A bacterial STD known as “The Silent Disease” because
about three quarters of infected women and about half of infected
men have no symptoms.
WOMEN: Women who have symptoms might have an
abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating.
Untreated infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes
and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Women are up to five
times more likely to become infected with HIV, if exposed.
MEN: Men with signs or symptoms
might have a discharge or a burning sensation when urinating.
Can it be cured?
Yes, but only if an infected person gets tested by a medical professional
and is treated with antibiotics. Chlamydia causes serious complications
with irreversible damage, including infertility. Sexual intercourse
AND any type of sexual activity can spread Chlamydia.
What is the 100% efective way to protect
myself from Chlamydia?
Abstinence from sex and sexual activity until marriage to an uninfected
partner.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (May
2004) Chlamydia-CDC Fact Sheet. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/STDFact-Chlamydia.htm
A Viral STD caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1)
and type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. The
virus remains in the body of the infected person for life.
How do people get genital herpes?
Sexual intercourse and ANY type of sexual activity can spread
herpes. Even though a person with herpes may not have a visible
herpes sore, they can still infect someone else through sexual
activity.
Can it be cured?
No, there is no treatment that can cure herpes. Antiviral medications
can shorten and prevent outbreaks (Typically blisters on or around
the genitals or rectum which break leaving open sores. Sores typically
heal within two to four weeks.)
What is the 100% effective way to protect
myself from Genital Herpes?
Abstinence from sex and sexual activity until marriage to an uninfected
partner.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (May
2004) Herpes-CDC Fact Sheet. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm
Genital HPV infection is caused by the Human Papillomavirus. Human
Papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes
more than 100 different types. Some viruses can infect the genital
area and are classified as “high risk” or “low
risk.”
How do people get HPV?
Sexual intercourse and any type of sexual activity can spread
HPV. 6.2 million New cases of HPV infect Americans each year.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms
and will clear the infection on their own. “HIGH RISK”
HPV strains can lead to Cervical Cancer and other genital cancers.
“LOW RISK” HPV strains can cause genital warts, which
can continue to reoccur even after surgically removed.
Can it be cured?
There is no cure for HPV infection, although in most women the
infection goes away on its own. There are treatments for some
HPV symptoms.
What is the 100% effective way to protect
myself from HPV?
Abstinence from sex and sexual activity until marriage to an uninfected
partner.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (May
2004) HPV-CDC Fact Sheet. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that kills the
body’s immune system cells and the body’s ability
to fight off infections and diseases which leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS) and eventually, death.
How do people get HIV?
HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected
person; through contaminated needles of drug-users; or from an
infected mother to her baby during birth.
What are the symptoms of HIV?
Many people will not have any symptoms when first infected with
HIV. Many will have flu like illness within a month or two after
exposure to the virus and the symptoms eventually disappear. More
persistent or severe symptoms may not appear for 10 years or more
after HIV first enters the body.
Can it be cured?
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Some drugs can slow the progression
of HIV and treat some AIDS-related diseases. HIV leads to AIDS
and death.
What is the 100% effective way to protect
myself from HIV?
Abstinence from sex and sexual activity until marriage to an uninfected
partner and avoidance of exposure to blood of an infected individual.
National Institutes of Allergies
and Infectious Diseases (March 2005) HIV Infection and AIDS: An
Overview. Available at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/hivinf.htm
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