 |
|
What is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact. Examples of STDs are AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, condylomas (genital warts), Chlamydia, pubic lice (crabs), and genital herpes to name a few. This list is by no means conclusive. New STDs appear occasionally. AIDS was first recognized in 1981. Recently, Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), a systemic, sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a type of Chlamydia trachomatis that rarely occurs in the United States, was discovered among men who have sex with men (MSMs) who live in New York City.
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus that destroys the body's ability to fight off infection. An estimated 900,000 people in the United States are infected with HIV. AIDS makes a person susceptible to many life-threatening infections and to certain forms of cancer. AIDS is the most serious consequence of a sexually transmitted disease (HIV). Although AIDS patients are leading longer lives, no cure for AIDS or HIV exists at this time.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for complications if they are not treated. Transmission occurs from persons with syphilis who have open sores, but these sores often go unrecognized. Thus, most transmission of syphilis is from persons who are unaware of their infection.
Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that grows and multiplies easily in the areas of the reproductive tract. It can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus. Gonorrhea is a very common infectious disease with more than 700,000 people in the U.S. getting infections each year. Gonorrhea is spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus and can also be spread from mother to baby during delivery. Men with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all. Some men have some signs or symptoms that appear two to five days after infection. Symptoms can take as long as 30 days to appear. Symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, or discharge from the penis (described as white, yellow or green). In women, the symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild, but most women who are infected have no symptoms. As with men, the initial symptoms and signs in women include a painful or burning sensation when urinating, and increased vaginal discharge.
| |
|
home |
next >
|
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not serve as a replacement for care provided by your own personal health care team. This website does not render or provide medical advice, and no individual should make any medical decisions or change their health behavior based on information provided here. All pertinent content provided on this website should be discussed with your personal physician to evaluate whether it has any relevance to or impact on your specific condition. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.
|
|
|
.gif)
