Sexually Transmitted Infections (S.T.I.)
Viral Infections
Herpes
How is it contracted?
Transmitted through unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal sex and skin-to-skin contact. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected.
What are the symptoms?
Blisters or sores in mouth or genital area.
How common is it?
According to the CDC**, genital herpes affects an estimated one out of four (or 45 million) Americans. Doctors estimate that as many as 500,000 new cases may occur each year
What is the process for getting tested?
Culturing of an active blister.
Can it be cured?
No
Treatment
Antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks. In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners.
HIV
How is it contracted?
Transmitted through unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal sex, IV drug use, or from mother-to-child during birth.
What are the symptoms?
Often no symptoms. Symptoms may include: fever, rash, muscles aches and swollen lymph nods and glands.
How common is it?
According to the CDC**, an estimated 40,000 new HIV cases are reported each year with 50% of these cases occurring in young adults under the age of 25.
What is the process for getting tested?
Blood test
Can it be cured?
No
Treatment
Medical “cocktails” are used to treat symptoms and can slow the deterioration of the immune system. HIV leads to development of AIDS.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus, Genital Warts)
How is it contracted?
Transmitted through unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal sex.
What are the symptoms?
Often no symptoms. Genital warts may appear in a few days, weeks, or years. Warts appear as soft, moist, pink, or flesh-colored swellings, usually in the genital area. They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large, and sometimes cauliflower shaped. HPV can also lead to cervical cancer.
How common is it?
According to the CDC**, Approximately 20 million people are currently infected with HPV, which is about 2/3 of the population.
What is the process for getting tested?
Pap smear for women. A colposcopy or biopsy may be used for women with abnormal paps. Visual exam for men with warts. There is no test for men.
Can it be cured?
No. However many (young) people with healthy immune systems will clear the infection on their own.
Treatment
Ointments are used for warts. Freezing or burning methods are used for warts that do not respond to ointment. Warts may reappear from time to time, and can be retreated. Abnormal cervical cells (pre-cancerous cells) are treated through procedures such as a Leap, laser treatment, or liquid nitrogen. HPV Vaccine is available as a preventative option.
Parasitic Infections
Scabies
How is it contracted?
Transmitted through unprotected anal or vaginal sex and skin-to-skin genital contact. Can also be spread by sharing clothing or bedding.
What are the symptoms?
Itchy rash with a reddish zigzag pattern in genitals, buttock, or other folds of skin.
What is the process for getting tested?
Diagnosed by visual inspection by medical provider
Can it be cured?
Yes
Treatment
Topical creams and oral tablets. Symptoms may take several weeks to subside, and treatment may need to be repeated. Partners should also be checked
Pubic Lice (Crabs)
How is it contracted?
Transmitted through unprotected anal or vaginal sex and skin-to-skin genital contact. Can also be spread by sharing clothing or bedding.
What are the symptoms?
May see lice in pubic hair. Severe itching, sometimes dots of blood on underwear if lice get under your skin.
What is the process for getting tested?
Diagnosed by visual inspection by medical provider
Can it be cured?
Yes
Treatment
Medicated shampoo used on pubic region and shaving pubic hair to remove nits. May need to be repeated. Partners should also be checked. Bedding and clothing must be washed in hot water and dried in hot dryer.
Trichomoniasis (Trich)
How is it contracted?
Transmitted through unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal sex and skin-to-skin genital contact. Also spread by damp washcloths, towels, and bathing suits shared with infected persons. Parasite can live outside the body for hours.
What are the symptoms?
Often no symptoms. In women, greenish yellow vaginal discharge with bad odor, frequent painful urination, pain in the lower abdomen, and patchy red spots. In men, discharge from penis or mild discomfort in penis.
How common is it?
According to the CDC**, effects approximately two to three million people yearly.
What is the process for getting tested?
Pap test will usually identify trich. A visual exam or culture can also be done.
Can it be cured?
Yes
Treatment
Antibiotics. Abstain from sex until medication is complete. Your partner should also seek treatment and abstain from sex until treatment is complete.
Bacterial Infections
Chlamydia
How is it contracted?
Transmitted through unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal sex. Can also be spread from mother-to-child during birth.
What are the symptoms?
75% of women and 25% of men show no symptoms. Symptoms may appear 7-21 days after contact. Symptoms for men include watery, white or yellow drip from penis; burning or pain with urination. Symptoms for women include itching in genitals; burning or pain with urination; white or yellow discharge; bleeding between periods or intercourse; dull pelvic pain. Serious effects if left untreated include damage to reproductive organs or sterility.
How common is it?
According to the CDC** four million people get Chlamydia every year.
What is the process for getting tested?
Urine sample or genprobe.*
Can it be cured?
Yes
Treatment
Antibiotics. Abstain from sex until medication is complete. Your partner should also seek treatment and abstain from sex until treatment is complete.
Gonorrhea
How is it contracted?
Transmitted through unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal sex and skin-to-skin genital contact. Can also be spread from mother to baby during delivery.
What are the symptoms?
Often no symptoms. Symptoms for both men and women may include frequent, painful urination; whitish, greenish or yellow discharge from vagina or penis; sore throat; swollen glands; discharge from anus or urethra. Serious effects if left untreated include sterility or chronic prostrate infection.
How common is it?
According to the CDC** more than 700,000 persons in the U.S. get new infections each year. In 2004, the rate of reported infections was approx 1 in 1,000 people.
What is the process for getting tested?
Urine sample or genprobe.*
Can it be cured?
Yes
Treatment
Antibiotics. Abstain from sex until medication is complete. Your partner should also seek treatment and abstain from sex until treatment is complete.
Syphilis
How is it contracted?
Transmitted through unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal sex.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include hard, red sores anywhere there has been sexual contact (penis, vagina, cervix, tongue, anus). Sores are most common on the vagina, penis or anus, but can also appear on the lips or mouth. If left untreated syphilis can spread throughout the body. Later stages can cause heart damage, paralysis, blindness, or death.
How common is it?
According to the CDC**, 32,000 people are infected with syphilis. That is approximately 1 in 10,000 people. The incidence of infectious syphilis is highest in women 20 to 24 years of age and in men 35 to 39 years of age.
What is the process for getting tested?
Blood test
Can it be cured?
Yes
Treatment
Antibiotics. A single intramuscular injection of penicillin, an antibiotic, will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than a year. Additional doses are needed to treat someone who has had syphilis for longer than a year. Abstain from sex until medication is complete. Your partner should also seek treatment and abstain from sex until treatment is complete.