Sexually transmitted diseases / Girls Health / family health - Articles

Q. What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? top

A. STDs are diseases that you get by having sex and are the most common infectious diseases in the United States. They are diseases that you get by having sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal) with someone who already has an STD. STDs are caused by many different types of bacteria and viruses. There are more than 25 STDs that affect both men and women.

Q. Can STDs be cured for good? top

A. While some STDs can be treated and cured and will go away completely, other STDs can't be cured; their symptoms can only be managed. STDs can affect both your physical health and emotional health. A few STDs can also put your life in danger, especially if they are not treated.

Q. If I get an STD, will I know it? top

A. The only way to know is to be tested. Although STDs sometimes have symptoms, it is very common for girls not to have any, especially in the early stages. By the time symptoms do show up, the infection can be advanced. When STDs are not treated early, they can cause serious problems like infertility (not being able to get pregnant). Some STDs can also be passed to a baby during pregnancy or birth. If you have had or are having sex, it is important for you to see your doctor to get tested. Remember, you may not always recognize STD symptoms (See chart).

Q. I think I got an STD from my partner – should I tell? top

A. If you think you have an STD, it is best to tell your partner as soon as possible. Once you have been treated for a curable STD and it goes away, you can get it again if your partner has not been treated too. Or he could pass it to someone else if he has sex with someone other than you.

Q. I’ve heard condoms protect against STDs – is this true? top

A. Yes and no. Condoms provide good, but not perfect, protection against some STDs, especially gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and trichomoniasis. But condoms do not provide complete protection against all STDs. Some STDs like herpes, HPV (warts) and syphilis can still be transmitted through contact with areas that are not covered by a condom.

Q. What are the most important things I should know about STDs? top

A. There are five key things you must know about STDs.

If you don't have sex (vaginal, oral or anal) or intimate sexual contact, you won't get one.
STDs affect women and men of all ages and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Teenagers and young adults get STDs easier than older people.
More and more teens are getting STDs. While not as many teenagers are having sex, some young people are becoming sexually active at earlier ages and having more partners. These two things can make it easier to get an STD.
You can have an STD, have no symptoms and still pass it to another person. Many STDs don't have any symptoms in the early stages. When and if symptoms develop, they can seem like symptoms of other problems that aren't STDs, like stomach pains. This is why it is so important to get tested. Talk with your doctor or nurse if you have been sexually active in any way. Remember, you don't have to have symptoms to get tested.
It is important to remember that, once you get treated, you can get the STD back again if you continue to have sex, particularly if you have unprotected sex. Some STDs will never go away, Others, you may die from.

Q. What are the most common STDs? How do I know if I have one? top

A. The chart below lists the most common STDs and their symptoms.

You should see a doctor immediately if you have abdominal pain or have vaginal discharge (fluid) that is yellow, gray or green with a strong smell. In between periods, it is normal to have a clear or whitish fluid or discharge coming from your vagina. Read more about what your vaginal discharge should look like.

Q. Are there tests for STDs? top

A. Yes, there are a number of tests for STDs. And the only way to know if you have an STD is to see a doctor or nurse for testing. If you are sexually active or have even had sex only once, you need to get checked. Many STDs do not have any symptoms but can cause infertility (making you unable to have a baby) and other serious illnesses, even before you know you are infected. A doctor can treat you and help you learn about healthy choices and how to protect yourself in the future.

Sometimes people are too scared or embarrassed to ask for information or help. But keep in mind that many STDs are easy to treat. And early treatment is very important. If you have an STD, the quicker you get tested and treated, the less likely the STD will cause you severe harm.

Q. What are STD tests like? top

A. Your doctor will examine your skin, throat and genital area for sores, growths and/or skin rashes. He or she will also look inside your vagina and at your cervix (opening to the uterus) to check your organs for swelling or growths (tissue that should not be there).

Your doctor may take a sample of fluid or tissue from your skin, genital, vaginal or anal areas and send it to a lab to get tested. The lab can tell if you have bacteria or viruses that can cause STDs. Blood or urine tests are also done for some STDs. While you may be nervous during these tests, they are usually painless and quick. When the doctor gets the results, he or she will let you know if you have an STD and what to do next.

Crabs (say: krabz) : Small parasites that feed on human blood. Also known as pubic lice.
Symptoms	How do women get it?	Testing and Treatment
Itching in the pubic area Often no symptoms Occasional presence of rust-colored spots on your underclothes from bleeding at sites of bites Mild fever and tiredness may occur if you have been bitten by a large number of lice	Transmitted primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact with an infected person Documented cases of transmission have been reported from toilet seats, bedding, and infested clothing	Testing: You can usually see the crabs yourself, if you look closely enough. Your doctor may need to use a microscope. Treatment: Treatable and curable with doctor ordered prescription or non-prescription drugs that effectively kill both the adult and egg lice The only method of determining if you are infected is to be screened by a doctor Consult a doctor or nurse for correct diagnosis and treatment
Chlamydia (say: kluh-mid-ee-uh): A common STD caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis (say: kluh-mid-ee-uh tre-ko-met-es), which can damage your reproductive organs.
Symptoms	How do women get it?	Testing and Treatment
Many do not have symptoms, but those that do can have: Abnormal vaginal discharge Burning sensation when urinating If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1-3 weeks after exposure. Even if there are no symptoms, without treatment the infection can spread from your cervix to your uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID may or may not have symptoms. Some symptoms: Lower abdominal pain Low back pain Nausea Fever Pain during sex Bleeding between menstrual periods Over time, PID can result in chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.	Transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person Can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth	Testing: A urine test or by taking a specimen from the infected area can determine if you have Chlamydia. Treatment: Treatable and curable with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor or other trained medical personnel The only method of determining if you are infected is to be screened by a doctor or other trained medical personnel Annual testing is recommended for sexually active youth under age 26
Genital Herpes (say: jen-ih-tul her-peez): An STD caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2).
Symptoms	How do women get it?	Testing and Treatment
Most people do not know they have genital herpes unless they start developing blisters. After exposure to genital herpes, you often start seeing symptoms within two weeks, typically on or around the genital area or rectum. Symptoms can be: Painful small red bumps, blisters, or open sores on the vagina, penis, or on or around the genital region or rectum Fever, headache, and other muscle aches Swollen glands in the genital area Pain in legs, buttocks, or genital area Abnormal vaginal discharge or pain when urinating Sores typically heal after two to four weeks. Symptoms often go away and then come back and tend to decrease in frequency over a period of years. Recurring episodes are usually milder and heal after one to two weeks. Some infected people may have no symptoms; many never have sores. Others may have only mild sores that can be mistaken for an insect bite or other skin problem.	Transmitted through sexual contact with someone who is already infected Can be transmitted from someone who has sores that you can see and also from those who do not have visible sores Those without visible sores may not know they are infected Can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth (This can be very serious for the newborn, causing severe disease or death)	Testing: Your doctor may be able to see sores. If not, a blood test is usually done. Treatment: There is no cure, but the symptoms can be managed with medications prescribed by a doctor or nurse The only method of determining if you are infected is to be tested by a doctor or nurse
Gonorrhea (say: gan-e re-uh): An STD caused by a bacteria called neisseria gonorrhoeae (say: ni-sir-e-uh gan-e-re-ae) that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, urethra, and fallopian tubes inside of you.
Symptoms	How do women get it?	Testing and Treatment
Most who are infected have no symptoms. If they have symptoms, they are often mild and may be mistaken for a bladder or other vaginal infection. Symptoms may include: Pain or burning sensation when urinating Yellowish and sometimes bloody vaginal discharge Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods Gonorrhea infection can also be present in the anus or rectum. Symptoms of rectal infection include: Anal discharge Anal itching Soreness Bleeding Painful bowel movements Gonorrhea infection can also be present in the throat, which may cause a sore throat. Untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, or infertility. When left untreated, gonorrhea can also spread to the blood or joints, which can be life threatening.	Transmitted through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of an infected person Can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth	Testing: A urine test or by taking a specimen from the infected area can determine if you have gonorrhea. Treatment: Treatable and curable with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor or nurse The only method of determining if you are infected is to be tested by a doctor or other trained medical personnel
Hepatitis B (say: hep-uh-tyt-is B): A serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. Also called HBV.
Symptoms	How do women get it?	Testing and Treatment
You may have symptoms including: Yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of the eyes (jaundice) Tiredness Dark-colored urine Abdominal pain Loss of appetite Nausea, vomiting Diarrhea Joint pain A person with HBV infection might have no symptoms.	Transmitted when blood from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not infected This can occur through having sex with an infected person without using a condom; by sharing drugs, needles, or “works” when “shooting” drugs; through needle sticks or sharp exposure on the job; or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth	Testing: A blood test can determine if you have Hepatitis B. Treatment: There is no cure Hepatitis B vaccine is the best protection to prevent HBV infection There are no medications available for recently acquired (acute) HBV infection Antiviral drugs are available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. These drugs should not be used by pregnant women Blood tests and medical evaluation should be done to determine if you are infected with HBV
Hepatitis C (say: hep-uh-tyt-is C): A disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Symptoms	How do women get it?	Testing and Treatment
You may have symptoms including: Yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of the eyes (jaundice) Tiredness Dark-colored urine Abdominal pain Loss of appetite Nausea 8 out of 10 people infected with HCV have no symptoms.	Transmitted when blood from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not infected This can occur by sharing needles or “works” when “shooting” drugs; through needle sticks or sharp exposures on the job; or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth	Testing: A blood test can determine if you have Hepatitis C. Treatment: There is no cure There is no vaccine available to prevent HCV infection HCV-infected people should be evaluated by their doctor for evidence of liver disease Interferon and ribavirin are two drugs licensed for the treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis C Combination therapy, using interferon and ribavirin, is currently the treatment of choice Blood tests and medical evaluation should be done to determine if you are infected with HCV
HIV/AIDS (say: H-I-V ayds): Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV – say: hyu-men im-yu-no-di-fish-un-see vi-res) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome – say: e-kwird im-yu-no-di-fish-un-see sin-drom).
Symptoms	How do women get it?	Testing and Treatment
Extreme tiredness Rapid weight loss Swollen lymph nodes Frequent low fevers and night sweats Frequent oral or vaginal yeast infections and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Red, brown, or purplish marks on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids May not have any symptoms for 10 years or more.	Transmitted though vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person Transmitted by sharing dirty needles with an infected person in drug use or by getting accidentally stuck with a needle shared by an infected person Babies can be infected during or before birth or through breast-feeding by an HIV-infected mother	Testing: A blood test can determine if you have been infected with HIV. Treatment: There is no cure Managed with medications prescribed by a doctor The only way to determine if you are infected is to be tested by a doctor or nurse
Human Papillomavirus (say: hyu-men pap-e-lo-me vi-res): Commonly known as Genital HPV, this infection is an STD that is caused by the human papillomavirus.
Symptoms	How do women get it?	Testing and Treatment
Most people with HPV have no symptoms and do not know they are infected. Symptoms may include: Some types can cause genital warts After exposure to HPV, genital warts may appear within weeks, months or not all. These may include: Flat or raised warts, alone or in groups on the genital area (may be hard to see; may be painless or painful) Lesions or warts may be on the cervix, vagina, anus, or thigh Other types of HPV can cause cell changes on a woman’s cervix. You cannot feel the changes on your cervix, but they can be detected on a Pap test. If left untreated, these cell changes can lead to cervical cancer over time. But cervical cancer is preventable with routine Pap tests.	Most sexually active adults get it at some time in their lives Transmitted through genital contact, usually during vaginal or anal intercourse, with an infected person It may also be passed on during oral sex, but this is very rare	Testing: Your doctor may use a magnifying lens to find warts or put acetic acid (vinegar) on the genital area. This causes warts to turn white and makes them easier to see. Treatment: There is no treatment for HPV but there are treatments for the conditions that it can cause – such as genital warts, cervical cell changes, and cervical cancer. Genital Warts Usually diagnosed by visual inspection Warts may go away on their own Warts can be removed by medications that you apply or by treatments performed by a doctor Cervical Changes A Pap test can find cervical cell changes early, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer There is also an HPV test that can find HPV on a woman’s cervix
Syphilis (say: sif-e-les): An infection caused by a bacteria called bacterium treponema pallidum (say: bak-ter-e-um trep-u-ne-mu(h) pu-la-de-um).
Symptoms	How do women get it?	Testing and Treatment
Symptoms in the first or primary stage appear 10 to 90 days after exposure (usually around 21 days). Primary stage symptoms include: Painless sores, usually in the genital area, but may be on the lips or in the mouth Sores heal on their own after about 3 to 6 weeks Swollen lymph glands If infection is not adequately treated, a latent (or hidden) stage occurs, which is followed by secondary stage symptoms that include: Skin rash on the palms and soles of the feet, usually does not itch and goes away on its own Fever Swollen lymph glands Sore throat Patchy hair loss Headaches Weight loss Tiredness If infection is still not adequately treated, it moves on to another latent stage (hidden) and then a tertiary stage (last), which can damage the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, and blood vessels. Without treatment, syphilis can lead to death.	Transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex Can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth	Testing: A blood or culture test can be used to determine if you have syphilis. Treatment: Easily curable in its early stages with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor The main way to determine if you are infected is to be screened by a doctor
Trichomoniasis (say: trik-e-me-ni-e-ses ): A common STD that affects both men and women, although symptoms are more common in women.
Symptoms	How do women get it?	Testing and Treatment
Some do not have symptoms, but those who do can have symptoms appear between 5 and 28 days after exposure. Symptoms can include: Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge, which has a strong odor Discomfort during sex and when urinating Irritation and itching of the genital area In rare cases, lower abdominal pain	Transmitted through penis to vagina via sex or vulva to vulva (genital area outside vagina) via contact with an infected partner or shared object	Testing: A wet mount may be done to determine whether you have trichomoniasis. (A sample of discharge is put on a slide with saline solution and looked at under a microscope.) Treatment: Treatable and curable with medications prescribed by a doctor The only method of determining if you are infected is to be screened by a doctor

Q. Can I ask the doctor personal questions about sex and STDs? top

A. Yes! Don't be embarrassed - doctors and nurses are there to talk to you about these things. If you are worried about your doctor telling your parents or guardian you are having sex and think you might have an STD, ask about his/her confidentiality (privacy) policy before you begin. Hopefully your doctor will encourage you to talk to your parents. In many states, doctors can't share information about your reproductive health with anyone else without your permission, unless they think you have been taken advantage of or sexually abused.

Remember, it can be really helpful to talk to your parents or guardian about sex, friendships, and healthy relationships. It can be tough being a teenager, and your parents and caregivers can be a great source of love and support. (They were young once, too!)

Q. How can I keep from getting STDs? top

A.The best way not to get an STD is not to have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal) or intimate sexual contact until you are married. Even waiting to have sex until you are older lowers your chances of getting an STD. The younger you are when you have sex for the first time, the more likely you are to get an STD. If you do have sex, make sure both you and your partner get tested, only have sex with each other and no one else, and always have a condom. Your reproductive system is one of the most fragile systems of your body. It can easily get infected or injured, and, if it does, you might have long-term health problems.

Q. What should I do if I have an STD or think I may have an STD? top

A. Follow these important steps:

Talk to one of your parents, or, if you don't feel like you can, talk to someone else you trust like a nurse or a teacher.
Make an appointment to see a doctor or nurse, such as your pediatrician or a gynecologist.
Read more about the people who can take care of your reproductive health.
Get it treated right away.
Follow your doctor's instructions and finish all the medicine. Even if the symptoms go away, you still need to finish all of the medicine.
Avoid all sexual activity (including touching) while you are being treated for an STD because, you could still give it to your partner and he could give it back to you.
Remember, viral STDs like HPV, HSV, and HIV are not curable and can always be transmitted to someone else, even if you don't have symptoms.
Be sure to tell your sexual partner. Both of you should be treated. Remember, some STDs show no symptoms.
Get a follow-up test to make sure that the infection is gone (for those STDs that can be cured).

If you think you might be pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor. Some medicines aren't
safe to take if you are pregnant and you may need to take a different drug to treat the STD.

Sexually transmitted diseases