STD's

What Are STD's?

STD's, which are also known as sexually transmitted diseases or veneral diseases, are a variety of infections which are transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. An STD can be transferred when a person who is infected comes into sexual contact with someone who is not. It is not necessary to have penetrative sexual intercourse in order for these transmissions to occur. AIDS, for example, can be transmitted through the blood such as through sharing intravenous needles or through blood transfusions, as well as through oral and anal sex.

Types of STD's

About 40 years ago, the general public believed that STD's were limited to gonorrhea, syphilis, lymphogranuloma venereum, and chancroid. Today, we know that these four conditions comprise only a small percentage of the numerous sexually transmitted infections and diseases. The conditions which are most commonly treated at STD clinics are trichomoniasis, pubic lice, chlamydial infections, genital warts, AIDS, and HIV. There are also some other diseases and infections that, although they are transmitted through sexual intercourse, ironically are not classified as STD's. These conditions include molluscum contagiosum, candidiasis, scabies, and viral hepatitis.

Who Can Become Infected?

Although STD's can be contracted by anyone, those who have multiple sexual partners or who use injectable illegal drugs are most at risk. The risk of contracting an STD is greatly diminished with the use of a condom during any form of sexual contact. Studies on the transmission of various STD's have shown that those who contract one STD are more than twice as likely to have also contracted AIDS, HIV, or other related disorders.

How to Treat an STD Infection

If you think that you have been infected with an STD, you should seek medical advice immediately. Some sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea for example, can be cured with medication. However, if treatment for these conditions is delayed, serious consequences may result. In addition, you must keep in mind that you could potentially transmit this disease to someone else, so it is advised that you abstain from any form of sexual contact. Treatment can be obtained through your primary care physician or from clinics who specialize in the treatment of these conditions. Some STDs, unfortunately, can never be cured. It is best to practice safe sex with every sexual parter to minimize these risks.

How to Identify an Infected Person

The majority of these diseases cannot survive outside of moist, warm environments found in the body. Although some STD's produce visible symptoms, their underlying infections are usually internal. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to positively identify who is infected with an STD and who is not. Physicians advise that couples refrain from unprotected sexual intercourse until both individuals have been tested for the presence of STD's and both people know each other's sexual history.

Resources:

• Information about STD's

• Acyclovir
• Genital Herpes Prevention
• Genital Herpes
• Genital Herpes Treatments
• Herpes of the Eye
• Herpes Simplex
• Herpes Symptoms
• Herpes
• STD's in General
• Zovirax