Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States today. More than 20 different STDs have been identified, and 13 million men and women are infected each year in the United States. Depending on the disease, the infection can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs or the mouth; the infection can also be spread through contact with blood during sexual activity. STDs affect men and women of all ages and backgrounds. STDs have become more common, partly because young people are becoming sexually active at a younger age and are having multiple partners. People can pass STDs to sexual partners even if they themselves do not have any symptoms. Frequently, STDs cause no symptoms, especially in women. Health problems from STDs tend to be more severe for women than for men. Some STDs can cause pelvic infections that may lead to scarring of the reproductive organs, which can result in an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus) and infertility for women. STDs in women may be related to cancer of the cervix. STDs can be passed from a mother to her baby before, during, or immediately after birth. Because the method of becoming infected is similar with all STDs, a person can easily pick up more than one infection at a time. Experts believe that having an STD that is not AIDS increases one's risk for becoming infected with AIDS. Depending on the disease, STDs can be spread with any type of sexual activity. STDs are most often caused by viruses and bacteria.

Common STDs have a variety of symptoms (if symptoms develop at all) and many different complications, including death. Chlamydia is most common of all STDs caused by bacteria. They're no symptoms in 80% of women and 50% of men. Discharge from the vagina or the penis, burning or pain during urination. It is also transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact. Sever cases are when ectopic pregnancy and infertility for women most serious complications. It is treatable with antibiotics.

Genital herpes: One type of herpes typically causes cold sores in the mouth, and another type causes genital sores; however, each type can cause either type of infection. It shows recurring outbreaks of blister-like sores on the genitals. The disease can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during birth. Another situation is reduction in frequency and severity of blister outbreaks with treatment but not complete elimination of infection. Hepatitis (A, B, C, D) are common now in many ways. Hepatitis B most often associated with sexual contact. Yellowish skin and eyes, fever, achy, tired, might feel like the flu. Severe complications with hepatitis, including cirrhosis and liver cancer that some time have many other diffacultys. No cure available, remission possible with some aggressive medications. Immunizations available to prevent hepatitis A and B. Gonorrhea has symptoms of discharge from the vagina or the penis. Painful urination can also happen. Ectopic pregnancy and infertility for women most serious complications. can be treatable with antibiotics Syphilis