a single or multiple sores (chancres) at the site of infection. These sores are usually painless, round, and firm, and they may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes.

2. Secondary syphilis: This stage occurs 2-8 weeks after the primary stage and may last for several months. Symptoms include a rash that may cover the entire body, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

3. Latent syphilis: This stage occurs after the secondary stage and can last for years or even decades. During this stage, there are no symptoms, but the infection is still present in the body and can be transmitted to others.

4. Tertiary syphilis: This is the most severe stage of syphilis and occurs in about 15% of untreated cases. Symptoms include damage to the heart, brain, eyes, bones, and joints. This stage can be life-threatening if not treated.

Symptoms of Syphilis

The symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the stage of the infection.

Primary syphilis:

• A single or multiple sores (chancres) at the site of infection
• Swollen lymph nodes

Secondary syphilis:

• Rash that may cover the entire body
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue

Latent syphilis:

• No symptoms

Tertiary syphilis:

• Damage to the heart, brain, eyes, bones, and joints
• Life-threatening if not treated

Treatment for Syphilis

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin. The type of antibiotic and the length of treatment will depend on the stage of the infection.

Prevention of Syphilis

The best way to prevent syphilis is to practice safe sex. This includes using condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and avoiding contact with open sores. If you think you may have been exposed to syphilis, it is important to see a doctor right away so that you can be tested and treated if necessary.

Syphilis is a serious STI, but it can be cured if it is treated early. If you think you may have syphilis, it is important to see a doctor right away so that you can be tested and treated.

HIV AIDS

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. It is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, or tears.

What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

The symptoms of HIV/AIDS vary depending on the stage of infection. In the early stage, people may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. As the infection progresses, people may develop more serious symptoms, such as weight loss, diarrhea, and pneumonia. In the most advanced stage of HIV infection, people may develop opportunistic infections and cancers.

How is HIV/AIDS treated?

There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are treatments that can help people manage the infection and live longer, healthier lives. These treatments are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART works by stopping the virus from multiplying in the body.

How can HIV/AIDS be prevented?

There are several ways to prevent HIV/AIDS, including:

• Using condoms during sex
• Not sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia
• Getting tested for HIV and knowing your status
• Talking to your doctor about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk of getting HIV

HIV/AIDS is a serious disease, but it can be managed with proper treatment. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, it is important to get tested right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you live a longer, healthier life.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect both men and women and can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Symptoms

Gonorrhea can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Men:
  • Painful or burning sensation during urination
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Swelling or tenderness in the testicles
• Women:
  • Painful or burning sensation during urination
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Pelvic pain
• Both men and women:
  • Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Complications

If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to a number of serious complications, including:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): A serious infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
• Epididymitis: An infection of the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis.
• Proctitis: An infection of the rectum.
• Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI): A rare but serious infection that can spread to the bloodstream and cause arthritis, meningitis, and endocarditis.

Diagnosis

Gonorrhea is diagnosed with a laboratory test of a sample of discharge from the penis, vagina, rectum, or throat.

Treatment

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and the length of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection.

Prevention

The best way to prevent gonorrhea is to practice safe sex. This includes using condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. You should also be tested for STIs regularly, especially if you have multiple sexual partners.

Conclusion

Gonorrhea is a serious STI that can have a number of complications if left untreated. However, it is easily diagnosed and treated with antibiotics. If you think you may have gonorrhea, see your doctor right away.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is the most common non-viral STI worldwide, affecting an estimated 180 million people each year.

Symptoms

Trichomoniasis can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Women:

  • Vaginal itching, burning, or irritation
  • Painful urination
  • Frequent urination
  • A strawberry cervix (a red, swollen cervix)
  • A frothy, greenish-yellow vaginal discharge

• Men:

  • Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
  • Burning or itching sensation during urination
  • A white, cloudy discharge from the penis

Transmission

Trichomoniasis is spread through sexual contact with an infected person. It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Risk Factors

The following factors increase the risk of trichomoniasis:

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Not using condoms
• Having a history of other STIs
• Being under the age of 25

Complications

Trichomoniasis can lead to a number of complications, including:

• Women:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Infertility
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight

• Men:

  • Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
  • Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
  • Infertility

Diagnosis

Trichomoniasis is diagnosed by examining a sample of vaginal fluid or urine under a microscope. A blood test can also be used to diagnose the infection.

Treatment

Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics, such as metronidazole or tinidazole. Both sexual partners should be treated to prevent reinfection.

Prevention

The following measures can help prevent trichomoniasis:

• Use condoms during sex.
• Avoid having sex with multiple partners.
• Get tested for STIs regularly, especially if you have new sexual partners.

Herpes

Herpes is a common viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV-1 is the type that usually causes oral herpes, also known as cold sores or fever blisters. It can also cause genital herpes.

HSV-2 is the type that usually causes genital herpes. It can also cause oral herpes.

Symptoms of Herpes

The symptoms of herpes can vary depending on the type of virus and the location of the infection.

Oral herpes can cause:

• Cold sores or fever blisters on the lips, gums, or inside the mouth
• Painful, tingling, or burning sensations around the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches

Genital herpes can cause:

• Blisters or sores on the genitals, buttocks, or thighs
• Painful, tingling, or burning sensations around the genitals
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches

Treatment for Herpes

There is no cure for herpes, but there are treatments that can help to relieve the symptoms and prevent outbreaks.

Oral herpes can be treated with:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir
• Cold compresses
• Warm salt water rinses

Genital herpes can be treated with:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir
• Warm baths
• Sitz baths

Prevention of Herpes

There is no sure way to prevent herpes, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of infection:

• Avoid contact with people who have herpes sores or blisters.
• Use condoms during sex.
• Do not share personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors.
• Wash your hands frequently.

Outlook for Herpes

Herpes is a lifelong infection, but it can be managed with treatment. Most people with herpes have mild symptoms that do not interfere with their daily lives.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Humans FAQs

What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

• STDs are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact.
• They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

How are STDs spread?

• STDs are spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluid, or blood.
• This can happen during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• STDs can also be spread through sharing sex toys.

What are the symptoms of STDs?

• The symptoms of STDs can vary depending on the type of infection.
• Some common symptoms include:
• Blisters or sores on the genitals, anus, or mouth
• Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
• Painful or burning urination
• Itching or irritation in the genital area
• Swollen or tender lymph nodes
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Body aches

How can I prevent STDs?

• The best way to prevent STDs is to abstain from sexual activity.
• If you do choose to have sex, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of infection, including:
• Use condoms every time you have sex.
• Get tested for STDs regularly, especially if you have multiple sexual partners.
• Talk to your partner about STDs and make sure they are also getting tested.

How are STDs treated?

• The treatment for STDs depends on the type of infection.
• Some STDs can be cured with antibiotics, while others can only be managed.
• It is important to see a doctor if you think you may have an STD so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated.

What are the complications of STDs?

• STDs can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Infertility
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Increased risk of HIV infection
• Certain types of cancer

Where can I get more information about STDs?

• There are a number of resources available where you can get more information about STDs, including:
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA)
• Planned Parenthood
• Your local health department