Sexually transmitted diseases: The facts

The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of STDs. Remember, your partner's sexual history is as important as your own.

Sexually transmitted diseases are bad news! They can cause serious health and fertility problems and, every year, there are millions of new cases. It's important to know the facts–every woman should know how to protect herself and her partner.

As many as one in four women are thought to have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Although some STDs can be treated and cured, others can't, and stay in your body for the rest of your life. STDs are more than just an embarrassment. They are a serious health problem.

About sexually transmitted diseases

STDs are spread by having sex, including anal and oral sex. They can also be spread by skin-to-skin contact. The symptoms range from mild irritation (inflammation, itching) to lots of pain. However, you may not have any symptoms. This means it's even more important to be careful.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)
This is one of the most common STDs in the United States. More than 100 types of this virus have been identified. In many cases, you don't have any symptoms. However, a few types can cause warts in the genital area.

The virus can remain in your body for weeks, or even years without showing any symptoms. Certain types are known to be a major cause of cervical cancer. There is a vaccine available that protects against the two types of HPV that cause the most cases of cervical cancer and the two types that cause the most cases of genital warts. The vaccine is most effective if it is given before the person is infected.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are caused by bacteria. As with many STDs, you may not have any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include an unusual discharge, painful or frequent urination or a pain in the pelvis or abdomen. If left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)–a common cause of infertility (see our article on pelvic inflammatory disease).

HIV Infection
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV enters the bloodstream through body fluids and then invades and kills cells in the immune system–the body's natural defense. This can lead to AIDS, which weakens the immune system to the extent that it is life-threatening. Infections or diseases, such as cancer, can occur. Although there's no cure for HIV, treatment could prevent or delay the onset of AIDS.

Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by a type of bacteria called a "spirochete." If it s not treated, it can infect other parts of the body, causing major health problems–even death.

Most women don't have any symptoms. The first sign could be a painless, smooth sore in the infected area, or you might have warts or a rash. Often, sores are found in the genital area and around the lips and mouth.

At this stage, syphilis can be treated. However, if it's ignored, the symptoms might go away, but the disease stays in your body and can cause long-term damage.

Genital herpes
The most common symptom of genital herpes is a sore in the genital area. It appears as spots, bumps or blisters, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. The symptoms should go away by themselves, but the virus remains in your body. Years later, symptoms can recur.

Trichomonas
Trichomonas vaginitis is a microscopic parasite that is spread through sex. You might experience vaginal itching and redness, or an unusual discharge. However, most women don't have any symptoms.

Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a serious infection of the liver caused by a virus. Two types of hepatitis–B and C–can be sexually transmitted. They can be spread by direct contact with body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids). There's a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B, but not hepatitis C.

How to protect yourself

To protect yourself from STDs, use a condom. Male and female condoms (of the latex variety) are the only form of birth control that protect you from pregnancy and STDs. You should also limit your number of sexual partners. The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of STDs. Remember, your partner's sexual history is as important as your own. Finally, if you have any doubts, get checked out!