Bacterial Infections: Caused by bacteria, a microscopic, one-celled ”germ". Certain kinds can cause infections. They are very simple life forms, and multiply rapidly. Just a few can make thousands or even millions of copies of themselves in just a few days. All of the STIs caused by bacteria are curable with antibiotics. The infection is cured because all of the bacteria are killed. But if you are exposed to the bacteria again, you can get the STI again, even right after you have finished the antibiotics.
| STI | WHAT IS IT | HOW IT IS SPREAD | TREATMENTS | OTHER FACTS |
| CHLAMYDIA | Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can cause infection and scarring in males and females. Unless treated early, it can cause lifelong pain and sterility. | The bacteria lives in the vagina, cervix, penis, or anus. Vaginal or anal sex spreads the bacteria from the infected person to anyone he or she has sex with. | Prescription antibiotics will cure a chlamydia infection. But you must always take them exactly as prescribed. Incomplete treatment can make the infection worse. | Chlamydia is a "silent epidemic" —75% of women and 50% of men who have it have no symptoms. Others have mild symptoms or symptoms that seem to come and go. |
| GONORRHEA | Gonorrhea bacteria is spread by having sex. About 1 million people in the U.S. contract gonorrhea every year. | The bacteria lives in body fluids. Vaginal, anal or oral sex spreads the fluids with the bacteria in them to your body. | Prescription antibiotics will kill the gonorrhea bacteria. Treatment not completed can cause serious problems later. | Left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause worse infections. It can cause scarring and sterility. |
| SYPHILIS | Syphilis has been called the great imitator because its symptoms are like those of other infections/diseases. | Syphilis is passed through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. | Penicillin will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than a year. It takes more doses if infected for longer. | Left untreated it can last a lifetime and cause many painful problems. It has 3 stages with different signs or symptoms. |
| GENITAL WARTS | HPV, or human papilloma virus, is the name of a group of over 100 types of viruses that cause warts. Some types are linked to cervical and penile changes that can lead to cancer. | HPV and genital warts are usually spread by direct, skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex with a partner who already has the virus. | HPV is a virus and there is no direct treatment for the virus. The warts can be removed with chemicals, freezing with liquid nitrogen, or laser for severe cases. | HPV is the infection. The warts, sores or changes that might show up are the symptoms. A person may not know right away—or ever—if they have been infected by HPV. |
| HERPES | Herpes is a common and usually mild infection caused by two similar viruses—herpes simplex type 1 and 2. Both are very contagious and cause similar symptoms. | Herpes is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with a herpes sore, such as kissing or having oral, vaginal or anal sex. Oral herpes can spread to the genital area and visa versa. | There are several effective medications that can shorten or prevent the outbreak of symptoms. A healthy lifestyle and lower stress is important too. | 4 out of 5 people with herpes do not know they have it because they do not have or notice symptoms. Yet they can spread the infection if a small amount of virus is present. |
HEPATITIS
A, B and C | Hepatitis is the name for a group of viruses that cause serious infections in the liver. Hepatitis can permanently damage or destroy liver cells. Some people who get hepatitis never completely recover. | Hepatitis A: drinking or eating contaminated water or food. Hep B and C: blood or body fluids passed during vaginal, oral or anal sex; sharing needles, razors, tooth brushes, piercing or hair removal equipment. | Vaccines are available to prevent Hepatitis A and B. There is no cure, and treatments only relieve the symptoms temporarily. Hepatitis C must be treated early- it can do a lot of liver damage before symptoms occur. | People can have the virus for a long time before they realize they are sick. Some people never get sick, yet they can spread the virus with every contact—they are called chronic carriers. |
| HIV/AIDS | HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the body’s defenses by damaging and destroying the cells of the immune system over a period of time. AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is the most advanced stage of the infection. | HIV is spread by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Babies born to HIV positive mothers have a 1 in 3 or 4 chance of getting HIV before or during birth and through breast milk. | HIV progression can be slowed with certain medications and healthy lifestyle changes. Prevention is the best idea—abstinence, one lifetime sex partner, condoms. If a woman with HIV gets pregnant and is treated, there is less than a 3% chance her baby will develop HIV. | There is no evidence that HIV is spread through tears, sweat, urine or feces. HIV is not spread through casual contact. It is found in saliva but never found to spread that way. |
| MOLLUSCUM | Molluscum is very common. The virus causes small, painless, harmless growths in and around the area it enters the body. | Rubbing the molluscum areas during sex, sports, child play, etc. It can also be spread by sharing towels, etc. | Will disappear without treatment, but it can take many months. Removing the center speeds the process. | Can be easily spread to other areas of the body by shaving, scratching, etc. Hundreds of thousands of people get molluscum every year.
Parasite Infections: Caused by small animals or insects, these infections are more uncomfortable than dangerous. They can all be treated and cured. All the parasites in the surroundings must be eliminated at the same time or re-infection will occur. |
| TRICHOMONAS | Tiny one-celled protozoa multiply and cause genital symptoms. | Vaginal sex, bathing or sharing towels with an infected person. | A prescription antibiotic is needed to kill the protozoa. Douches don’t work. | Women usually get symptoms but men rarely do. |
| PUBIC LICE | Tiny, blood-sucking insects that live on the hairy parts of the body. | Skin to skin contact with an infected person, or contact with personal items. | Special over-the-counter shampoos or lotions will kill the lice. Follow instructions carefully. | Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing. The home should be vacuumed thoroughly. |
| SCABIES | An itchy rash caused when female mites burrow into a person's skin to lay their eggs. | Scabies mites are transferred by direct skin-to-skin contact. | Do not try to treat scabies on your own. The medication you need is by prescription only. | Towels, bedding, clothes and upholstery can spread the mites but for only a short time.
Viral Infections: A virus is not a one-celled living organisms like bacteria — it is made of genetic material inside a protein shell. Viruses work by injecting their genetic material into a living body cell. Sometimes the material just stays in the cell and does not affect it – the virus is dormant. But if something activates it, it can cause the cell to think that the virus' genetic material is the cell’s own. The cell uses it to make more copies of the virus. Finally the cell bursts and the new viruses then can infect other cells. When this happens, a person will get the symptoms of the infection, like sores, warts, etc. Once the genetic material is inside a cell, it cannot be destroyed. This is why most viral infections cannot be cured by medicines. But they can be treated—the duplication of the virus’ genetic material can be stopped and the symptoms will go away. It seems that the best way to keep the virus from being activated again is a healthy lifestyle — eating well, exercise, sleeping enough, lowering stress, etc. |
Men: Penis discharge, itching or pain.
Women: Unusual vaginal discharge or odor; burning, itching or pain in or around the vaginal opening, pain in the lower abdomen; unusual bleeding; pain or bleeding with sex.
Both: Sores, bumps or blisters near sex organs, mouth or anus; burning or pain when you pee; having to pee often; itching around the sex organs; swelling or redness in the throat; fever, chills or aches; swellings in the area around the sex organs.
Unfortunately, many people don’t have symptoms, so many go untreated, possibly leaving life-long damage.
If you notice any of these symptoms, come in right away for a check-up.
Not having sex is the best way to protect yourself from any STI.
If you do decide to have sex, plan your sexual relationships safely and responsibly. Have sex with only one partner who will only have sex with you, and always use a condom.
If you think you may have a sexually transmitted infection, don’t have sex at all until you are tested and get the results.. And be sure whoever you have had sex with gets tested and treated too.
The STD hotline 1-800-227-8922.
WSTC 952-474-3251
