STD - Sexually Transmitted Diseases

STD

STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) refers to a variety of diseases that can be spread through various types of sexual interaction. STD’s affect millions of people in North America, and millions more are infected every year.  In general, STD’s can affect both men and women of any age and any ethnicity.

Sexually transmitted diseases continue to infect more and more people every year, partly due to lack of STD education, and partly because many STD’s show no visible symptoms. Therefore, someone can be infected with an STD and not know it, thus passing it on to their partner during sexual activity. The fact that many STD’s only have visible symptoms in random people makes it difficult to slow the infection rate.

Sexually transmitted diseases are sometimes referred to STI’s or sexually transmitted infections. They are both one and the same. Below is a list of the most common STD’s:

•    HPV (human papillomavirus): Also known as genital warts, HPV can cause wart like growths on or around the genital area. Some people do not experience visible symptoms, but can still spread the virus to their partner.

•    Genital Herpes: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 or 2, sometimes causing blister like lesions on or around the genital area. Some people do not experience any visible symptoms, but can still spread the virus. There is no cure for genital herpes.

•    Syphilis (treponema pallidum): Initially causes a chancre like sore around the genital area, and gradually affects organs, causes skin rashes and swollen glands. Syphilis, if neglected, can lead to brain infections, heart complications, and sensory issues and can be fatal. Some people with syphilis show no visible signs until years or decades after contracting the infection.

•    Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis): Can cause urethritis and urinary infections, but can also show no visible symptoms.

•    Gonnorhea (neisseria gonorrhoea): Women show no symptoms and often go undiagnosed. Men experience burning sensations when urinating, urethritis, penile discharge and sometimes throat and rectal infections. Long term affects neglect can cause joint issues, orchitis and skin rash.

•    Hepatitis B (HBV): Causes liver inflammation and can cause other liver complications such as liver failure and liver cancer. Most people recover from HBV and acquire a natural defence to further infection.

•    Hepatitis C (HCV): Primarily transmitted through blood and not sexually activity, HCV can cause chronic infection and result in liver failure or severe liver disease.  Symptoms can be hidden for years while the patient is still able to spread the disease.

•    HIV (human immunodeficiency virus): A viral infection that acts as an immunosuppressant, making the immune system weak and making the patient susceptible to various other illnesses. HIV can cause serious complications such as dementia, weight loss and death. When HIV is severe, it is labelled acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

STD Transmission

STD’s can be transmitted in a variety of ways. Most commonly, STD’s are spread through sexual contact (intercourse) and other sexual activity (oral sex, sharing of sexual devices). Some STD’s can be transmitted through the saliva, and many people who are infected can show symptoms in and around the mouth and rectal area. Many STD’s can also be spread through the blood via needle sharing or blood transfusions (although this is uncommon as transfusion blood is screened beforehand).

STD Tests

STD Testing is available in public health clinics throughout North America. It is recommended that any individual who is sexually active (or actively using intravenous drug) should be checked or tested for STD’s every 3-6 months. Even if you or your partner do not have symptoms, one of you may have an STD. Always get tested and insist your partner does the same.

STD’s and Pregnancy

Most STD’s can be passed from a pregnant woman to her child during pregnancy or during childbirth. Some STD’s can cross the placenta and infect babies in utero. Others can be passed to the baby in the birth canal or during breastfeeding. STD’s can cause serious symptoms in newborn children, including fatality. It is extremely important to let your doctor know if you have an STD or have had any STD’s in the past. In many cases, precautions can be taken for the health of baby. Not all STD’s are screened during pregnancy blood tests.
Some common harmful affects STD’s have on newborns are stillbirth, low birth weight, pneumonia, blood infection, blindness, deafness, cirrhosis and neurological damage. Many of these harmful effects can be reduced or eradicated if the STD is known (to your doctor) during early pregnancy.

STD Prevention

If you are not sexually active, you have a very small chance of getting an STD. For many people, sexual abstinence is not a viable option. Here are a few prevention tips for STD’s

•    Abstinence: Avoiding sexual encounters lessens your chance of contracting an STD.

•    Insist on Testing: Get tested regularly and insist your partner does the same. Regular testing significantly reduces the spread of STD’s.

•    Avoid Multiple Partners: Having one partner with whom you are sexually active can greatly reduce your risk of contracting an STD

•    Condoms: Using a latex condom can greatly reduce your chances of contracting or spreading an STD. It is not 100% effective. Spermicides are not effective.

•    Education: Learn about STD’s (reading this article is a good start) and know the symptoms. If you think you or your partner may have symptoms of an STD, abstain immediately and get tested (both of you).

•    Avoid Sex During Menstruation: HIV and other STD’s are passed from one person to another more easily during menstruation.

•    Avoid Needle Sharing: If you are using intravenous drugs, or if you use needles for medical reasons, avoid sharing.

If you think you or your partner may have an STD, abstain from sexual activity immediately and see your doctor.