SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

For more information about STDs call the "Ask Emma" line, 1-800-848-7684

Chlamydia

What?

An infection caused by bacteria. Chlamydia is more than twice as common as gonorrhea.

How Transmitted?

Most often spread during vaginal or anal sexual contact. May, in some cases, be spread during oral sexual contact. Babies can get chlamydia during birth if the mother is infected.

Symptoms

About 75% of women and 25% of men who have chlamydia have no symptoms until complications of the infection develop. When symptoms are present, they may appear within one to three weeks of exposure and may include: burning with urination, yellowish vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse and bleeding between menstrual periods.

Treatment

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics taken orally for 7 to 10 days. Sexual partners also need to be treated. Untreated chlamydia can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, which increases the risks of infertility and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.

Prevention

Latex condoms and spermicides provide some protection. If you are sexually active, routine checkups that include chlamydia screening may be beneficial.

Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus, HPV)

What?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 60 types. Some types of HPV cause warts on the feet and hands; other types cause genital warts.

How Transmitted?

HPV is usually transmitted by direct, skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who has the virus. The virus lives in the skin and the incubation period can be anywhere from a few weeks to several months before warts appear. Some infected people will never develop any visible warts at all. This is called "subclinical" infection.

Symptoms

Genital warts usually appear as flesh-colored or reddish bumps around the external genitals and anus in both men and women. In women, genital warts can also appear inside the vagina or on the cervix. The warts may be flat or raised, small or large, and there may be one or many. They may have a cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts are usually painless, but sometimes can cause pain, itching or bleeding.

Treatment

Warts can be treated in several ways. Chemical treatments such as trichloracetic acid (TEA), podophyllin and podofilox are liquids applied on the surface of the warts. Cryotherapy, or freezing the infected skin, is another common treatment. Electrocautery (destroying the infected tissue with electrical current) is another option. Laser therapy or surgery may be used to treat more extensive or complicated cases. Treatment can be frustrating because of the long incubation period of HPV. It is common to need more than one treatment to clear up genital warts and it is common for the warts to recur after treatment.

Prevention

Latex condoms may provide some protection if they cover the area of infected skin. You can reduce your risk of getting any sexually transmitted infection by not having sex with anyone or by having sex only with one uninfected partner who only has sex with you.

HPV and cancer

Some of the types of HPV are being studied as possible "risk factors" for cervical cancer. The types of HPV that are linked to cervical cancer usually aren't the types that cause genital warts. The best prevention against cervical cancer is to get yearly Pap smears. Pap smears are designed to detect precancerous changes in cervical cells. Cervical cancer usually is preventable with early detection and treatment of abnormal changes.

Gonorrhea

What?

An infection caused by bacteria. The bacteria dies on contact with air within seconds.

How Transmitted?

It is passed when mucous membranes come in contact with the bacteria. It usually grows in the vagina, penis, mouth or anus. Eyes can become infected also.

Symptoms

Generally show up within 1 day-2 weeks after contact, but many people show no symptoms. Symptoms may include vaginal or penile discharge with an unusual odor, painful urination, a sore throat or swollen glands.

Treatment

You may be given a shot of an antibiotic, pills or both. Gonorrhea will not go away by itself. Contacts need to be treated also. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious infections in your reproductive organs, leading to sterility, crippling arthritis or blindness.

Prevention

Use latex condoms and chemical barriers. Gargle with salt water after oral sex. Check partner for a discharge of strong odor. Have routine check ups if you are sexually active.

Herpes

What?

A virus that is highly infectious. At present there is no cure. Common cold sores (generally above the waist) are called Herpes Simplex I. Genital sores (below the waist) are called Herpes Simplex II.

How Transmitted?

Occurs by direct contact with sores or by contact with the area 24 hours or less before sores erupt.

Symptoms

Usually show up 2-20 days after contact but sometimes don't appear for several months. Initially itching or tingling genitals, an aching sensation and sores appear and may crack and become blistered. The sores can last for up to 2 weeks. After the initial outbreak, they may never return or may return at different times. Often outbreaks are associated with stress or illness.

Treatment

There is presently no cure. Treatment involves medication to ease the pain of the sores and possibly help them disappear sooner.

Prevention

Avoid sexual contact with someone who has genital sores. For extra protection use latex condoms and chemical spermicides, although viruses may be able to pass through some barriers.

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

What?

Crabs are tiny animals that feed on human blood and thrive in moist hairy spots like pubic hair, underarm, and chest hair.

How Transmitted?

They are highly contagious and are transmitted through direct physical contact. Also by clothes, bedding, and upholstered furniture. They cannot live for more than 24 hours without a host. Their eggs can live about a week without human contact.

Symptoms

Itching, often intense. You can see crabs if you look closely.

Treatment

Soap will not kill crabs. A treatment called "Kwell" is available with a prescription. It includes a hair and body shampoo. All clothes and linens must be washed with hot water and detergent.

Prevention

Cleanliness is important: yourself, your clothes, and bed linen.

Scabies

What?

A skin infestation caused by microscopic parasites that burrow under the skin and lay eggs.

How Transmitted?

Scabies are highly contagious and can be passed by direct physical contact with other infected people, clothing, and linen.

Symptoms

Causes intense itching. Causes a red sore or raised reddish track along the skin. Scabies can occur anywhere on the body.

Treatment

Treatment is the same as for pubic lice.

Prevention

Cleanliness is important. Watch for sores or red spots on the skin of intimate partners.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

What?

AIDS is caused by a virus that weakens the body's normal immune system making an infected person vulnerable to many diseases. The virus associated with AIDS is called HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The person infected with this virus might be healthy for months or years, spreading the virus to others without knowing it. So far, there is no cure, and most people who get AIDS will die from it.

How Transmitted?

The virus can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact - vaginal, oral or rectal. It has been found in the blood, semen, and vaginal secretions of infected people. Intravenous drug users who share needles may become infected. AIDS is not spread through casual contact. You cannot get AIDS from toilet seats, eating utensils, by donating blood or by being near a person who has it. You can get it from having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV, or from sharing needles used to shoot drugs.

Symptoms

The virus can stay in the body for many years before any symptoms occur, and some people may never develop symptoms. With or without symptoms, if you are infected with the virus you can infect others. Some of the early symptoms of a person infected with HIV (before the development of AIDS and AIDS Related Complex (ARC) include fatigue, cough, nightsweats, fever, and unexplained weight loss. Women may also experience irregular periods, long lasting vaginal infections, and abnormal pap smears.

Treatment

At the present time there is no cure for AIDS. Research with experimental drugs have shown some progress in slowing the development of AIDS in infected people. It is believed that avoidance of drugs and alcohol, a high protein diet, exercise and stress reduction can help you to maintain control of your life.

Prevention

Women, teens, and minorities are the fastest growing populations diagnosed with HIV both state and nationwide. The best protection is to educate yourself. Be safe about drugs and know the sexual history of your partner(s) and use safer sex methods such as condoms and dental dams if you choose to have intercourse.

For general AIDS information and referrals, call the Centers for Disease Control National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS. The call is free and no one will ask your name.

Yeast Infections

What?

Yeast normally grows in the vagina and also in the anus. Anytime there is an imbalance, yeast can multiply and become thick.

How Transmitted?

Yeast can be passed through genital or oral sex, even if your partner doesn't have any symptoms.

Symptoms

A cottage cheese-like discharge from the vagina that can cause intense itching and irritation. A yeast like smell.

Treatment

A medicated cream or vaginal suppository. An oral medication is sometimes prescribed. Some women have had success with home remedies.

Prevention

Keep genital area as clean and dry as possible. Don't use perfumed powders or deodorants in the genital area. Cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes allow the skin to "breathe." Barrier methods of birth control with spermicides may help.

Trichomoniasis

What?

A vaginal infection caused by a tiny, one-celled parasite.

How Transmitted?

It can be passed through sexual activity including finger-genital touching. The parasite can stay alive outside the body for up to 7 hours. It may also be passed by using someone else's washcloth or towel, or by sharing swimsuits or underwear.

Symptoms

Causes intense itching, painful urination and a red, tender labia. There may be a thin yellow-green or gray foamy discharge that has a foul, unpleasant odor.

Treatment

Usually with a drug called Flagyl. Sexual partners must take the treatment together.

Prevention

Condoms and spermicides can help prevent "trich". If you seem susceptible to trich, vinegar-water douches may be helpful.

Go To Home Page | Safer Sex Kit | About Emma Goldman | Speak Out