Difference between revisions of "Sexually Transmitted Disease"
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'''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]]. | + | 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== | ||
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===Viruses=== | ===Viruses=== | ||
| − | |||
'''Human Immunodeficiency Virus ([[HIV]])''' | '''Human Immunodeficiency Virus ([[HIV]])''' | ||
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'''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 | + | 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, | + | 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")''' | ||
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===Protozoa=== | ===Protozoa=== | ||
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'''Trichamonas vaginalis ("trich")''' | '''Trichamonas vaginalis ("trich")''' | ||
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===Arthropods=== | ===Arthropods=== | ||
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'''Pubic lice ("crabs")''' | '''Pubic lice ("crabs")''' | ||
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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. | ||
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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== |
| − | + | ||
Some STDs are curable; many are not. ''For further information, please consult a physician.'' | Some STDs are curable; many are not. ''For further information, please consult a physician.'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==References== | ||
| + | <references/> | ||
| + | |||
[[Category:Sexually Transmitted Disease]] | [[Category:Sexually Transmitted Disease]] | ||
| − | [[Category:Diseases]] | + | [[Category:Diseases]][[Category:Medicine]] |
| − | [[Category:Medicine]] | + | |
[[Category:Sociology]] | [[Category:Sociology]] | ||
Revision as of 21:22, August 17, 2008
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are illnesses transmitted by sexual contact. STDs comprise a large and diverse set of disease entities which include viruses, 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 years. The chlamydia rate overtook gonorrhea during the Clinton years. <refhttp://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/tables/table1.htm</ref>
Contents
List of STDs and their Signs and Symptoms
This list is not complete, and many of these disease agents can be transmitted by non-sexual means. Because there are so many different infections, symptoms can vary greatly. Your doctor can give you a great deal of information and should be consulted early to prevent permanent health problems.
Viruses
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
In the early stages, HIV can cause fevers, rashes, joint pains, and other non-specific symptoms. These usually occur within weeks after exposure. If untreated, HIV infection usually leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) withing eight to ten years. The symptoms of AIDS can be anything, but common presentations include weight loss, night sweats, unusual skin lesions, and diarrhea.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV 1 and 2)
HSV can appear on either the lips or the genitalia. It usually presents as a painful, bumpy rash, sometimes with fever.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
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)
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
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea, "the clap")
In males, this presents as a foul penile discharge. Women may have a vaginal discharge, or no symptoms at all.
Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia)
This presents similarly to gonorrhea, but is often asymptomatic, and is commonly without the patient knowing they are ill. There are three different sub-types of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis that cause lymphogranuloma venereum .[1] Lymphogranuloma venereum is one of the maladies associated with gay bowel syndrome.[2]
Treponema pallidum (syphillis)
This organism causes syphilis, a multisystem disease.
Protozoa
Trichamonas vaginalis ("trich")
In females, this usually presents as a foul vaginal discharge, but males are usually asymptomatic. Even though males are asymptomatic, partners of infected females must be treated.
Arthropods
Pubic lice ("crabs")
This presents as itching in the groin, and often small parasites are easily visible.
Scabies
This often presents as itching, with rash being more prominent between the fingers and toes.
Prevention
STDs are most easily prevented through abstinence from sexual contact. Latex 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.
Vaccines are not widely available for STDs. An HPV vaccine has recently been released for protection against certain, but not all, strains of HPV.
People who have been sexually active before marriage can transmit their sexual diseases to their partner after marriage, therefore failure to use proper protection with a spouse can still lead to infection. Additionally many STDs can be transmitted to unborn children. It must be noted that although abstinence until marriage greatly reduces the chance of contracting STDs, it does not eliminate the risk entirely.
Treatment
Some STDs are curable; many are not. For further information, please consult a physician.
