Get the facts on STDs

Many people are not even aware that they have sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For example:

The first signs of HIV infection are often mistaken for the flu.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis B may cause few or no symptoms until the very late stages, when damage to internal organs can be quite serious.
Genital herpes usually causes red sores that become blistered and painful. But it can cause only mild symptoms in some people.

This is why it's so important to use condoms if you have sex. Although they're not foolproof, condoms can protect you from getting or spreading many kinds of sexually transmitted diseases. However, not having sex remains the best way to avoid getting an STD.

Symptoms to watch for

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor to find out if you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD):

abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
pelvic pain
burning during urination
sores around or on your genitals or anus
rash on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
swelling in the groin area
wart-like growths around or on your genitals or anus
weight loss, weakness or fatigue
tender, warm, swollen or red joints
painful intercourse

Such symptoms don't always occur right after you’re first exposed to a sexually transmitted disease. So if you think you have been exposed to someone with an STD, don’t hesitate to see your doctor to get tested.

Curable by antibiotics

Antibiotics may cure these sexually transmitted diseases, especially in their early stages:

Chlamydia spreads through vaginal or anal intercourse.
Gonorrhea spreads through vaginal, oral or anal intercourse.
Syphilis spreads through kissing and vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. In the late stages of syphilis, antibiotics cannot undo damage to the nervous system, including the brain.
Trichomoniasis spreads through vaginal intercourse.

Having these infections can increase the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and cause complications during pregnancy. Using a condom and not having sex are the best ways to prevent the spread of these diseases.

Incurable, but treatable

Although these sexually transmitted diseases have no known cures, medical treatments are available to lessen their symptoms:

HIV/AIDS spreads through vaginal, oral and anal sex, or through sharing needles/syringes with an infected person. Sometimes, it's spread through blood transfusions or from a mother to her baby. Medications can extend life expectancy and decrease the severity of symptoms for people with this fatal disease.
Genital herpes spreads by touching the infected area or by having vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. Genital herpes is not life-threatening and may decrease in frequency and severity as time goes on. But it can harm a baby born when the mother’s disease is active. So it is important to tell your doctor if you have genital herpes when you are pregnant.
Genital warts (human papillomavirus, HPV) spread through vaginal or anal intercourse, or by touching or rubbing an infected area. Since the virus may increase the risk of cervical cancer, early detection and regular medical examinations are important.
Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) spreads through vaginal or oral sex. You can also get it through sharing needles with someone who is infected or through blood transfusions. Since both forms of hepatitis can damage the liver, causing cirrhosis or liver cancer, early detection and regular medical examinations are important.