Sexually Transmitted Diseases There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. STDs are most prevalent in teens and young adults. The correct use of latex condoms decreases the risk of transmitting a STD. The only guaranteed prevention against a STD is abstinence from any/all sexual activity. The incidence of STDs is almost non-existent in those involved in faithful marriages or in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the month of April as STD Awareness Month. This annual observance is in place to raise awareness of STDs and to emphasize the importance of prevention, testing, and treating.
HSV can be transmitted even when there are no symptoms or sores present. There is no cure for HSV but anti-viral drugs can help reduce reoccurrence. Once the initial outbreak of blisters is gone, the virus remains dormant in the body to reappear during times of stress or illness.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus spread via vaginal and anal sex and by way of contact with infected skin. Most people infected have no symptoms although it can occasionally display with an outbreak of genital warts. Regular pap smears can detect HPV-induced changes to the cervix. HPV is dangerous because if left untreated, it can lead to cancer. HPV causes 99% of cervical cancers. In 90% of cases, the body’s immune system clears the HPV infection within two years. There is a vaccine available for the most common cancer and genital wart-causing HPV strains.
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver which is found in blood, semen, and vaginal fluid. Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms until damage is done. Later symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and joint pain. Hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer and liver failure. There is a vaccine available to aid in the prevention of Hepatitis B.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) which