STDs

The following information was taken from the American Social Health Association

  • AIDS and HIV – Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, is a virus that attacks the immune system resulting in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS.
  • Chancroid – A treatable bacterial infection that causes painful sores.
  • Chlamydia – A treatable bacterial infection that can scar the fallopian tubes affecting a woman’s ability to have children.
  • Crabs – Also known as pediculosis pubis, crabs are parasites or bugs that live on the pubic hair in the genital area.
  • Gonorrhea – A treatable bacterial infection of the penis, vagina or anus that causes pain, or burning feeling as well as a pus-like discharge. Also known as “the clap”.
  • Hepatitis – A disease that affects the liver. There are more than four types. A and B are the most common.
  • Herpes – Genital herpes is a recurrent skin condition that can cause skin irritations in the genital region (anus, vagina, penis).
  • Human Papillomavirus / Genital Warts – Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that affects the skin in the genital area, as well as a female’s cervix. Depending on the type of HPV involved, symptoms can be in the form of wart-like growths, or abnormal cell changes.
  • Molluscum Contagiosum – Molluscum Contagiosum is a skin disease that is caused by a virus, usually causing lesions or bumps.
  • Nongonococcal Urethritis (NGU) – Nongonococcal urethritis (or NGU) is a treatable bacterial infection of the urethra (the tube within the penis) often times associated with chlamydia.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – An infection of the female reproductive organs by chlamydia, gonorrhea or other bacteria. Also known as PID.
  • Scabies – Scabies is a treatable skin disease that is caused by a parasite.
  • Syphilis – A treatable bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body and affect the heart, brain, nerves. Also known as “syph”.
  • Vaginitis – Caused by different germs including yeast and trichomoniasis, vaginitis is an infection of the vagina resulting in itching, burning, vaginal discharge and an odd odor.

Statistics:
It is difficult to obtain accurate STD statistics. Many STDs do not have any signs or symptoms, thus go undiagnosed.

  • The estimated number of people living in the United States with an incurable STD is over 65 million. Every year, there are approximately 15 million new cases of STDs, a few of which are curable.
  • Two-thirds of all STDs occur in people 25 years of age or younger.
  • Cervical cancer in women is linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
  • It is estimated that one in four Americans have genital herpes, yet at least 80% of those with herpes are unaware they have it. Herpes is the most common STD in the United States.
  • At least half of adults 18-44 years of age have never been tested for an STD other than HIV / AIDS.
  • At least 15 percent of infertile women are infertile as a result of fallopian tube damage from an STD.

Prevention:
Though the absolute most certain method of prevention of STDs is through abstinence (not having intercourse), the use of condoms may help to eliminate the spread of STDs.

For condoms to be most effective, they must be properly used.

Condoms – Do’s and Don’ts

DOs:

  • DO use only latex or polyurethane (plastic) condoms.
  • DO keep condoms in a cool, dry place.
  • DO put the condom on an erect penis before there is any contact with a partner’s genitals.
  • DO use plenty of water-based lubricant (like KY Jelly® or Astroglide®) with latex condoms. This reduces friction and helps prevent the condom from tearing.
  • DO squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom when rolling it over the erect penis. This allows room for the semen.
  • DO hold the condom in place at the base of the penis before withdrawing after sex.
  • DO throw the condom away after it has been used.

DON’Ts:

  • DON’T use out of date condoms. Check the expiration date carefully. Old condoms can be dry, brittle or weakened and can break more easily.
  • DON’T unroll the condom before putting it on the erect penis.
  • DON’T leave condoms in hot places – like your wallet or in your car.
  • DON’T use oil-based products, like baby or cooking oils, hand lotion or petroleum jelly (like Vaseline®) as lubricants with latex condoms. The oil quickly weakens latex and can cause condoms to break.
  • DON’T use your fingernails or teeth when opening a condom wrapper. It’s very easy to tear the condom inside.
  • DON’T reuse a condom. Always use a new condom for each kind of sex you have.