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Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial disease. It spreads when infected fluid from the sex organs or rectum contacts the penis, vagina, mouth or anus. Chlamydia often shows no early symptoms, but over time it can scar reproductive organs. Chlamydia can be cured, but any damage from scarring remains.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial disease. It spreads when infected fluid from the sex organs or rectum contacts the penis, vagina, mouth or anus. Gonorrhea may not show any early symptoms, but left untreated, the infection can scar reproductive organs. Gonorrhea can be cured, but any damage from scarring remains. This disease can infect the blood, joints and skin. This can be serious and even life-threatening.
Herpes
Herpes is a virus that cause outbreaks of sores around the sex organs or mouth. It is spread through contact with affected skin during sex, kissing or intimate touching. There is no cure for herpes, but medications can limit the outbreaks and speed healing. Herpes outbreaks tend to decrease over time. Although herpes can be treated, the virus stays in the body.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial disease. It spreads through contact with affected skin. Syphilis progresses in three stages. Symptoms and health complications become more severe with each stage. Syphilis can be cured, but certain types of damage caused by the disease cannot be reversed. The first stage of syphilis can produce a painless sore called a chancre. Left untreated, syphilis progresses to the second stage which can produce a rash on the body that can spread to the palms and feet. It can also cause swollen glands, fever, sore throat and headache. Patchy hair loss, weight loss or tiredness can also occur. If syphilis remains untreated it enters the third stage. Damage to the brain, nerves, blood vessels and heart may occur. This can lead to blindness and even death. In a pregnant woman, untreated syphilis at any stage can cause organ and brain damage to her unborn baby. Syphilis is usually treated with and antibiotic injection.
HPV and Genital Warts
HPV is a family of viruses that spread though skin contact. Some forms of HPV cause genital warts ( also called conyloma). Other types put women at higher risk of cervical cancer. HPV can't be cured, but there are treatments to remove warts. There are also tests to help spot warning signs of cervical cancer.
Reduce the spread of HPV by limiting your partners and use latex condoms, but be aware that HPV can be passed through contact with affected skin that a condom doesn't cover. A vaccine is available for women to help prevent cervical cancer cause by HPV. Pap smears help catch cell changes in the cervix early, when treatment is most effective.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is a group of infections that inflame the vagina. Not all types of vaginitis are STDs, but having sex can make some types of vaginitis more likely. Depending on the type of vaginitis, both partners may need treatment, because men can carry and spread the infection. All forms of vaginitis can be cured.
Without treatment, burning, itching and discharge can persist. If your partner is not treated he or she can infect you again.
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