Over 12 Million cases of Sexually Transmitted Diseases are reported in the US each year.
With that said, it is very important to do everything you can to prevent the spread of diseases. The problem is that often people have them and don’t know it, or they think they have gotten rid of it when they haven’t. There are several STD’s that you can have and spread without ever knowing. Let’s talk about some of the most common.
Non-Curable Sexually Transmitted Diseases
HIV – AIDS
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. I started with this one because it is one of the ones we think of most. However, it is important to remember that there are many other STD’s that we are more likely to get, and while they may not kill us, they can be very dangerous. Also, the presence of other Sexually Transmitted Diseases can increase the risk of acquiring AIDS. Also, keep in mind that AIDS can be dormant for up to 6 months after the initial infection. So someone could test negative while they actually have the disease. There is no cure for AIDS and it is fatal.
Herpes
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) comes in two forms; genital & oral. There is speculation that there is really only one type. It is estimated that about 30 million people in the US have HSV. As common as Herpes is, it is not tested for during standard STD testing. The only way to verify that you have genital herpes is after you already have a sore. You have to have the fluid in the blister tested. There is a blood test for Herpes but it only tells you if you have recently been exposed to a form of HSV. So if you have had a cold sore you would test positive. Keep in mind that a cold sore is oral herpes, and it is possible to transfer oral herpes to the genital area and vice-versa. There is no cure for Herpes, there is only medication to help ease the symptoms. It is possible to spread the disease even when you show no symptoms, and often people who have the Herpes don’t show any symptoms.
Get More info on Herpes:
Herpes Webring
Herpes.org
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
There are over 50 types of HPV, and HPV has been linked to cervical cancer among women. Over 40 Million people are now infected with HPV. While HPV is most often associated with Genital Warts, most people who are infected with the virus show no symptoms. HPV is not tested for during standard STD testing. HPV is detected through microscopic examination of the infected tissue. There is no cure for HPV. You can have the warts removed, but they can and probably will return.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus is the most common infection to be spread from mother to their developing fetus. CMV can remain in the body for life and can lead to mental retardation and blindness. CMV can be detected through a blood test but there is no cure. The first infection usually shows now symptoms, however later reinfection will result in symptoms such as swollen glands, fatigue, irritation of the bowels/ digestive track; and can lead to mononucleosis and vision loss. CMV can be spread through any bodily fluid. 40-80% of people get it as children from other children’s saliva. Symptoms can be treated via intravenous drugs.
Curable Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases.1 in 20 women are infected with Chlamydia. 75% of women & 25% of men with Chlamydia show no symptoms. If not treated early, Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy or even sterility. It can be passed on to babies during the birthing process and in infants can lead to pneumonia, eye infections, and blindness. Chlamydia is tested for duing standard STD testing and can be treated. Both partners must be treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea
More than 1 million cases of Gonorrhea are reported in the US each year. Gonorrhea can lead to sterility, arthritis and heart problems. In women it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and lead to ectopic pregnancy and stillbirth. It can also cause blindness in newborns. Common symptoms are a yellowish-green discharge in women, or a puss-like discharge in men. 80% of women and 10% of men with Gonorrhea show no symptoms. Gonorrhea is detected through cultures taken from the throat, cervix, urethra or rectum, and can be treated. Both partners must be treated with antibiotics.
Syphilis
If Untreated, Syphilis can lead to neurological damage, disfigurement or even death. Symptoms include visible sores and the disease is most contagious when sores are present, however it can be spread at any time during infection. Syphilis can lead to stillbirths and birth defects, including heart and brain damage, as well as blindness. Syphilis can be detected through blood tests and can be treated. Both partners must be treated with antibiotics.
Chancroid
Often mistaken for Herpes or other STD’s, you must have the discharge of the sores tested to verify that what it is, which means getting tested as soon as you see a sore. This STD is more common among men, and usually appears first as a small boil or ulcer which later develops into an open sore. Since Cahncroid is a bacterium it can be successfully treated with oral antibiotics. Condoms do help prevent the spread of Choncroid.
Pubic Lice
Often called “crabs”, millions of people are treated each year for pubic lice. Symptoms include intense itching in the genital or anal area, mild fever, weakness, feeling run-down. Pubic Lice can be spread not only by sexual contact but by infected bed sheets/ clothing/ furniture. Pubic Lice can be treated with any standard Lice Treatment such as Nix, or RID.
Resources:
Planned Parenthood.org
Center For Disease Control Office of Women’s Health
