STDs

STDs are infections that are passed from one person to another
during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Theyre really common, and
lots of people who have them dont have any symptoms. STDs
can be dangerous, but the good news is that getting tested is no
big deal, and most STDs are easy to treat.

Genital Warts (HPV)

It's not necessary to have sexual intercourse to get a sexually-transmitted disease (STD). The
human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes genital warts can be transmitted by close skin-to-
skin contact. Some types of HPVs cause cervical or anal cancer, and vaccines are available
to protect against the most dangerous types. Other HPV types cause genital warts, which can
be raised, flat, or cauliflower-shaped. HPV infection can occur in people who have no
symptoms or visible warts.

HPV Symptoms

Genital warts can be big or small, flat or raised. They generally appear as a small bump or group
of bumps in the genital region, and may be shaped like a cauliflower.

HPV Vaccine
 A vaccine to prevent HPV is given in three shots. The second shot is given a month or two after
the first shot. The third shot comes six months after the first shot.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends boys and girls be vaccinated at ages 11 or 12.

If they did not get the HPV vaccine as children, women can get the HPV vaccine through age
26. Men can get it through age 21. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for men through age 26 for
men who have sex with men or men with compromised immune systems, including HIV.

Pubic Lice (Crabs STD)

Pubic lice are colloquially known as "crabs." This name refers to the shape of these
parasites, which is different from that of body lice. Pubic lice live in pubic hair and are
spread among people during close contact. Pubic lice can be treated with over-the-counter
lice-killing medications.

Pubic Lice (Crabs) Symptoms

Severe itching

Visible crawling lice or eggs attached to pubic hair

Scabies
 Scabies is another disease caused by lice infestation. It is not necessarily an STD, since it
can affect any area of the skin. However, it is often spread during sexual contact.

Scabies Symptoms

Extreme itching that is worse at night.

The skin appears to have a pimple-like rash, as shown in this photo.

Both the itching and rash may be across the body or limited to the wrist, elbow, armpit, webbing
between fingers, nipple, penis, waist, belt-line or buttocks.

Tiny blisters (vesicles) and scales may appear.

Tiny burrows left by the tunneling of female scabies mites may be visible on the skin.

They appear as tiny raised and crooked grayish-white or skin-colored lines.

Prescription creams can cure a scabies infestation.

Gonorrhea (The Clap)

 Gonorrhea is an easily transmissible STD that affects both men and women. It can cause
infertility in men and women when untreated. There may be no early symptoms of the
infection.

Gonorrhea Symptoms

Burning during urination

Vaginal or urethral discharge

Pelvic pain in women

Men may experience swelling of the testes and discharge from the penis

In some cases, the symptoms are mild and the condition is mistaken for a urinary tract
infection or yeast infection.

Syphilis
 Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics, but many people don't notice the early symptoms. It
can lead to nerve damage, blindness, paralysis, and even death overtime if not treated.

Syphilis Symptoms

A round, firm, painless sore on the genitals or anal area (often the first sign)

A rash can develop later on the soles of the feet, palms, or other parts of the body

Enlarged lymph nodes

Fatigue

Hair loss

Late-stage syphilis can cause damage to many different organ systems

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a very common infection transmitted by sexual contact. It can cause infertility
if not treated. The symptoms may not be noticed, or they may be vague and nonspecific.
Some people have no symptoms at all.

Chlamydia Symptoms

Burning or itching of the genitals

Discharge

Painful urination
 Chlamydia infections can also develop in the rectum and throat.

Herpes Simplex 1 Virus (Oral Herpes)

Cold sores or "fever blisters" on the lips are a sign of herpes virus infection, usually caused
by the type of herpes virus known as human herpes virus 1, or HHV-1. HHV-1 is usually not
considered to be an STD; however, it can be spread through kissing or household contact. It
can also spread to the genitals. There is no cure for herpes infection, but medications can
reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.

Herpes Simplex 1 (Oral Herpes) Symptoms

Itching of the lips or skin around the mouth

Burning near the lips or mouth area

Tingling near the lips or mouth area

Sore throat

Swollen glands

Painful swallowing

A rash may form on your gums, lips, mouth or throat

Symptoms usually appear 1-3 weeks after first infection. When symptoms return, they are
typically milder.
 Herpes Simplex 2 Virus (Genital Herpes)

In contrast to HHV-1, most genital herpes infections are caused by a different virus known
as HHV-2. It is spread through direct contact and is considered to be an STD. More than 87
percent of those infected with genital herpes are unaware of their infection due to very mild
or nonexistent symptoms.

Herpes Simplex 2 (Genital Herpes) Symptoms

Painful, fluid-filled blisters and crusted sores on the genital area, buttocks, thighs, or anus.

Mild tingling or shooting pain in the legs, hips, or buttocks may occur hours to days before a
genital herpes outbreak.

After the first infection, less severe outbreaks are common in the first year. Outbreaks tend to
decrease over time, though the infection may stay in the body indefinitely.

The infection can spread to the lips through oral contact. As with HHV-1, medications can
reduce the severity of the condition, but there is no cure.

Hepatitis B
 Hepatitis B is a virus that spreads through contact with body fluids and blood, so it can be
transmitted through sexual intercourse. Hepatitis B infection is also possible through sharing
of needles, razors, and toothbrushes. Babies can become infected at birth from an infected
mother. It's possible to go for years without symptoms of the infection.

Hepatitis B Symptoms

Nausea

Abdominal pain

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

Over time, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and liver cancer can develop

Although there is no cure, there is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B infection.

 HIV/AIDS

The HIV virus (AIDS virus) weakens the body's immune system. It is spread through sexual
contact, needle sharing, or from an infected mother to baby. There may be no symptoms for
years, but a blood test can tell if you have been infected. With appropriate treatment, many
serious illnesses can be prevented.

HIV Symptoms

Flu-like symptoms 1 to 2 months after first infection, including like swollen lymph nodes, fever,
and headaches

Chills

Rash

Night sweats

Muscle Aches

Sore throat

Swollen lymph nodes

Mouth ulcers

AIDS Symptoms
 Rapid weight loss

Recurring fever or profuse night sweats

Extreme and unexplained tiredness

Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck

Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week

Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals

Pneumonia

Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids

Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders

HIV Testing

There are accurate tests to identify whether or not you have been infected with the HIV
virus. These can be done in the clinic or at home with the FDA-approved Home Access test
kit. The test can be performed anonymously, with only a number to identify you. However,
sometimes people may not test positive in the initial 6 months after infection. This time
period is referred to as the "window period" in which antibodies may not have developed
enough for a positive test. You can still transmit the virus to others during this time.

HIV/AIDS Treatment Options

While there is no cure for HIV, there are medications that can suppress the amount of virus
multiplying inside the body. People take a combination of antiviral drugs in hopes of
preventing the infection from advancing to AIDS. Additional treatments can help prevent or
fight off serious infections, if the immune system has weakened.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection (caused by Trichomonas vaginalis) that is spread

during sexual contact. It affects both men and women and can be cured with medications.
Most affected men have no specific symptoms.
 Trichomoniasis Symptoms

Men: minor discharge or burning with urination

Women: yellowish-green vaginal discharge with a prominent odor, itching of the vaginal area, or
painful sex or urination

Symptoms can develop anywhere from 5 to 28 days after contracting the infection.

Chancroid

Chancroid is an STD that is rarely seen in the U.S. It is more common in Africa and Asia. It
causes painful lumps in the genital area that can progress to open sores. Antibiotics can cure
the infection; chancroid is caused by bacterial infection with Haemophilus ducreyi.

Chancroid Symptoms

One or more sores or raised bumps on the genitals. A narrow, red border surrounds the sores.
The sores become filled with pus and eventually rupture into a painful open sore.

About half the time when untreated, the chancroid bacterial infection spreads to the groin's
lymph glands, causing the groin to enlarge and become hard and painful.
 Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a type of chlamydial infection, but it is caused by a

different type of chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) than the usual chlamydial STD. Like
other chlamydial infections, it can be cured by antibiotic treatment.

Early Lymphogranuloma venereum Symptoms (3-12 Days After Exposure)

Soft red, painless sores on or near the genitals or anus

Similar sores in the throat or mouth following oral sex

Later Lymphogranuloma venereum Symptoms (2-6 Weeks After Exposure)

Open sores in the genitals

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Headache

Anal sores and rectal discharge or bleeding if the infection was acquired through anal sex

Painful urination

Constipation

Rectal bleeding

Pain in lower back/abdomen

 Pus-filled or bloody diarrhea

Fever, chills, joint pain, decreased appetite and fatigue

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is not a specific STD. Rather, it is a complication that can
develop following multiple different STDs, particularly gonorrhea and chlamydia. In PID,
bacteria spread to the uterus and female reproductive tract. Infertility may result if the
condition is not treated right away.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Symptoms

Fever

Pelvic or low abdominal pain

Painful urination

Discharge

Painful intercourse

Light bleeding