Lesson 10: Sexually Transmitted Disease

Types of STDs

Many different types of infections can be transmitted sexually. The most common STDs
are described below.

Chlamydia

A certain type of bacteria causes chlamydia. It’s the most commonly reported STD
among Americans, note the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Trusted Source.

Many people with chlamydia have no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do

develop, they often include:

ü  pain or discomfort during sex or urination

ü  green or yellow discharge from the penis or vagina

ü  pain in the lower abdomen

ü  If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to:

ü  infections of the urethra, prostate gland, or testicles

ü  pelvic inflammatory disease

ü  infertility

If a pregnant woman has untreated chlamydia, she can pass it to her baby during birth.
The baby may develop:

 Pneumonia

Eye infections and  Blindness

Antibiotics can easily treat chlamydia. Read more about chlamydia, including how to
prevent, recognize, and treat it.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can be passed from one person to another
through intimate skin-to-skin or sexual contact. There are many different strains of the
virus. Some are more dangerous than others.

The most common symptom of HPV is warts on the genitals, mouth, or throat.

Some strains of HPV infection can lead to cancer, including:

·       Oral cancer

·       Cervical cancer

·       Vulvar cancer

·       Penile cancer

·       Rectal cancer

While most cases of HPV don’t become cancerous, some strains of the virus are more
likely to cause cancer than others. According to the National Cancer InstituteTrusted
Source, most cases of HPV-related cancer in the United States are caused by HPV 16
and HPV 18. These two strains of HPV account for 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases.

There’s no treatment for HPV. However, HPV infections often clear up on their own.
There’s also a vaccine available to protect against some of the most dangerous strains,
including HPV 16 and HPV 18.

If you contract HPV, proper testing and screenings can help your doctor assess and
manage your risk of complications. Discover the steps you can take to protect
yourself against HPV and its potential complications.

Syphilis

Syphilis is another bacterial infection. It often goes unnoticed in its early stages.

The first symptom to appear is a small round sore, known as a chancre. It can develop
on your genitals, anus, or mouth. It’s painless but very infectious.

Later symptoms of syphilis can include:

·       rash

·       fatigue

·       fever

·       headaches

·       joint pain

·       weight loss

·       hair loss

·       If left untreated, late-stage syphilis can lead to:

·       loss of vision

·       loss of hearing
·       loss of memory

·       mental illness

·       infections of the brain or spinal cord

·       heart disease

·       death

Fortunately, if caught early enough, syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics. However,
syphilis infection in a newborn can be fatal. That’s why it’s important for all pregnant
women to be screened for syphilis.

The earlier syphilis is diagnosed and treated, the less damage it does. Find the
information you need to recognize syphilis and stop it in its tracks.

HIV

HIV can damage the immune system and raise the risk of contracting other viruses or
bacteria and certain cancers. If left untreated, it can lead to stage 3 HIV, known as AIDS.
But with today’s treatment, many people living with HIV don’t ever develop AIDS.

In the early or acute stages, it’s easy to mistake the symptoms of HIV with those of the
flu. For example, the early symptoms can include:

·       fever

·       chills

·       aches and pains

·       swollen lymph nodes

·       sore throat

·       headache

·       nausea

·       rashes

These initial symptoms typically clear within a month or so. From that point onward, a
person can carry HIV without developing serious or persistent symptoms for many
years. Other people may develop nonspecific symptoms, such as:

Recurrent fatigue

Fevers, headaches, stomach issues

There’s no cure for HIV yet, but treatment options are available to manage it. Early and
effective treatment can help people with HIV live as long as those without HIV.
Proper treatment can also lower your chances of transmitting HIV to a sexual partner.
In fact, treatment can potentially lower the amount of HIV in your body to undetectable
levels. At undetectable levels, HIV can’t be transmitted to other people, reports
the CDCTrusted Source.

Without routine testing, many people with HIV don’t realize they have it. To promote
early diagnosis and treatment, the CDCTrusted Source recommends that everyone
between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested at least once. People at high risk of HIV should
be tested at least once a year, even if they don’t have symptoms.

Free and confidential testing can be found in all major cities and many public health
clinics. A government tool for finding local testing services is available here.

With recent advancements in testing and treatment, it’s possible to live a long and
healthy life with HIV. Get the facts you need to protect yourself or your partner
from HIV.

 Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another common bacterial STD. It’s also known as “the clap. Many people
with gonorrhea develop no symptoms. But when present, symptoms may include:

ü  a white, yellow, beige, or green-colored discharge from the penis or vagina

ü  pain or discomfort during sex or urination

ü  more frequent urination than usual

ü  itching around the genitals

ü  sore throat

ü  If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to:

ü  infections of the urethra, prostate gland, or testicles

ü  pelvic inflammatory disease

ü  infertility

It’s possible for a mother to pass gonorrhea onto a newborn during childbirth. When
that happens, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems in the baby. That’s why
many doctors encourage pregnant women to get tested and treated for potential STDs.

Gonorrhea can usually be treated with antibiotics. Learn more about the symptoms,
treatment options, and long-term outlook for people with gonorrhea.

Pubic lice (‘crabs’)

“Crabs” is another name for pubic lice. They’re tiny insects that can take up residence on
your pubic hair. Like head lice and body lice, they feed on human blood.
Common symptoms of pubic lice include:

¡ itching around the genitals or anus

¡ small pink or red bumps around the genitals or anus

¡ low-grade fever

¡ lack of energy

¡ irritability

You might also be able to see the lice or their tiny white eggs around the roots of pubic
hair. A magnifying glass can help you spot them.

If left untreated, pubic lice can spread to other people through skin-to-skin contact or
shared clothing, bedding, or towels. Scratched bites can also become infected. It’s best
to treat pubic lice infestations immediately.

If you have pubic lice, you can use over-the-counter topical treatments and tweezers to
remove them from your body. It’s also important to clean your clothes, bedding, towels,
and home. Here’s more on how to get rid of pubic lice and prevent reinfection.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is also known as “trich.” It’s caused by a tiny protozoan organism that
can be passed from one person to another through genital contact.

According to the CDC Trusted Source, less than one-third of people with trich develop
symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they may include:

discharge from the vagina or penis

burning or itching around the vagina or penis

pain or discomfort during urination or sex

Frequent urination

In women, trich-related discharge often has an unpleasant or “fishy” smell.

If left untreated, trich can lead to:

infections of the urethra

pelvic inflammatory disease

 Infertility

Trich can be treated with antibiotics. Learn how to recognize trich early to get
treatment sooner.
Herpes

Herpes is the shortened name for the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main
strains of the virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both can be transmitted sexually. It’s a very
common STD. The CDC estimates more than 1 out of 6Trusted Source people ages 14
to 49 have herpes in the United States.

HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes, which is responsible for cold sores. However, HSV-1
can also be passed from one person’s mouth to another person’s genitals during oral
sex. When this happens, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes.

HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes.

The most common symptom of herpes is blistery sores. In the case of genital herpes,
these sores develop on or around the genitals. In oral herpes, they develop on or
around the mouth.

Herpes sores generally crust over and heal within a few weeks. The first outbreak is
usually the most painful. Outbreaks typically become less painful and frequent over
time.

If a pregnant woman has herpes, she can potentially pass it to her fetus in the womb or
to her newborn infant during childbirth. This so-called congenital herpes can be very
dangerous to newborns. That’s why it’s beneficial for pregnant women to become aware
of their HSV status.

There’s no cure for herpes yet. But medications are available to help control outbreaks
and alleviate the pain of herpes sores. The same medications can also lower your
chances of passing herpes to your sexual partner.

Effective treatment and safe sexual practices can help you lead a comfortable life with
herpes and protect others from the virus. Get the information you need to prevent,
recognize, and manage herpes.

Other, less common STDs include:

·       chancroid

·       lymphogranuloma venereum

·       granuloma inguinale

·       molluscum contagiosum

·       scabies

STDs from oral sex

Vaginal and anal sex isn’t the only way STDs are transmitted. It’s also possible to
contract or transmit an STD through oral sex. In other words, STDs can be passed from
one person’s genitals to another person’s mouth or throat and vice versa.
Oral STDs aren’t always noticeable. When they do cause symptoms, they often include a
sore throat or sores around the mouth or throat. Learn more about the potential
symptoms and treatment options for oral STDs.

Curable STDs

Many STDs are curable. For example, the following STDs can be cured with antibiotics or
other treatments:

¡ chlamydia

¡ syphilis

¡ gonorrhea

¡ crabs

¡ trichomoniasis

¡ Others can’t be cured. For example, the following STDs are currently incurable:

¡ HPV

¡ HIV

¡ herpes

Even if an STD can’t be cured, however, it can still be managed. It’s still important to get
an early diagnosis. Treatment options are often available to help alleviate symptoms and
lower your chances of transmitting the STD to someone else. Take a moment to learn
more about curable and incurable STDs.

STDs and pregnancy

It’s possible for pregnant women to transmit STDs to the fetus during pregnancy or
newborn during childbirth. In newborns, STDs can cause complications. In some cases,
they can be life-threatening.

To help prevent STDs in newborns, doctors often encourage pregnant women to be

tested and treated for potential STDs. Your doctor might recommend STD testing even
if you don’t have symptoms.

If you test positive for one or more STDs while pregnant, your doctor might prescribe
antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other treatments. In some cases, they might
encourage you to give birth via a cesarean delivery to lower the risk of transmission
during childbirth.

Diagnosis of STDs
In most cases, doctors can’t diagnose STDs based on symptoms alone. If your doctor or
other healthcare provider suspects you might have an STD, they’ll likely recommend
tests to check.

Depending on your sexual history, your healthcare provider might recommend STD
testing even if you don’t have symptoms. This is because STDs don’t cause noticeable
symptoms in many cases. But even symptom-free STDs can cause damage or be passed
to other people.

Healthcare providers can diagnose most STDs using a urine or blood test. They may also
take a swab of your genitals. If you’ve developed any sores, they may take swabs of
those, too.

You can get tested for STDs at your doctor’s office or a sexual health clinic.

Home testing kits are also available for some STDs, but they may not always be
reliable. Use them with caution. Check to see if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has approved the testing kit before buying it.

It’s important to know that a Pap smear isn’t an STD test. A Pap smear checks for the
presence of precancerous cells on the cervix. While it may also be combined with an
HPV test, a negative Pap smear doesn’t mean you don’t have any STDs.

If you’ve had any type of sex, it’s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider about STD
testing. Some people may benefit from more frequent testing than others. Find out if
you should be tested for STDs and what the tests involve.

Treatment of STDs

The recommended treatment for STDs varies, depending on what STD you have. It’s very
important that you and your sexual partner be successfully treated for STDs before
resuming sexual activity. Otherwise, you can pass an infection back and forth between
you.

Bacterial STDs

Usually, antibiotics can easily treat bacterial infections.

It’s important to take all your antibiotics as prescribed. Continue taking them even if you
feel better before you finish taking all of them. Let your doctor know if your symptoms
don’t go away or return after you’ve taken all of your prescribed medication.

Viral STDs

Antibiotics can’t treat viral STDs. While most viral infections have no cure, some can
clear on their own. And in many cases, treatment options are available to relieve
symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
For example, medications are available to reduce the frequency and severity of herpes
outbreaks. Likewise, treatment can help stop the progression of HIV. Furthermore,
antiviral drugs can lower your risk of transmitting HIV to someone else.

Other STDs

Some STDs are caused by neither viruses nor bacteria. Instead, they’re caused by other
small organisms. Examples include:

¡ pubic lice

¡ trichomoniasis

¡ scabies

These STDs are usually treatable with oral or topical medications. Ask your doctor or
other healthcare provider for more information about your condition and treatment
options.

STD prevention

Avoiding sexual contact is the only foolproof way to avoid STDs. But if you do have
vaginal, anal, or oral sex, there are ways to make it safer.

When used properly, condoms provide effective protection against many STDs. For

optimal protection, it’s important to use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral
sex. Dental dams can also provide protection during oral sex.

Condoms are generally effective at preventing STDs that spread through fluids, such as
semen or blood. But they can’t fully protect against STDs that spread from skin to skin. If
your condom doesn’t cover the infected area of skin, you can still contract an STD or
pass it to your partner.

Condoms can help protect against not only STDs, but also unwanted pregnancy.

In contrast, many other types of birth control lower the risk of unwanted pregnancy but
not STDs. For example, the following forms of birth control don’t protect against STDs:

¡ birth control pills

¡ birth control shot

¡ birth control implants

¡ intrauterine devices (IUDs)

 
Regular STD screening is a good idea for anyone who’s sexually active. It’s particularly
important for those with a new partner or multiple partners. Early diagnosis and
treatment can help stop the spread of infections.

Before having sex with a new partner, it’s important to discuss your sexual history. Both
of you should also be screened for STDs by a healthcare professional. Since STDs often
have no symptoms, testing is the only way to know for sure if you have one.

When discussing STD test results, it’s important to ask your partner what they’ve been
tested for. Many people assume their doctors have screened them for STDs as part of
their regular care, but that’s not always true. You need to ask your doctor for specific
STD tests to ensure you take them.

If your partner tests positive for an STD, it’s important for them to follow their
healthcare provider’s recommended treatment plan. You can also ask your doctor about
strategies to protect yourself from contracting the STD from your partner. For example,
if your partner has HIV, your doctor will likely encourage you to take pre-exposure
prophylaxis (PrEP).

If you’re eligible, you and your partner should also consider getting vaccinated for HPV
and hepatitis B.

By following these strategies and others, you can lower your chances of getting STDs
and passing them to others. Learn more about the importance of safe sex and STD
prevention.

Don’t see what you need? Read our LGBTQIA safe sex guide.

Living with STDs

If you test positive for an STD, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible.

If you have one STD, it can often increase your chances of contracting another. Some
STDs can also lead to severe consequences if left untreated. In rare cases, untreated
STDs may even be fatal.

Fortunately, most STDs are highly treatable. In some cases, they can be cured entirely. In
other cases, early and effective treatment can help relieve symptoms, lower your risk of
complications, and protect sexual partners.

In addition to taking prescribed medications for STDs, your doctor may advise you to
adjust your sexual habits to help protect yourself and others. For example, they’ll likely
advise you to avoid sex altogether until your infection has been effectively treated.
When you resume sex, they’ll probably encourage you to use condoms, dental dams, or
other forms of protection.

Methods of Contraception
(Natural and artificial)]

Contraception aims to prevent pregnancy.

A woman can get pregnant if a man's sperm reaches one of her eggs (ova).

Contraception tries to stop this happening by:

¡ keeping the egg and sperm apart

¡ stopping egg production

¡ stopping the combined sperm and egg (fertilised egg) attaching to the lining of the
womb

¡ Contraception is free for most people in the UK. Condoms can also be bought in
pharmacies and supermarkets.

With 15 methods to choose from, you can find one that suits you best

Barrier methods, such as condoms, are a form of contraception that help to protect

against both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.

You should use condoms to protect both your sexual health and that of your partner, no
matter what other contraception you're using to prevent pregnancy.

With 15 methods to choose from, you can find one that suits you best

Barrier methods, such as condoms, are a form of contraception that help to protect

against both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.

You should use condoms to protect both your sexual health and that of your partner, no
matter what other contraception you're using to prevent pregnancy.
Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUD)—The LNG IUD is a small T-shaped
device like the Copper T IUD. It is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. It releases a small
amount of progestin each day to keep you from getting pregnant. The LNG IUD stays in
your uterus for up to 3 to 6 years, depending on the device. Typical use failure rate: 0.1-
0.4%.

Copper T intrauterine device (IUD)—This IUD is a small device that is shaped in the
form of a “T.” Your doctor places it inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It can stay in
your uterus for up to 10 years. Typical use failure rate: 0.8%.

 Implant—The implant is a single, thin rod that is inserted under the skin of a women’s
upper arm. The rod contains a progestin that is released into the body over 3 years.
Typical use failure rate: 0.1%.

Injection or “shot”—Women get shots of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or

arm every three months from their doctor. Typical use failure rate: 4%.
Combined oral contraceptives—Also called “the pill,” combined oral contraceptives
contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. It is prescribed by a doctor. A pill is taken
at the same time each day. If you are older than 35 years and smoke, have a history of
blood clots or breast cancer, your doctor may advise you not to take the pill. Typical use
failure rate: 7%.

Progestin only pill—Unlike the combined pill, the progestin-only pill (sometimes called
the mini-pill) only has one hormone, progestin, instead of both estrogen and progestin.
It is prescribed by a doctor. It is taken at the same time each day. It may be a good
option for women who can’t take estrogen. Typical use failure rate: 7%.
Patch—This skin patch is worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body (but not
on the breasts). This method is prescribed by a doctor. It releases hormones progestin
and estrogen into the bloodstream. You put on a new patch once a week for three
weeks. During the fourth week, you do not wear a patch, so you can have a menstrual
period. Typical use failure rate: 7%.

Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring—The ring releases the hormones progestin and
estrogen. You place the ring inside your vagina. You wear the ring for three weeks, take
it out for the week you have your period, and then put in a new ring. Typical use failure
rate: 7%.

Diaphragm or cervical cap—Each of these barrier methods are placed inside the
vagina to cover the cervix to block sperm. The diaphragm is shaped like a shallow cup.
The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped cup. Before sexual intercourse, you insert them with
spermicide to block or kill sperm. Visit your doctor for a proper fitting because
diaphragms and cervical caps come in different sizes. Typical use failure rate for the
diaphragm: 17%.1

Sponge—The contraceptive sponge contains spermicide and is placed in the vagina

where it fits over the cervix. The sponge works for up to 24 hours, and must be left in
the vagina for at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse, at which time it is
removed and discarded. Typical use failure rate: 14% for women who have never had a
baby and 27% for women who have had a baby.

Male condom—Worn by the man, a male condom keeps sperm from getting into a
woman’s body. Latex condoms, the most common type, help prevent pregnancy, and
HIV and other STDs, as do the newer synthetic condoms. “Natural” or “lambskin”
condoms also help prevent pregnancy, but may not provide protection against STDs,
including HIV. Typical use failure rate: 13%.1 Condoms can only be used once. You can
buy condoms, KY jelly, or water-based lubricants at a drug store. Do not use oil-based
lubricants such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly with latex condoms.
They will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.
Female condom—Worn by the woman, the female condom helps keeps sperm from
getting into her body. It is packaged with a lubricant and is available at drug stores. It
can be inserted up to eight hours before sexual intercourse. Typical use failure rate:
21%,1 and also may help prevent STDs.

Spermicides—These products work by killing sperm and come in several forms—foam,

gel, cream, film, suppository, or tablet. They are placed in the vagina no more than one
hour before intercourse. You leave them in place at least six to eight hours after
intercourse. You can use a spermicide in addition to a male condom, diaphragm, or
cervical cap. They can be purchased at drug stores. Typical use failure rate: 21%.
 
 Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

Fertility awareness-based methods—Understanding your monthly fertility

patternexternal iconexternal icon can help you plan to get pregnant or avoid getting
pregnant. Your fertility pattern is the number of days in the month when you are fertile
(able to get pregnant), days when you are infertile, and days when fertility is unlikely,
but possible. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, you have about nine or more fertile
days each month. If you do not want to get pregnant, you do not have sex on the days
you are fertile, or you use a barrier method of birth control on those days. Failure rates
vary across these methods.1-2 Range of typical use failure rates: 2-23%.

For women who have recently had a baby and are breastfeeding, the Lactational
Amenorrhea Method (LAM) can be used as birth control when three conditions are met:
1) amenorrhea (not having any menstrual periods after delivering a baby), 2) fully or
nearly fully breastfeeding, and 3) less than 6 months after delivering a baby. LAM is a
temporary method of birth control, and another birth control method must be used
when any of the three conditions are not met.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is NOT a regular method of birth control. Emergency

contraception can be used after no birth control was used during sex, or if the birth
control method failed, such as if a condom broke.

Copper IUD—Women can have the copper T IUD inserted within five days of
unprotected sex.
 Emergency contraceptive pills—Women can take emergency contraceptive pills up to
5 days after unprotected sex, but the sooner the pills are taken, the better they will work.
There are three different types of emergency contraceptive pills available in the United
States. Some emergency contraceptive pills are available over the counter.

Female Sterilization—Tubal ligation or “tying tubes”— A woman can have her

fallopian tubes tied (or closed) so that sperm and eggs cannot meet for fertilization. The
procedure can be done in a hospital or in an outpatient surgical center. You can go
home the same day of the surgery and resume your normal activities within a few days.
This method is effective immediately. Typical use failure rate: 0.5%.

Male Sterilization–Vasectomy—This operation is done to keep a man’s sperm from

going to his penis, so his ejaculate never has any sperm in it that can fertilize an egg.
The procedure is typically done at an outpatient surgical center. The man can go home
the same day. Recovery time is less than one week. After the operation, a man visits his
doctor for tests to count his sperm and to make sure the sperm count has dropped to
zero; this takes about 12 weeks. Another form of birth control should be used until the
man’s sperm count has dropped to zero. Typical use failure rate: 0.15%.