Changes

'''Sexually transmitted diseases''' (STDs) are illnesses transmitted by sexual contact. STDs comprise a large and diverse set of disease entities which include [[virus]]es, bacteria, protozoa, and arthropods.  Many of these diseases can cause great harm before symptoms are detected.   

'''Sexually transmitted diseases''' (STDs) are illnesses transmitted by sexual contact. STDs comprise a large and diverse set of disease entities which include [[virus]]es, bacteria, protozoa, and arthropods.  Many of these diseases can cause great harm before symptoms are detected.   

The incidence of [[gonorrhea]] in the United States peaked during the [[Carter administration]], but began dropping during the [[Reagan administration|Reagan years]]. The [[chlamydia]] rate overtook gonorrhea during the [[Bill Clinton|Clinton years]]. [http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/tables/table1.htm]

The incidence of [[gonorrhea]] in the United States peaked during the [[Carter administration]], but began dropping during the [[Reagan administration|Reagan years]]. The [[chlamydia]] rate overtook gonorrhea during the [[Bill Clinton|Clinton years]]. <refhttp://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/tables/table1.htm</ref>

== List of STDs and their Signs and Symptoms==

== List of STDs and their Signs and Symptoms==

===Viruses===

===Viruses===

'''Human Immunodeficiency Virus ([[HIV]])'''

'''Human Immunodeficiency Virus ([[HIV]])'''

'''Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)'''

'''Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)'''

HPV often presents as anogenital warts, or as an abnormality on a pap smear. These lesions can be pre-cancerous.

HPV often presents as anogenital warts, or as an abnormality on a pap smear. These lesions can be precancerous.

'''Hepatitis B and C Viruses (HBV, HCV)'''

'''Hepatitis B and C Viruses (HBV, HCV)'''

These are often asymptomatic, but over time can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. If any symptoms are present, the illness can look like any hepatitis, that is, jaudice, change in urine or stool color, abdominal swelling, and fatigue.

These are often asymptomatic, but over time can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. If any symptoms are present, the illness can look like any hepatitis, that is, jaundice, change in urine or stool color, abdominal swelling, and fatigue.

===Bacteria===

===Bacteria===

'''[[Neisseria gonorrhoeae]] (gonorrhea, "the clap")'''

'''[[Neisseria gonorrhoeae]] (gonorrhea, "the clap")'''

===Protozoa===

===Protozoa===

'''Trichamonas vaginalis ("trich")'''

'''Trichamonas vaginalis ("trich")'''

===Arthropods===

===Arthropods===

'''Pubic lice ("crabs")'''

'''Pubic lice ("crabs")'''

This often presents as itching, with rash being more prominent between the fingers and toes.

This often presents as itching, with rash being more prominent between the fingers and toes.

== Prevention ==

==Prevention==

 

STDs are most easily prevented through abstinence from sexual contact.  

STDs are most easily prevented through abstinence from sexual contact.  

Latex [[Methods of contraception|condoms]] provide protection against many STDs (including HIV), but not all (such as pubic lice), they are ineffective when not properly used or in the case of a rupture.

Latex [[Methods of contraception|condoms]] provide protection against many STDs (including HIV), but not all (such as pubic lice), they are ineffective when not properly used or in the case of a rupture.

It must be noted that although abstinence until marriage greatly reduces the chance of contracting STDs, it does not eliminate the risk entirely.

It must be noted that although abstinence until marriage greatly reduces the chance of contracting STDs, it does not eliminate the risk entirely.

== Treatment ==

==Treatment==

 

[[Category:Sexually Transmitted Disease]]

[[Category:Sexually Transmitted Disease]]

[[Category:Diseases]]

[[Category:Diseases]][[Category:Medicine]]

[[Category:Medicine]]

[[Category:Sociology]]

[[Category:Sociology]]