Genital Warts (HPV)
It's not necessary to have sexual intercourse for a sexually-transmitted disease
(STD) to harm your health. The human papillomavirus (HPV), the disease that causes
genital warts, can be transmitted by close skin-to-skin contact. Some types of HPV
cause cervical or anal cancer, and vaccines are available to protect against the most
dangerous types. Other HPV types cause genital warts, which can be raised, flat, or
cauliflower-shaped. HPV can be transmitted even by people who have no visible warts
or other symptoms.
HPV Symptoms
Genital warts can be big or small, flat or raised. They generally appear as a small
bump or group of bumps in the genital region, and may be shaped like a cauliflower.
HPV Vaccine
A vaccine to prevent HPV is given in three shots. The second shot is given a
month or two after the first shot. The third shot comes six months after the first shot.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends boys and girls be vaccinated at ages 11 or
12. If they did not get the HPV vaccine as children, women can get the HPV vaccine
through age 26. Men can get it through age 21. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination
for men through age 26 for men who have sex with men or men with compromised
immune systems, including HIV.
Pubic Lice (Crabs STD)
Pubic lice are colloquially known as "crabs." This name refers to the shape of
these parasites, which is different from that of body lice. Pubic lice live in pubic hair and
are spread among people during close contact. Pubic lice can be treated with over-the-
counter lice-killing medications.
Pubic Lice (Crabs) Symptoms
Severe itching
Visible crawling lice or eggs attached to pubic hair
Scabies
Like pubic lice, scabies is another parasitic STI. This parasite is not necessarily
sexually transmitted, since it can affect any area of the skin. However, scabies is often
spread during sexual contact.
Scabies Symptoms
Extreme itching that is worse at night.
The skin appears to have a pimple-like rash, as shown in the above photo.
Both the itching and rash may be across the body or limited to the wrist, elbow,
armpit, webbing between fingers, nipple, penis, waist, belt-line or buttocks.
Tiny blisters (vesicles) and scales may appear.
Tiny burrows left by the tunneling of female scabies mites may be visible on the
skin. They appear as tiny raised and crooked grayish-white or skin-colored lines.
The only way to prevent this STI is to avoid touching people, as any skin-to-skin
contact can spread this highly contagious mite. Condoms, while good at preventing
many diseases, will not prevent scabies.
Fortunately, this STI is treatable. Prescription creams can cure a scabies
infestation. Protect your health by visiting a doctor if you believe you may have this
STI.
Gonorrhea (The Clap)
Gonorrhea is an easily transmitted disease that affects both men and women. It
can harm your health by causing infertility in men and women if it is left untreated.
There may be no early symptoms of this common STD.
Gonorrhea Symptoms
Burning during urination
Vaginal or urethral discharge
Pelvic pain in women
Men may experience swelling of the testes and discharge from the penis
In some cases, the symptoms are mild and the condition is mistaken for a UTI or
yeast infection. Visit your health care provider if this sounds like you.
Syphilis
Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics, but many people don't notice its early STD
symptoms. It can play havoc with your health, leading to nerve damage, blindness,
paralysis, and even death over time if not treated.
Syphilis Symptoms
A round, firm, painless sore on the genitals or anal area (often the first sign)
A rash can develop later on the soles of the feet, palms, or other parts of the
body
Enlarged lymph nodes
Fever
Fatigue
Hair loss
Late-stage syphilis can cause damage to many different organ systems. That's
why early detection is so critical to your health.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a very common STD. It can cause infertility if not treated. The
symptoms may not be noticed, or they may be vague and nonspecific. Some people
experience no health effects at all.
Chlamydia Symptoms
Burning or itching of the genitals
Discharge
Painful urination
Chlamydia infections can also develop in the rectum and throat.
Oral Herpes (Herpes Simplex 1 Virus)
Cold sores or "fever blisters" on the lips are a sign of herpes virus infection,
usually caused by the type of herpes virus known as human herpes virus 1, also known
as oral herpes.
Oral herpes is usually not considered a sexually transmitted disease. It can be
transmitted through kissing or household contact. However, it can also spread to the
genitals. (While this type of herpes can be contracted on the genitals, it is different
from the disease known as genital herpes). There is no cure for herpes infection, but
medications can reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.
Oral Herpes
Itching of the lips or skin around the mouth
Burning near the lips or mouth area
Tingling near the lips or mouth area
Sore throat
Swollen glands
Painful swallowing
A rash may form on your gums, lips, mouth or throat
Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex 2 Virus)
In contrast to oral herpes, genital herpes infections are caused by a different
virus known as HSV-2 HHV-2. The genital herpes virus spreads through direct genital
contact and is considered an STD. More than 87% of those infected with genital herpes
are unaware of their infection due to very mild or nonexistent symptoms.
Genital Herpes Symptoms
Painful, fluid-filled blisters and crusted sores on the genital area, buttocks,
thighs, or anus.
Mild tingling or shooting pain in the legs, hips, or buttocks may occur hours to
days before a genital herpes outbreak.
After the first infection, less severe outbreaks are common in the first year.
Outbreaks tend to decrease over time, though the infection may stay in the body
indefinitely.
A genital herpes infection can spread to the lips through oral contact. As with oral
herpes, medications can reduce the severity of genital herpes, but there is no cure.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that spreads through contact with body fluids and blood, so
it can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Hepatitis B infection is also possible
through sharing of needles, razors, and toothbrushes. Babies can become infected at
birth from an infected mother. It's possible to go for years without symptoms of this
STI.
Hepatitis B Symptoms
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
Over time, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and liver cancer can develop.
Although there is no cure, there is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B infection
HIV/AIDS
The HIV virus (AIDS virus) weakens the body's immune system. It is spread through
sexual contact, needle sharing, or from an infected mother to baby. There may be no
symptoms for years, but a blood test can tell if you have been infected. With
appropriate treatment, many serious illnesses can be prevented.
HIV Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms 1 to 2 months after first infection, including like swollen lymph
nodes, fever, and headaches
Chills
Rash
Night sweats
Muscle Aches
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Mouth ulcers
AIDS Symptoms
Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
Extreme and unexplained tiredness
Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals