Understanding the Impacts of Sexually Transmitted Infections
What You Need To Know About STD Symptoms And Treatments
Scientists have released evidence of a new gonorrhea "superbug" -- one resistant to all forms of antibiotics that are currently available for treatment.
Although many observers from the scientific community have called this an "alarming" development, few are surprised. Gonorrhea is one of the world's most common STDs, and it has shown a notable tendency to mutate in order to survive antibiotic treatment.
Although gonorrhea is not fatal -- yet -- it can cause serious health complications if left untreated, and can leave women unable to bear children.
This news only serves to reinforce the importance of knowing how to identify STDs when you suspect you have one, and perhaps more importantly, the importance of having safe sex.
The topic of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) is an unpleasant one. Also known as sexually transmitted infections (STI) and venereal diseases (after Venus, the Roman goddess of love), the reported cases of STDs have been at epidemic numbers for years.
Despite having become more controlled in North America, AIDS is still a terrifying prospect, and it's only one of many STDs out there. The major publicity surrounding AIDS has left us slightly more ignorant about other STDs, which may not be deadly but do pose wider threats. The major problem with any STD is its sneaky capability to go unnoticed. The symptoms can range from chancre sores, to painful urination and discharge, to flu-like aches and pains. Many men and women carry STD bacterium or viruses for years without visible symptoms, and unknowingly pass them on to their sexual partners.
Here is an overview of STD symptoms and treatments so that you're a little more well-informed on how to protect yourself and your partner.
STD BreakdownThere are two types of sexually transmitted infections: bacterial and viral. The biggest difference between the two is that infections of a bacterial nature respond to antibiotic treatments. Viral infections do not have cures.
Here is a breakdown of two of the most common STDs, their symptoms, and their respective treatments.
♦ Bacterial STDChlamydiaChlamydia is contracted through oral, vaginal or anal contact or by touching your eyes after touching the genitals of an infected partner.Symptoms in men and women: Painful urination, penile/vaginal discharge or sore throat from oral contact.
GonorrheaGonorrhea is a bacterial STD that presents differing symptoms in men and women.Symptoms in men and women: Men often experience pain while urinating and penile discharge, while a full half of all women experience no symptoms at all. Untreated gonorrhea in both men and women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Women run the risk of compromising their fertility.
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♦ Viral STDAIDSAn acronym for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, AIDS is an outbreak of symptoms and infections that result from the damage done to the immune system by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
AIDS may initially be asymptomatic or the patient may experience flu-like symptoms, which may disappear for many years before the development of full-blown AIDS.
AIDS is symptomized by fever, weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea, and opportunistic infections such as rare forms of cancer (Kaposi's sarcoma) and pneumonia (PCP).
Treatment consists of a combination of antiviral drugs, protease inhibitors and other drugs.Everyone who has ever been -- or will ever be -- sexually active is at risk. Abstinence is the only true form of protection against these infections.
Thought condoms were the only form of STD prevention? Think again...
♦ Control MethodsLatex CondomsLatex condoms are effective in blocking nearly all sexually transmitted organisms. Improper use is a common reason for failures in using condoms to prevent STD transmission. Condoms that are made from animal skins (lambskin) are not as effective in blocking STD organisms, as they contain pores that can sometimes allow transmission.
Animal skin condoms are good when used with latex condoms for people with latex-sensitivity allergies. In such cases, double doming is used with the latex on the top or bottom, depending on which partner has the allergy.
Oral Sex BarriersUse a condom for fellatio and a dam (a square piece of latex rubber used by dentists during oral surgery) for cunnilingus.
Avoid High-Risk BehaviorsAny unprotected sex is high-risk behavior. Any activity that puts you in contact with another person's semen, vaginal secretions, anus or blood is considered high-risk. Activities include unprotected penetration of the vagina, anus, fisting, and anilingus (rimming). Oral sex is considered outercourse, but as some infections may be transmitted this way, protection is recommended.
OutercourseFor the creative-minded, this is not the same as abstinence. Outercourse refers to all sexual activities outside intercourse or penetration. Activities include touching, kissing, rubbing, massage, mutual masturbation, oral sex, and using sex toys (if cleansed properly).
Get TestedMany couples decide to get tested for STDs before becoming sexually involved. Whatever the scenario, if you are sexual active, you should be tested regularly by your physician. Furthermore, if you have had an experience where you believe you may have been at risk for an STD, see your doctor right away.
CommunicateIf you are in a sexual relationship, whether it's a long-term commitement or one-night stand, you need to communicate with your partner. If you are mature enough to share your bedroom, be mature enough to share your thoughts. Talk about the issues, your concerns and the preventions you plan on taking together. It is usually a good idea to discuss this before, as communication usually becomes less comprehensible as the moment heats up.
Have Fun With PreventionMany people see STD prevention as a drag. Men complain that condoms don't feel good and women say that it ruins the spontaneity of the moment. But keep in mind that there's a lot more at stake than just a lost moment; using prevention can be manipulated into something erotic. With all the different types, styles and colors of barriers, prevention can be playful. It also gives couples a chance to grow more intimate through discussion and to be more creative in sex play.
Be playful with each other, and always have fun.
7 Dangerous STDs Without Symptoms - Rolling Out
The silent health crisis experts want you to know about—and why "feeling fine" doesn't mean you're STD-free
The idea that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) always announce themselves with uncomfortable or visible symptoms is a dangerous misconception that health experts are working to correct. Research shows that millions of Americans currently have STDs without experiencing any noticeable symptoms, creating a silent epidemic that contributes to the rising rates of infections nationwide.
Common STDs that frequently show no symptomsResearch indicates that several widespread STDs are notorious for their ability to remain silent within the body:
Despite clear guidelines, several obstacles prevent people from getting tested regularly:
Access to healthcare remains a significant barrier for many Americans. Those without insurance may avoid seeking STD testing due to cost concerns. Additionally, many rural areas have limited testing facilities, requiring significant travel for residents to access these services.
Social stigma continues to discourage open discussions about sexual health and testing. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed to request STD tests, even from their regular healthcare providers.
The stigma surrounding STDs remains one of the biggest challenges in public health. Many individuals would rather not know their status than face potential judgment from healthcare providers or partners.
Lack of awareness about the asymptomatic nature of many STDs also contributes to the problem. Many individuals simply don't realize they should be tested regularly even when feeling completely healthy.
Prevention strategies beyond symptomsHealthcare professionals emphasize that preventing STD transmission requires more than just watching for symptoms. Effective prevention includes:
Consistent and correct condom use provides significant protection against most STDs, though it's important to note that some infections, particularly herpes and HPV, can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact not covered by condoms.
Open communication with partners about sexual health status and testing history helps ensure informed consent and promotes mutual protection. This includes discussing when each partner was last tested and what infections they were tested for.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven highly effective at preventing HIV transmission and is recommended for individuals at high risk of HIV exposure.
Vaccination against preventable STDs, including HPV and hepatitis B, provides long-term protection. The HPV vaccine, in particular, has demonstrated impressive effectiveness in reducing infection rates and precancerous lesions.
The role of technology in increasing testingInnovative approaches are emerging to address barriers to testing:
Home testing kits have revolutionized access to STD screening. These kits allow individuals to collect samples privately at home and mail them to laboratories for testing, receiving results digitally. This approach eliminates many of the traditional barriers related to stigma and access.
Telehealth services provide convenient consultations with healthcare providers who can order appropriate tests and discuss results remotely. This has proven particularly valuable for those in rural areas with limited local healthcare options.
Anonymous notification tools enable individuals diagnosed with STDs to notify partners through text messages or emails without revealing their identity. These digital systems help break chains of transmission by encouraging exposed individuals to seek testing.
Technology is playing a crucial role in modernizing approaches to STD prevention. Digital tools are making testing more accessible and helping to normalize sexual health as part of overall wellness.
Changing the cultural conversationMedical professionals agree that addressing the challenge of asymptomatic STDs requires a broader cultural shift in how we approach sexual health.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the need to normalize STD testing as routine healthcare. Getting tested isn't an admission of risky behavior—it's a responsible health decision like getting your blood pressure checked.
Educational initiatives targeting high schools and colleges aim to instill testing habits early. By presenting STD screening as a normal part of healthcare for sexually active individuals, these programs hope to reduce stigma and increase testing rates among young adults.
Healthcare providers are also working to create more welcoming environments for discussing sexual health. This includes training medical professionals to initiate conversations about sexual health and testing in non-judgmental ways.
The way healthcare providers approach these conversations can make an enormous difference. Simply asking "When was your last STD test?" rather than "Do you think you need an STD test?" frames testing as an expected part of care rather than something unusual or shameful.
The impact of delayed diagnosisWhen asymptomatic infections go undetected, the consequences can be severe both for individuals and public health.
For women, undiagnosed chlamydia and gonorrhea can silently progress to pelvic inflammatory disease, potentially causing permanent damage to reproductive organs. An estimated 10-15% of women with untreated chlamydia develop PID, and up to 15% of those women experience fertility problems as a result.
For men, untreated infections can lead to epididymitis, prostatitis, and in some cases, reduced fertility. While these complications are less common than the reproductive consequences for women, they can still have significant impacts on health and quality of life.
From a public health perspective, undiagnosed cases fuel community transmission rates and contribute to antibiotic resistance, particularly in gonorrhea. The CDC has identified drug-resistant gonorrhea as an urgent public health threat, with some strains showing resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics.
Special considerations for specific populationsCertain groups face unique challenges related to asymptomatic STDs:
Women often bear a disproportionate burden of health consequences from asymptomatic infections. The anatomical structure of female reproductive organs makes it easier for infections to progress unnoticed while causing damage. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can mask some STD symptoms, making regular prenatal screening crucial.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) face higher rates of certain STDs, including syphilis and gonorrhea. Healthcare providers recommend more frequent testing for this population, including extragenital testing of the throat and rectum, where infections may present no symptoms but can still be transmitted.
Young adults aged 15-24 account for nearly half of all new STD cases despite representing just 25% of the sexually active population. This age group often has limited access to healthcare, less experience navigating medical systems, and greater concerns about confidentiality.
Rural populations face significant barriers to testing, including limited healthcare facilities, fewer specialists, and concerns about privacy in small communities where patients may know healthcare staff personally.
The way forwardAddressing the challenge of asymptomatic STDs requires a comprehensive approach combining policy changes, education, and healthcare innovation.
Expanded insurance coverage for STD testing without copays would remove financial barriers that prevent many people from seeking regular screening. Policy advocates note that the cost of prevention through testing is far lower than treating the complications of advanced infections.
Integration of STD screening into primary care visits could normalize testing and increase detection rates. By presenting STD tests as routine parts of healthcare, providers can reduce stigma and increase acceptance.
Public awareness campaigns highlighting the asymptomatic nature of many STDs could correct dangerous misconceptions. These educational efforts are particularly important for young adults who may be less familiar with sexual health information.
Health experts emphasize the need to change the narrative from "get tested if you notice something wrong" to "get tested regularly because you might not notice anything wrong." That simple shift in messaging could significantly impact testing rates.
The personal responsibility elementWhile healthcare systems and public health initiatives play crucial roles in addressing asymptomatic STDs, individuals also bear responsibility for their sexual health.
Taking ownership of your sexual health means getting tested regularly, regardless of symptoms. It means having potentially uncomfortable conversations with partners about testing history and status. And it means using protection consistently, not just when you think there might be a risk.
Healthcare providers emphasize that these practices should be viewed not as exceptional behaviors but as basic aspects of responsible adult life—comparable to regular dental checkups or vehicle maintenance.
For those who test positive, prompt treatment and partner notification are essential steps to prevent further transmission and complications. Many public health departments offer assistance with anonymous partner notification for those uncomfortable having these conversations directly.
ConclusionThe silent nature of many STD infections presents a significant public health challenge, but increased awareness, regular testing, and reduced stigma can help address this hidden epidemic. By understanding that symptoms are an unreliable indicator of STD status, individuals can make more informed decisions about testing and treatment.
The most important message from health experts is that feeling fine doesn't mean you are fine when it comes to STDs. Regular testing is the only way to know your status and protect both your health and the health of your partners.
As testing becomes more accessible through home kits and telehealth, and as cultural attitudes continue to evolve toward greater openness about sexual health, health experts remain hopeful that the tide can turn against asymptomatic infections—but this depends on individuals recognizing that w
15 Subtle STD Symptoms You Need To Know About - Yahoo
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 2.3 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were diagnosed in the United States in 2017, surpassing the record set in 2016 by over 200,000. The sharp increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) marks the fourth consecutive year of cases on the rise. "Many people who have an STD don't know it because they often don't have signs or symptoms," Dr. Robert Woo of Women's Health Associates in Massachusetts tells Woman's Day.
That said, there are some common - albeit, sometimes subtle - signs of STDs. Although these symptoms may not always signal an STD, being on the look out for them could get you to a doctor to receive treatment earlier. Here are the most common STD symptoms sexually active men and women should know about.
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