| Chlamydia is one
of the most common STDs with 3-4 million new cases a year in
the U.S. Transmission occurs when the infected person's fluids
come in contact with a mucous membrane of the partner. |
| Symptoms |
most people have no symptoms. Women may have pain
or dull aching in lower abdomen, pain with intercourse, spotting
or heavy menstrual periods. Males may have discharge from penis,
epidiymitis. Both sexes may experience intense itching on genitals
or burning during urination. |
| Treatment |
a health care provider should diagnose by testing fluids from
site of infection and then prescribe an antibiotic for both
the infected person and the partner(s). |
| If untreated |
continued discomfort; pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID); scarring
of tubes; infertility in women; risk of tubal pregnancy |
| Gonorrhea
is transmitted when the infected person's
fluids come in contact with a mucous membrane of the partner.
|
| Symptoms |
similar to chlamydia. Most people show no symptoms. |
| Treatment |
a health care provider should diagnose by testing fluids from
site of infection and then prescribe an antibiotic for both
the infected person and the partner(s). |
| If untreated |
PID, cervical infection, scaring of fallopian tubes, infertility
/ sterility; risk of tubal pregnancy |
| Syphilis numbers
are increasing, especially for men having sex with men. Transmitted
through fluids and skin-to-skin contact. Can be passed from
mother to child in utero. |
| Symptoms |
First stage (primary), 1-12 weeks
after exposure painless sores (chancre), at infection site and
swollen lymph nodes. Second stage (secondary),
weeks - months after sores disappear skin rash lasting several
months, often on palms of hands and feet but may be anywhere
on body. Third stage (tertiary), nervous system
and other organ damage (heart, lungs, liver, eye). |
| Treatment |
a health care provider physician must diagnose with blood
tests and then prescribe an antibiotic for infected person and
partner(s). |
| If untreated |
heart disease, brain damage, blindness, death, paralysis |
| Chancroid
is transmitted when contact is made with an infected person's
lesion. |
| Symptoms |
sometimes asymptomatic but
usually one or more deep, painful ulcers on genitals. |
| Treatment |
a health care providers must diagnose
and will prescribe an antibiotic. |
| If untreated |
secondary bacterial infections, fistulae, chronic ulcers |
Abstinence is the best prevention
against STD transmission. Barrier methods,
such as condoms and dental dams, will
minimize the risk of contracting or spreading most bacterial STDs.
With chancroid and syphilis touching an infected lesion can cause
transmission.
Student Health Services offers HIV and STD
testing and counseling.
For more information regarding Sexually Transmitted Diseases
American Social
Health Association
Planned Parenthood
|
