HIV may be the most feared and publicized STD, but other STDs have a much higher incidence rate. These STDs, like HIV, are caused by pathogens (viruses and bacteria) that thrive in the moist, warm environment of the human body. These pathogens are found in body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids or urine). Sexual intercourse (anal, vaginal and oral) and sharing injection drug needles and syringes provide an opportunity for body fluids that may contain pathogens to enter the body of another person.
The best way to prevent all STDs is to avoid sexual intercourse and injection drug use. There is now a vaccine that protects against hepatitis B; however, there are no vaccines for the other STDs. Mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner is also a safe behavior. Persons who choose to be sexually active can protect themselves from STDs by using condoms correctly and consistently. However, STDs transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, such as HPV, herpes, and chancroid can be transmitted even without having intercourse or during intercourse with a condom.
The STDs that are caused by bacteria can be cured with medications, e.g., antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent many of the consequences that can result from these STDs.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV, hepatitis B, herpes or genital warts. These infections can be treated but cannot be cured. Treatments help decrease the severity of the symptoms and may prolong life. The search for cures continues, but for now, prevention is the best medicine that can be offered.
STD Facts for Teachers
| STD |
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS |
POSSIBLE OUTCOMES |
TREATMENT |
CHLAMYDIA
(Bacterial) |
Discharge from the sexual organs
Pain or burning during urination
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Swelling or pain in pelvic area
Most women have no symptoms. Some men have no symptoms.
|
If left untreated:
May be passed to sexual partner.
May lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women.
May cause sterility and damage to reproductive organs
May be passed from woman to child during birth.
|
Can be cured with correct medicine (i.e. Antibiotics).
|
GENITAL WARTS
(Human Papillomavirus -
HPV) (Viral)
|
Small, bumpy warts on or near the sex organs
Warts are painless but can cause itching or burning
May not be visible
Warts are painless but can cause itching or burning
|
May be passed to sexual partner, even if warts are not present.
Warts may appear singly or clustered. They may recur.
May be associated with certain cancers.
May be passed from woman to child during birth.
|
Cannot be cured.
Warts may be removed with medicines or surgery.
Reduce stress and keep the genital area dry.
|
|
GONORRHEA
(Bacterial)
|
Discharge from the sexual organs
Pain or burning during urination
Swelling or pain in the pelvic area.
Most women have no symptoms. Some men have no symptoms.
|
If left untreated:
May be passed to sexual partner.
May lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women.
May cause sterility.
May cause damage to reproductive organs, heart trouble, arthritis, and skin disease.
May be passed from woman to child during birth.
|
Can be cured with correct medicine (i.e. Antibiotics).
|
|
HEPATITIS B
(Viral)
|
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Jaundice
Darkened urine
May have no symptoms
|
May be passed to sexual partner.
May also be passed through contaminated needles and syringes, or from sharing contaminated razors, toothbrushes, etc.
May lead to chronic Hepatitis B.
May lead to liver damage.
|
Symptoms can be treated with medicines.
Cannot be cured.
Reduce stress and increase rest.
Can be prevented by vaccination.
|
|
HERPES
(Viral)
|
Recurring rash with clusters of itchy or painful blister-like sores
Pain, itching, and burning in genital area
Swollen glands
Flu-like symptoms
|
May be passed to sexual partner, even with treatment.
Sores may recur.
May be passed from woman to child during birth.
|
Cannot be cured.
Sores can be treated with medicines.
Treatment can reduce outbreaks.
Reduce stress and keep blisters clean and dry.
|
|
HIV/AIDS
(Viral)
|
Fatigue
Night sweats
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Yeast infections
Swollen glands
Flu-like symptoms
Pneumonia
|
May be passed to sexual partner.
May be passed to others by sharing needles.
May be passed from woman to child during pregnancy, birth, or breast feeding.
|
Cannot be cured.
Symptoms can be treated with medicines.
Reduce stress, eat a balanced diet and stay fit.
|
|
SYPHILIS
(Bacterial)
|
Painless sore on or near sex organs, mouth, or hands
Flu-like symptoms
Skin rash
|
If left untreated:
May be passed to sexual partner.
May cause organ damage.
May be passed from woman to child during pregnancy.
Can lead to heart and brain disease.
|
Can be cured with correct medicine (i.e. Antibiotics).
|
