 |
|
Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Women with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications from the infection, regardless of the presence or severity of symptoms. Gonorrhea is a cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an infection of the upper genital tract. PID can affect the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other related structures. Untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease causes scarring and can lead to infertility, tubal pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and other serious consequences.
Condylomas or genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts are one of the most common viral STDs in the U.S., with up to 24 million Americans carrying the virus that causes them. The warts are spread through direct contact. Genital warts are generally pale pink with several projections and a broad base. They can join together in the genital area and form masses with a cauliflower-like appearance. HPV, the virus that causes genital warts, is also associated with cervical cancer.
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. More than 4 million infections occur annually, although the exact number is unknown because reporting is not required in all states. Most women with Chlamydia do not know that they are infected. One of the most common complications of Chlamydia is pelvic inflammatory disease. Infertility or ectopic pregnancy can result.
Pubic lice (crabs) are tiny parasites that infest the pubic hair and survive by feeding on human blood. These parasites are spread by sexual contact and may also be contracted through contact with infested bedding or clothing. An estimated 3 million people are treated for crabs each year in the United States.
Genital herpes is a viral infection that affects an estimated one out of four (or 45 million) Americans. Each year an additional 500,000 new cases occur in the United States. Of the two types of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV—the virus that causes herpes), both cause genital herpes. HSV type 1 is a milder, more common form of the virus and it causes sores on the lips (known as fever blisters or cold sores). HSV type 1 can cause genital infections as well. HSV type 2 causes genital sores, but it also can infect the mouth. Genital herpes infection usually is acquired by sexual contact with someone who unknowingly is having an asymptomatic outbreak of herpes sores in the genital area.
| |
< previous
|
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)
