STDs: Types, Transmission and Treatment Options

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDS) Types, Transmission and Treatment Learn the Types of STDS, How They Are Transmitted and Treatment Options VRadiant Health Centers Compassionate Care for All The number of STD infections in the US and the world shows the need for education, prevention and testing. According to a CDC report, 1 in 5 people in the United States have an STD. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 376 million new infections of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and syphilis. WHO reports that more than 290 million women have Human Papillomavirus (HPV). A PubMed report focused on college-aged females found those with more than 4 sexual partners had an 8x higher chance of getting an STD, in comparison to those with only 1 sexual partner. What Is an STD? An STD is a sexually transmitted disease. It may also be called a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The Types of STDS & Their Symptoms There are many signs for each STD - the most common are shown here. Chlamydia - painful urination, abdominal pain and discharge Gonorrhea - discharge, painful urination or bowel movements Trichomoniasis- discharge, odor, itching, pain HIV - sometimes flu-like symptoms Genital herpes – sometimes blisters, pain, itching HPV/Genital warts - cauliflower shaped warts, itching, bleeding Hepatitis A/B/C – fever, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice Syphilis – sores, fever, enlarged lymph nodes Neurosyphilis – headache, behavior & movement changes Many of these STDS can be present without showing signs of infection. It's important to get tested regularly as well as when you suspect you may have been exposed. How Are STDS Transmitted? STDS or STIS are transmitted by having sex with somone carrying an STD without a condom or other type of protection (although no method of protection is 100% reliable). Sex includes anal or vaginal intercourse, oral sex and even genital touching. You can transmit or get an STD regardless of your sexual orientation or marital status. Some STDS do not present any signs or symptoms, but the infection can still be passed to your partner. STD Treatments According to the Mayo Clinic there are two primary treatments for STDS. Antiviral drugs Antibiotics for chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea for HIV, herpes, hepatitis Bacteria-caused infections are easier to treat than virally-caused STDS. If you're pregnant and have an STD, start treatment at once to reduce risk of transmission to your baby. You must complete STD treatment to reduce symptoms and have the best outcome. Get Tested for STDS if You Think You May Have Been Exposed Timely diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid or delay more severe, potentially life-threatening health issues - and to avoid infecting others. Come See Us Today to Get Tested Call (949) 809-5700 www.RadiantHealthCenters.org ARadiant Health Centers Compassionate Care for All Radiant Health Centers © Copyright 2021 | All Rights Reserved Sources: CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/prevalence-incidence-cost-2020.htm World Health Organization - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis) PubMed – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1411843/ Mayo Clinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246