The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are Herpes, HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis
Sexually transmitted diseases are quite common among women and men alike.
Some of the more common diseases include Herpes, HPV, Chlamydia, Syphilis and
Gonorrhea. In fact, one of the more common
reasons women seek out medical care is because they have an STD.
More than 12 million new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diagnosed each year. The most common
diagnosed are mentioned above.
Who is at Risk for Acquiring a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
Those at highest risk include women that have unprotected intercourse, in
particular those with multiple partners.
The number one way you can avoid or prevent STDs is to avoid having sexual
intercourse with a partner that has an STD. How do you do this? Have your
partner tested for STDs prior to intercourse, and use a condom each and every
time you have intercourse.
Many people don't realize how simple it is to prevent STDs from spreading,
while still others simply ignore the risks associated with STDs. Another
problem is people are uncomfortable broaching the subject with their partner.
If you are comfortable enough however to engage in an intimate act such as
intercourse, you should be willing to talk with your partner about testing.
What, I have a Sexually Transmitted Disease? Most people are shocked when they are first told they have an STD. The good news
is you do not despair. Know that at the very minimum, you are in the company of
about 12 million other women.
Many STDs are curable, and those that aren't are treatable.
If you suspect that you may have an STD, the single most important thing you can
do for yourself is visit your healthcare provider for prompt treatment. This
will prevent in many cases further spread of the infection and in some cases
even preserve your fertility.
The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Herpes
Herpes is a very common STD. If you think you have been infected it is vital
that you seek out care from your health provider immediately. More than 22% of
the population has been infected with herpes.
Herpes is acquired through direct contact between two partners. Symptoms may
include sores around the vagina, redness, irritation and itching. The first
infection is typically the worst, with repeated occurrences common though less
frequent over the course of an affected person's lifetime.
Other symptoms common during a first time infection include:
Fever
Headache
Weakness or general malaise
Muscle aches
Burning
Tender lymph nodes
An antiviral drug is now available that helps slow the
growth and spread of herpes virus, as well as lessens the symptoms. If you have
frequent outbreaks, this antiviral therapy may help reduce the frequency of
reoccurrences.
HPV
This is just as common if not more common than herpes. There are actually more
than 90 different subtypes of this virus, responsible for genital warts. Two
forms of the virus in particular are most commonly the cause of cervical cancer.
Genital warts may produce no symptoms at all, but some common symptoms include
itching, burning, bleeding or pain in the genital area. You may also notice
bumps or growths in this area.
Though they sound bad, they can be removed with several different treatments.
Chlamydia
This is actually the most common STD in women, particularly young women in the
United States. More than 50 percent of women diagnosed with Chlamydia will have
no symptoms.
Complaints generally include the following:
Vaginal discharge
Abdominal pain
Burning
Increasing need to urinate
Untreated, Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory
disease, which is associated with a high rate of infertility. Most women younger
than 25 that are sexually active are routinely screened for this infection since
it is so common. Treatment is available, and recommended for women and their
partners if a positive infection is found.
Gonorrhea
This disease is found in women 19 and younger most often. It is a serious STD
that can result in scarring of the fallopian tubes, chronic abdominal pain and
neonatal ophthalmia in infants born to women with the infection.
Most women with symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease, such as Gonorrhea will be diagnosed as having pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
include:
Fever
Abdominal pain
Vaginal bleeding
Painful intercourse
Your physician will perform a pelvic exam in order to
diagnose gonorrhea. They may notice that the cervix is tender and is producing
large quantities of discharge.
Treatment is typically easy, requiring a shot in the muscle with medication.
Complicated cases however may require hospitalization, thus it is important you
see your provider early to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
40% of women diagnosed with gonorrhea will also have a Chlamydia infection that
needs to be treated.
Syphilis
This is the one disease that the United States requires your doctor to report if
you test positive. Syphilis is caused by bacterium called Treponema Pallidum.
Generally this disease is declining in women.
Syphilis is categorized by two distinct phases.
Early syphilis - defined as the first year after
getting the infection if no treatment is offered. This form of syphilis
progresses through three stages including primary, secondary and latent
syphilis.
Late or Tertiary Syphilis - this form occurs after
the latent phase, and attacks the central nervous system, cardiovascular
system and skin. It is difficult to treat.
If you contract the disease, you will develop a
painless sore on the genitals, called the classic “chancre” of primary syphilis.
Typically this sore will disappear within 3-6 weeks. When treatment is not
sought out, systemic infection occurs meaning the infection spreads throughout
the entire body.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, malaise and sore throat. Since the
symptoms are flu-like, they are often missed. A blood test is required to
confirm syphilis. The treatment approach will depend on the length of time you
have been infected. You are usually treated with a long acting Penicillin
injection. Multiple injections are indicated for syphilis with a history
of greater than one year.
Safe sex practices are vital to prevent all sexually transmitted diseases. If
you are diagnosed with any STD it is important that you trace and inform any
previous sexual contacts in order to help prevent further spread of the disease.
Simply knowing how to prevent the spread of the disease and opening the lines of
communication with your partner will take you a long way down the road toward
prevention!
