What Are STDs? Several of the most common STDs are often asymptomatic. Asymptomatic Individuals show no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild and disappear after the onset of the infection
Common STDs There are approximately 25 different STDs, six of which are considered the most common: Genital HPV infections, chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis
Genital HPV Infections Genital HPV infections are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and can cause genital warts. **Most common STI** There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of males and females. These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat.
Signs and Symptoms of HPV Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area. They can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, or RRP is a condition in which warts grow in the throat. These growths can sometimes block the airway, causing a hoarse voice or troubled breathing.
Treatment Some HPV infections can cause cervical cancer. A vaccine treatment is now available for protection against HPV.
Chlamydia Bacterial Infection ****Most common STD among teens**** If left untreated, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females Infertility in males.
Chlamydia Signs & Symptoms Men and Women: abnormal vaginal/penial discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. Chlamydia is known as a "silent" disease because the majority of infected people have no symptoms. Pregnant Females can deliver babies with eye diseases or pneumonia.
Genital Herpes Genital herpes is an incurable STD caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex 1 usually causes cold sores in or near the mouth. Herpes simplex 2 typically causes recurring blisters on the genitals or rectum.
Genital Herpes You can get genital herpes even if your partner shows no signs of the infection. There is no cure for herpes, but treatment is available to reduce symptoms and decrease the risk of transmission to a partner.
Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD that usually affects mucous membranes. Can affect the anus, eyes, mouth, genitals, or throat. Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause severe health problems, such as infertility and permanent damage to the body s joints.
Signs & Symptoms- Gonorrhea Symptoms and signs include a burning sensation when urinating, or a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Sometimes men with gonorrhea get painful or swollen testicles.
Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis is an infection that can cause symptoms that include irritation of and discharge from the genitals. Females with trichomoniasis are also more likely to contract HIV if they are exposed to it. Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD in young, sexually active women
Syphilis People infected with syphilis develop sores on the genitals. It has often been called "the great imitator" because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases.
Syphillis Progresses through three stages. If treated in the first stage, no major damage can happen. If left untreated it causes a skin rash, damage to internal organs, brain dementia, and death.
The STD Epidemic The CDC estimates that each year, 19 million people are infected with an STD. Almost half are under the age of 24. All STDs are preventable and most can be treated, but some are incurable.
Getting Checked Use protection and make sure you get tested. This is important because people can have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) without knowing it. You must ask your health care provider to give you an STD test. Abstinence is the only sure method of preventing STDs.
Pap Test A gynecologist checks for changes in the cells a female s cervix. The Pap test can tell if you have an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer. You need a Pap test if you are 18 years or older even if you are not sexually active.
Prevention Through Abstinence Some STDs are bacterial infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, that can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Antibiotics A class of chemical agents that destroy disease-causing microorganisms while leaving the patient unharmed
HPV Vaccine This HPV vaccine protects against four types of HPV infections. HPV vaccine A vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer, pre-cancerous genital lesions (or sores), and genital warts caused by genital HPV infection