Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect millions of men and women each year.
- Anyone can become infected through sexual intercourse with an infected person.
- Many of those infected are teenagers or young adults.
- Changing sexual partners adds to the risk of becoming infected.
- Sometimes, early in the infection, there may be no symptoms, or symptoms may be easily confused with other illnesses.
Symptoms
Several symptoms can indicate the possibility of a sexually transmitted disease. If you experience any of these symptoms see your health care provider as soon as possible.
- Unusual vaginal discharge, or any discharge from the rectum or penis.
- Painful intercourse.
- Burning or discomfort during urination.
- Unusual pain or discomfort in the abdomen in women or the testicles in men. Also be aware of any unusual pain in both the buttocks and legs.
- Swelling, blisters, open sores, warts, or a rash in the genital area, on the sexual organs, or in the mouth.
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headach, aching muscles, or swollen glands.
Although just having these symptoms does not mean they are caused by a sexually transmitted disease, these symptoms do indicate a potential infection.
Risks
Several potential health risks are associated with sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. These include:
- Ectopic or tubal pregnancies which can be fatal to the mother and are always fatal to the unborn baby.
- Babies born to women with sexually transmitted diseases may suffer death or severe damage as a result of the mother's STD.
- Cervical cancer is almost always caused by an STD called the human pappilloma virus or HPV.
- Sometimes sexually transmitted diseases cause damage to other organs including the heart, kidneys, a