Sexually Transmitted Diseases

X-Plain
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Reference Summary
Introduction
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are some of the most
common infectious diseases in the United States.
There are more than 20 STDs, the most deadly being the HIV
virus. Other sexually transmitted diseases include syphilis,
gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
This reference summary reviews some common STDs and how
they canbe diagnosed, treated, and prevented.
Causes of STDs
An infectious disease is a disease that can be passed from one person to another.
Sexually transmitted diseases are a category of diseases that are spread via sexual
activities, such as vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex.
Sexually transmitted diseases are caused by one of 3 types of organisms.
Parasites: Parasites are very smallanimals that get nourishment from the person they
infect. The infected person is called the host. Pubic lice, also called crabs, are an
example of sexually transmitted parasites.
Bacteria: Bacteria are organisms made of one cell. They cling together to feed from
the body of their host. Gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and chancroid are examples of
sexually transmitted bacteria.
Viruses:Viruses are complex molecules that can multiply when they invade the cells of
their host. HIV, herpes, and hepatitis are examples of sexually transmitted viruses.
Usually infections that are caused by a virus cannot be cured, but in some cases they
can be controlled. Parasitic infections can be treated with medications or over-thecounter drugs. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2010, The PatientEducation Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 12/15/2010

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Common Viral STDs
Three of the most common STDs that are caused by viruses are AIDS, genital herpes,
and genital warts. This section discusses each of them in greater detail.
AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the HIV virus. The HIV virus
destroys the body’s ability to fight offinfection. The HIV virus spreads primarily during
sexual activity. It also spreads through shared needles used by intravenous drug
users.
People who have AIDS have a weak immune system and
their body cannot fight off disease very well. Early signs
include extreme tiredness and fever. During later stages of
AIDS, pneumonia or cancer may develop, which can
ultimately lead to death.
There is no curefor AIDS, but there are medications that can
sometimes keep it somewhat under control and slow its
progress.
Genital herpes affects about 60 million people in the United States. Herpes simplex
virus, or HSV, causes herpes infections.
The main sign of herpes is painful blisters or open sores in the genital area. Before
these show up, the person may feel a tingling or burning sensation in thegenital
region, legs, or buttocks. In women, herpes sores could be hidden inside the vagina.
Some women may not even know that they are infected!
Herpes sores usually disappear within 2 to 3 weeks, but the virus remains in the body
forever and the lesions may come back from time to time.
If genital herpes lesions are severe or if they frequently recur, they can be treated with
prescriptionmedications. These drugs help control the symptoms but do not eliminate
the herpes virus from the body.
Human papilloma virus, or HPV, causes genital warts. This virus is related to the virus
that causes common skin warts. At first, genital warts are usually small, hard, painless
bumps in the vaginal area, on the penis, or around the anus. If untreated, the warts
may grow and develop a...