Sexually Transmitted Infections

Bacterial & Parasitic Infections

Bacterial and parasitic sexually transmitted infections (STI) are curable through treatment with antibiotics. Curable, that is, as long as you see a health-care provider, get tested and treated, follow through on all prescribed medications, avoid sexual contact until cured, and make sure your sexual partner(s) get tested and treated as well. 

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection that can affect anyone. It can cause serious, permanent damage to the reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside of the womb). Most people who have chlamydia do not know because they have no symptoms. 

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a very common sexually transmitted infection that can affect anyone. It is a localized infection that can be contained in the genitals, rectum, or throat. There are an estimated 684,000 new cases of gonorrhea in the United States each year. Gonorrhea often has no symptoms and can cause serious health problems, even without symptoms.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly. Symptoms in adults are divided into four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and late syphilis. 

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted infection that is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most women and men who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected.

Viral Infections

Viral sexually transmitted infections usually persist for life. Antiviral drugs can control but not yet cure all of these infections, except Hepatitis C, which can be cured in some people after prolonged treatment

HIV

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. No effective cure exists for HIV, but treatment is available. Untreated HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

HPV

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is a different virus than HIV or HSV (herpes). HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people get it at some point in their lives. There are many different types of HPV, including some that can cause health problems including genital warts and cancers. However, there are vaccines that can stop these health problems from happening. 

Hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liner is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Hepatitis is often caused by a virus, but can also be caused by heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is curable through prolonged treatment. 

Herpes

Genital herpes is an STI caused by two types of viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 or herpes simplex virus type 2. This STI can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact. Treatment is available to reduce symptoms frequency of outbreaks. 

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Contact

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