Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact. Unprotected sexual intercourse places young persons at risk for HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and pregnancy. Each year, there are about 15 million new STD cases in the US, and about one-fourth of these are among teenagers.
The surest way to prevent contracting an STD is to advise your adolescent to abstain from any type of sexual activity. However, if your adolescent becomes sexually active, you can advise him/her on taking certain precautionary measures for reducing the risk of acquiring an STD, as recommended by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). These measures include the following:
Treatment for STDs should begin as soon as possible. In addition, your adolescent's sexual partner(s) should be notified so they may seek treatment. Urge your teen to abstain from sexual activity during his/her treatment and make sure he/she is tested again at a follow-up checkup.
More than 20 STDs have now been identified, and affect as many as 65 million people in this country, say some estimates. According to the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Centers for Disease Control, common types of STDs include:
| Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus that destroys the body's ability to fight off infection. People who have AIDS are very susceptible to many life-threatening diseases and to certain forms of cancer. Transmission of the virus occurs during sexual activity or by the sharing of needles used to inject intravenous drugs. |
Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted disease that can cause genital warts called condylomas. These condylomas can occur on the inside or outside areas of the genitals and may spread to the surrounding skin or to a sexual partner. Because HPV infection does not always cause warts, the infection may go undetected. Women with HPV infection have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Regular Pap smears can detect HPV infection as well as abnormal cervical cells. Although there is treatment for the condylomas (which sometimes go away on their own), the virus remains and warts can reappear. Smoking appears to increase problems related to HPV infection. Other types of HPV can also cause warts on other body parts such as the hands, called common warts, however, these do not generally cause health problems. |
| Chlamydial Infections Chlamydial infections, the most common of all STDs, can affect both males and females. Infections may cause an abnormal genital discharge and burning with urination. In females, untreated chlamydial infection may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). However, many people with chlamydial infection have few or no symptoms of infection. |
Gonorrhea Gonorrhea causes a discharge from the vagina or penis and painful or difficult urination. The most common and serious complications occur in females, which include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, and infertility. |
| Genital Herpes Genital herpes infections are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms may include painful blisters or open sores in the genital area, which may be preceded by a tingling or burning sensation in the legs, buttocks, or genital region. The herpes sores usually disappear within a few weeks, but the virus remains in the body and the lesions may recur from time to time. |
Syphilis The initial symptom of syphilis is a painless open sore that usually appears on the penis or around or in the vagina. If untreated, syphilis may go on to more advanced stages, including a transient rash and, eventually, serious involvement of the heart and central nervous system. |
| Genital Warts Genital warts or venereal warts (condylomata acuminata) are caused by a virus related to the virus that causes common skin warts. Usually, genital warts first appear as small, hard, painless bumps in the vaginal area, on the penis, or around the anus. |
Other diseases that may be sexually transmitted include the following:
Source: National Institute of Allergy |
Click here to view the
Online Resources of Infectious Diseases
| Pocket Doc Mobile App |
| Maps and Locations (Mobile) |
| Programs & Services |
| Health Information |
| Employment |
| For Health Professionals |
| For Patients & Families |
| Contact Us |
| Find a Doctor |
| News |
| CME |