How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases
This excerpt from ACOG’s Patient Education Pamphlet is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, have any questions, or wish to receive the full text of this Patient Education Pamphlet, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.
Copyright © May 1999 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolo
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are spread by sexual contact. Except for colds and flu, STDs are the most common contagious diseases in the United States, with about 12 million new cases of STDs each year.About STDs
Everyone who has sex with another person can get an STD. People with an STD may not know they have it. Often there are no symptoms.
STDs can cause severe damage to your body — even death.
Symptoms of an STD can range from mild irritation to severe pain.
STDs are caused by being infected with tiny living organisms called bacteria or viruses.
If you suspect you may have been exposed to an STD, ask your doctor for advice.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are caused by bacteria. Each year, about 800,000 people in the United States. are infected with gonorrhea.
If not treated, both chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is the most common preventable cause of infertility in the United States.
Human Papillomavirus
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause genital warts. It is one of the most common STDs in the United States.
A person can be infected with HPV but have no warts. The virus can remain in the body for weeks or years without showing any symptoms.
Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete. If not treated, syphilis can infect many parts of the body, causing major health problems — even death.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes may be the most common STD of all. As many as 30 million Americans may now carry the herpes virus.
The most common symptom of herpes is sores on or around the genitals.
HIV Infection
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The rate of HIV infection is rising most rapidly among women who have sex with men.
HIV enters the bloodstream by way of body fluids, usually blood or semen.
HIV weakens the immune system, leading to AIDS.
Trichomonas
Trichomonas is a microscopic parasite that is spread through sex. Women who have trichomonas vaginitis are at a higher risk of infection with other STDs.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. The disease can be fatal. It is spread by direct contact with the body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids) of an infected person.
How to Protect Yourself from STDs
The only sure way to prevent getting an STD is not to have sex. If you do have sex, you can reduce your risk:
- Know and limit your sexual partners
- Use a condom
- Use a spermicide
- Avoid risky sex practices
- Get immunized
Finally …
Every woman should know how to protect herself and partners from STDs. If you think you have an STD, seek medical treatment to avoid long-term health problems.
This excerpt from ACOG’s Patient Education Pamphlet is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, have any questions, or wish to receive the full text of this Patient Education Pamphlet, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.
Copyright © May 1999 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists