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Over
12 Million cases of Sexually Transmitted Diseases are
reported in the US each year.
With
that said, it is very important to do everything you can
to prevent the spread of diseases. The problem is that
often people have them and don't know it, or they think
they have gotten rid of it when they haven't. There are
several STD's that you can have and spread without ever
knowing. Let's talk about some of the most common.
Non-Curable
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
HIV
- AIDS
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. I started with this
one because it is one of the ones we think of most. However,
it is important to remember that there are many other
STD's that we are more likely to get, and while they may
not kill us, they can be very dangerous. Also, the presence
of other Sexually Transmitted Diseases can increase the
risk of acquiring AIDS. Also, keep in mind that AIDS can
be dormant for up to 6 months after the initial infection.
So someone could test negative while they actually have
the disease. There is no cure for AIDS and it is fatal.
Herpes
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) comes in two forms; genital
& oral. There is speculation that there is really
only one type. It is estimated that about 30 million people
in the US have HSV. As common as Herpes is, it is not
tested for during standard STD testing. The only way to
verify that you have genital herpes is after you already
have a sore. You have to have the fluid in the blister
tested. There is a blood test for Herpes but it only tells
you if you have recently been exposed to a form of HSV.
So if you have had a cold sore you would test positive.
Keep in mind that a cold sore is oral herpes, and it is
possible to transfer oral herpes to the genital area and
vice-versa. There is no cure for Herpes, there is only
medication to help ease the symptoms. It is possible to
spread the disease even when you show no symptoms, and
often people who have the Herpes don't show any symptoms.
More
info @ Herpes.org
Human
Papillomavirus (HPV)
There are over 50 types of HPV, and HPV has been linked
to cervical cancer among women. Over 40 Million people
are now infected with HPV. While HPV is most often associated
with Genital Warts, most people who are infected with
the virus show no symptoms. HPV is not tested for during
standard STD testing. HPV is detected through microscopic
examination of the infected tissue. There is no cure for
HPV. You can have the warts removed, but they can and
probably will return.
Cytomegalovirus
(CMV)
Cytomegalovirus is the most common infection to be spread
from mother to their developing fetus. CMV can remain
in the body for life and can lead to mental retardation
and blindness. CMV can be detected through a blood test
but there is no cure. The first infection usually shows
now symptoms, however later reinfection will result in
symptoms such as swollen glands, fatigue, irritation of
the bowels/ digestive track; and can lead to mononucleosis
and vision loss. CMV can be spread through any bodily
fluid. 40-80% of people get it as children from other
children's saliva. Symptoms can be treated via intravenous
drugs.
Curable
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common of the Sexually Transmitted
Diseases.1 in 20 women are infected with Chlamydia. 75%
of women & 25% of men with Chlamydia show no symptoms.
If not treated early, Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory
disease, ectopic pregnancy or even sterility. It can be
passed on to babies during the birthing process and in
infants can lead to pneumonia, eye infections, and blindness.
Chlamydia is tested for duing standard STD testing and
can be treated. Both partners must be treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea
More than 1 million cases of Gonorrhea are reported in
the US each year. Gonorrhea can lead to sterility, arthritis
and heart problems. In women it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory
Disease and lead to ectopic pregnancy and stillbirth.
It can also cause blindness in newborns. Common symptoms
are a yellowish-green discharge in women, or a puss-like
discharge in men. 80% of women and 10% of men with Gonorrhea
show no symptoms. Gonorrhea is detected through cultures
taken from the throat, cervix, urethra or rectum, and
can be treated. Both partners must be treated with antibiotics.
Syphilis
If Untreated, Syphilis can lead to neurological damage,
disfigurement or even death. Symptoms include visible
sores and the disease is most contagious when sores are
present, however it can be spread at any time during infection.
Syphilis can lead to stillbirths and birth defects, including
heart and brain damage, as well as blindness. Syphilis
can be detected through blood tests and can be treated.
Both partners must be treated with antibiotics.
Chancroid
Often mistaken for Herpes or other STD's, you must have
the discharge of the sores tested to verify that what
it is, which means getting tested as soon as you see a
sore. This STD is more common among men, and usually appears
first as a small boil or ulcer which later develops into
an open sore. Since Cahncroid is a bacterium it can be
successfully treated with oral antibiotics. Condoms do
help prevent the spread of Choncroid.
Pubic
Lice
Often called "crabs", millions of people are
treated each year for pubic lice. Symptoms include intense
itching in the genital or anal area, mild fever, weakness,
feeling run-down. Pubic Lice can be spread not only by
sexual contact but by infected bed sheets/ clothing/ furniture.
Pubic Lice can be treated with any standard Lice Treatment
such as Nix, or RID.
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