SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

I've been told I may have a sexually transmitted disease. Does that mean I have AIDS?
No. There are over 50 known sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is certainly the most talked about these days, but it is only one kind. Most STDs can be treated, others can be controlled, and all can be prevented. However, it's important to receive treatment for any STD because, if they are left untreated, some STDs can cause serious health problems, including infertility, heart disease, brain damage, damage to unborn children, and even death.

Who is most at risk for getting a sexually transmitted disease?

Anyone who has sexual relations is potentially at risk, but particularly those who are not monogamous or have not been monogamous in the past. With the exception of AIDS and hepatitis B (which can be spread by sharing drug needles), if you do not have sex, you have virtually no risk of getting an STD. If you have sex with only one person who also has had no other sex partners, you have a low risk of infection. If you have sex with a few people, your risk increases. The sex partners you choose determine the risk you face. If your partner has sex with others, your risk increases because you have no control over your partner's choices. Finally, of course, if you have sex with many people, you are at the highest risk of getting an STD.

What are the signs, symptoms, and treatment of the more common sexually transmitted diseases?
There are many different kinds of infections that can be transmitted during sexual activity. Never attempt to make a diagnosis on your own. The following list offers only a general description of a few of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydia Symptoms: There is pain on urination, vaginal discharge, or abdominal pain. Many times a woman does not have symptoms at first. Symptoms usually occur within 1 to 3 weeks after having sex with an infected partner. If chlamydia is left untreated, it leads to a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Treatment: When diagnosed early, chlamydia can be cured easily with antibiotics. Genital herpes Symptoms: Early symptoms include burning or pain with urination, pain in the buttocks, legs, or genital area, vaginal discharge, or a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area. In a few days, small red bumps appear in the genital area; later the bumps develop into blisters, which open, crust, and then heal. The symptoms develop within 2 to 10 days after having sex with an infected partner. Even after the sores disappear, the herpes virus remains in the body and can reactivate at any time, causing a new outbreak of blisters. Treatment: Herpes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. The drug acyclovir may speed healing and prevent recurrences. It also helps to keep the sores clean, dry, and free of irritation. Do not scratch them. If you are pregnant and have had herpes, you should tell your doctor so that precautions can be taken to protect the baby. Gonorrhea Symptoms: Often there are no signs. You may experience pain or burning when urinating, or if you are a female, you may have a yellowish vaginal discharge. Advanced symptoms include bleeding between menstrual periods, swollen joints, fever, or pain in the pelvic area. Symptoms usually occur within 2 to 20 days after having sex with an infected partner. If gonorrhea is left untreated, it leads to PID. Treatment: Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can be quickly treated with antibiotics. Your partners should also be examined, and sexual activity should be avoided during treatment. Genital warts (condylomata) Symptoms: Genital warts are small bumpy warts that appear on or near the sex organs, usually 3 weeks to 3 months after having sex with an infected partner. The warts sometimes develop inside the vagina, on the lips of the vagina, or around the anus, and they may grow into large masses. If you are pregnant, you may pass them on to your baby during childbirth. Treatment:

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Condylomata are most easily removed when they are small, therefore it is wise to get treatment early. They are usually removed with chemicals such as podophyllin, but they may also be frozen off with liquid nitrogen or surgically removed. Repeat treatments often are necessary to remove all warts. A single wart can multiply. Syphilis Symptoms: The first symptom of syphilis, which usually occurs 1 to 12 weeks after sex with an infected partner, often is a painless sore on the genitals. The sore may occur inside the body and go unnoticed. The sore disappears within a few weeks, but the disease progresses. In the second stage, a skin rash appears, along with flu-like symptoms. These, too, eventually go away, but the disease does not. If syphilis is left untreated, it can lead to blindness, heart disease, brain damage, and even death. Treatment: Early antibiotic treatment is important. The symptoms of the infection may disappear, but the disease will remain in the body. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and AIDS Symptoms: HIV infection and AIDS may produce no symptoms for months or years. As the immune system weakens, the symptoms include swollen lymph glands, fever, night sweats, severe fatigue, and weight loss. AIDS may be diagnosed when the person develops rare cancers and pneumonia. Treatment: If you have symptoms of HIV infection or are in a high-risk group or have sexual intercourse with someone in a high-risk group, see a doctor immediately. Although there is no cure for the HIV infection or AIDS, treatments to fight the infection are available. For information, call the AIDS 24-hour hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS. Vaginitis Symptoms: Although vaginitis is considered mainly a woman's problem, it can be carried and spread by men. In fact, one form, trichomoniasis, often is considered a "ping pong" disease because sex partners do not know they have it and keep reinfecting each other. All forms of vaginitis share a common symptom of unusual discharge. Trichomoniasis produces a frothy yellow discharge with a persistent itching or burning and possibly an unpleasant odor. A yeast infection produces a discharge that looks like cottage cheese and possibly an intense itch. A Gardnerellla infection causes a grayish-white, watery, strongsmelling discharge. Treatment: Both you and your partner should be treated with either metronidazole or ampicillin; yeast infections are treated with antifungal vaginal suppositories or creams, such as nystatin.

Reducing your chances of contracting an STD

Naturally, the best way to reduce your risk is by not having sex or by having sex with one mutually faithful, uninfected partner, or by using a condom during sex. Remember, the more sexual partners you have, the greater your risk is. You can also reduce your risk by using condoms and spermicides during sex; by urinating and washing after sex (but not douching douching may actually force germs higher up into the body); by not having sex with someone who uses intravenous drugs or engages in anal sex; and by not engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal sex with an infected person. If you think you may have AIDS or an STD, seek treatment immediately.

Genital self-examination
To give yourself a genital self-examination, start by examining the area that the pubic hair covers. It may help to position a mirror so that you can see your entire genital area. Even with a mirror, it may be difficult to see all areas. Experiment with positions that work best for you without making yourself uncomfortable. Start by spreading your pubic hair apart with your fingers. Carefully look for any bumps, sores, or blisters on the skin. Also look for warts. Genital warts may look like other warts; they may first appear as very small bumpy spots. If they are left untreated, they could develop a fleshy, cauliflower-like appearance. Next, spread the outer vaginal lips apart and take a close look at the hood of your clitoris, which is at the top of the inner lips. Then gently pull the hood up to reveal your clitoris. Once again, look for bumps, blisters, sores, or warts.

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Finally, examine both sides of your inner lips and the area around your urinary and vaginal openings for the same signs.

Besides these visual bumps and sores, what are other signs and symptoms of an STD?
Some STDs may cause a vaginal discharge that may be thick and possibly yellow, and may also have an odor. Other symptoms or signs include a painful or burning sensation when urinating, pain in your pelvic area, bleeding between menstrual periods, or an itchy rash around the vagina.

This guide may be printed for free distribution to patients and families. All rights reserved. Copyright 1998 by Mosby.

Mosby items and derived items 2011 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.