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1. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What are STDs?

Symptoms of STDs

Common sexually transmitted pathogens
By Tyler Hendon

2. Key Facts
Sexually Transmitted Disease and Sexually Transmitted Infection
are the same thing 448 million new infections of curable sexually
transmitted (syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis)
infections occur yearly. Some sexually transmitted infections exist
without symptoms. In pregnant women with untreated early
syphilis, 25% of pregnancies result in stillbirth and 14% in neonatal
death. Sexually transmitted infections are the main preventable
cause of infertility, particularly in women.

3. STI Syndromes
Although many different pathogens cause STIs, some
display similar or overlapping signs (what the
individual or the health-care provider sees on
examination) and symptoms (what the patient feels
such as pain or irritation). Some of these signs and
symptoms are easily recognizable and consistent,
giving what is known as a syndrome that signals the
presence of one or a number of pathogens. For
example, a discharge from the urethra in men can be
caused by gonorrhea alone, chlamydia alone or both
together.

4. According to 2005 WHO estimates, 448 million new cases of
curable STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and
trichomoniasis) occur annually throughout the world in adults
aged 15-49 years. This does not include HIV and other STIs
which continue to adversely affect the lives of individuals and
communities worldwide. In developing countries, STIs and
their complications rank in the top five disease categories for
which adults seek health care
(STIs) Sexually transmitted
infections

5. STIs are spread primarily through person-to-person sexual
contact.
>30 different sexually transmissible bacteria, viruses and
parasites.
Several STIs, particularly HIV and syphilis, can be
transmitted through blood products and tissue transfer, and
from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth.

6. Many STIs can have severe long-term consequences.
In adults, chlamydia and gonorrhea may lead to complications such as infertility,
chronic illness and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can produce serious and often life-threatening
conditions in fetuses and newborn babies, such as congenital syphilis, pneumonia and
low birth weight.

7. Common viruses:
 HIV (causes AIDS)
 Herpes simplex virus type 2 (causes genital herpes)
 Hepatitis B virus (causes hepatitis and chronic cases may lead to cancer of the liver)

8. The most effective means to avoid becoming infected
with or transmitting a sexually transmitted infection is to
abstain from sexual intercourse or to have sexual
intercourse only within a long- term, mutually
monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
Male latex condoms, when used consistently and
correctly, are highly effective in reducing the
transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted
infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydial infection
and trichomoniasis.
Prevention