Sexually Transmitted Diseases - what you need to know (part 2)
Oct 20 '00
This epinion is a continuation of a previous one. Please refer to my other articles regarding this topic. Here, I am explaining the information you and your sexually active teenagers need to be aware of. Please be aware that some of these descriptions can be somewhat graphic.
Chlamydia
This is caused by a bacteria that can be found in the urine and genital secretions. There is an estimated 4 million new infections every year in the US alone. In women, untreated chlamydia infections can lead to chronic pelvic pain, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), and infertility, among other things. In men, it can cause an inflammation of the reproductive system, which can lead to male infertility.
About 75% of women and 50% of men show no symptoms. Because of this, the infected person remains untreated, possibly spreading it to other sexual partners, and risking their health. If symptoms do occur, they can, at first, include burning during urination, vaginal or penile discharge, lower abdominal tenderness, testicular tenderness/swelling or pain, burning/itching around the opening of the penis, low grade fever and urinary frequency. Women may also notice bleeding between periods and/or cramping of the lower abdomen during sex. Some of these symptoms are similar to Gonorrhea. Symptoms commonly occur from a week to a month after sex with an infected person. It is possible for an infected pregnant woman to have a premature delivery, or pass the bacteria on to their baby in the form of an eye infection or breathing difficulties.
Because many people do not experience symptoms, sexually active individuals (especially those who've had unprotected sex and/or multiple partners) should be tested annually (at least) for Chlamydia. Doctors may take a sample of the discharge and/or a urine test. Various antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria. To prevent this STD, you can, of course, practice abstinence, have a monogamous relationship with an uninfected person, or use latex condoms every time you have sex.
Crabs
Although it is possible to get crabs from contaminated bedding, toilet seats and clothing, for example, the most common way to contract pubic lice is through sexual contact. The lice are millimeter-sized insects that infect the pubic hair and feed on blood. A louse lives for 6 weeks, but can die within 24 hours without a meal. Female lice lay 2 or 3 eggs per day. It is possible, through oral sex, to become infected in the hair of the eyelashes, eyebrows, face, chest and scalp.
Itching is the most prominent sign of having crabs. The itch is frequently worse at night. On close inspection, you may be able to see adult lice and the eggs attached to the base of the pubic hairs. Doctors may perform a microscopic examination to confirm. Prescription lotions or ointments may be given to help get rid of the lice. The only way that you can be sure to prevent getting this is to practice abstinence or have sex only with an uninfected partner.
Genital Warts
This is one of the most common STDs. Genital warts is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). An estimated 40 million people in the US may be infected with HPV, with up to a million new cases every year. HPV lives in skin cells. The warts produced by HPV may be located internally in the vagina, urethra, throat or rectum and/or be confined to an early isolated outbreak. Because of this, up to half of people infected do not realize they have genital warts.
Both men and women are equally susceptible to infection with this virus. Left untreated, the warts eventually spread, grow, and multiply into large clusters. They may cause a variety of health problems, depending on where they are located. They are sometimes associated with cancer of the cervix, anus, penis, scrotum, and vagina. Infected pregnant women can pass them on to their newborns, causing many potentially serious health problems for the infant.
They may be small, flat, flesh-colored bumps or tiny, cauliflower-like bumps. Individual warts usually measure one to two millimeters in diameter, but clusters may be quite large. They may, sometimes, be so small you do not notice them. Genital warts may produce no symptoms, or they may cause itching, burning, tenderness or pain. The disease is spread by intimate sexual contact.
Genital warts can be diagnosed by a doctor either by just looking at the visible warts, or performing a test for internal ones. The best methods of prevention are abstinence and having sex with only an uninfected partner (but in many cases you can not be sure if the person is infected or not). Latex condoms are also generally effective, though warts can appear in areas where condoms wouldn't protect.
Please talk with your teenagers about STDs. It is important that they know this information, for whenever they decide to begin having sex. Many teenagers (and adults) are not aware of this information, how easy it is to contract an STD and how widespread they are. This epinion has been seperated into parts for easier reading, please follow through with my next article. Thanks.
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