Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: The Basics

Sexually transmitted diseases are often called STDs or STIs. They are very common diseases and infections that are transferred from one person to another through sexual relations. In the US over fifteen million cases are reported each year and there are over twenty-five different diseases known today.

Sexually transmitted diseases can be very serious and cause severe complications. This is especially true for females. It’s important that if you are actively having sex, that you are tested for STDs regularly. This is especially true if you have multiple partners or if you are having sex with someone that is considered high risk. The only way to completely avoid coming in contact with STDs is to completely reframe from having sex. However, staying with the same partner and wearing condoms can reduce your risks.

The most common STDs are listed below along with a description of each.

• HIV – This is the most common disease in the US. There are new treatments being discovered for this infection all the time that can help to extend a persons life. Unfortunately, many people with HIV will eventually get AIDS, which is fatal. It’s estimated that over forty million people are infected with the HIV virus throughout the globe. HIV can be asymptomatic for the first several years so many people don’t even know they have the disease until the symptoms appear.

• Chlamydia – Chlamydia is a common STD that is caused by a bacterium named Chlamydia Trachomatis. If left untreated it can cause damage to the female reproductive organs and many people don’t show symptoms of this disease at first.

• Syphilis – Syphilis is an STD that has been around throughout history but modern technology has developed treatments that can cure this disease. If left untreated it can progress and eventually damage the nervous system, cause dementia and death.

• Gonorrhea – This is a very serious disease that is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Approximately 700, 000 new cases of gonorrhea occur every year but only about half of these are reported.

• Genital Herpes – This disease causes blisters or sores to break out on the genitals. There is no cure for herpes but there are treatments that can help relieve the pain and reduce the number of outbreaks a person has.

• Hepatitis B – There are treatments available for people that already have hepatitis B but there is no cure for this condition. However, there is now a vaccine called HBV that can help to prevent this infection from spreading.

• Trichomoniasis – This is a very common and curable STD that is often mistaken for a yeast infection.

• Human Papillomavirus – This STD is believed to be closely linked to cervical cancer and other types of cancers that are associated with the female reproductive system. There is no cure for this disease but a HPV vaccine has been developed recently to help prevent this infection.

About nineteen million STD infections occur every year and most of these affect people that range from age fifteen to twenty-four. That’s why adolescents and young adults are considered to be at greater risk of contracting an STI than any other age group.

Many STDs will cause a person to have a fever accompanied by weakness, aches and sore throat so it can be confused with other diseases. If you have sex with different partners or someone that you don’t know much about, it’s advised that you see your doctor and be tested for STDs regularly.

Many of these diseases don’t show symptoms right away and there is no way to know if you have them unless you get tested. It’s always best to be sure. If you are diagnosed with an STD, make sure you get treatment and inform your partner.