Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Female

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is usually characterized by a vaginal discharge or by vulvar itching and irritation; a vaginal odor may be present.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. This infection is easily spread because it often causes no symptoms and may be unknowingly passed to sexual partners. In fact, about 75% of infections in women and 50% in men are without symptoms.

How Is Chlamydia Diagnosed?

There are a few different tests your doctor can use to diagnose chlamydia. He or she will probably use a swab to take a sample from the cervix.

How Is Chlamydia Treated?

If you have chlamydia, your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics. Your doctor will also recommend your partner(s) be treated as well to prevent re-infection and further spread of the disease.

What Happens If I Don’t Get My Chlamydia Treated?

If you do not get treated for chlamydia, you run the risk of several health problems.

If left untreated, women with chlamydia infection can rick getting pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to damage of the fallopian tubes (the tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus) or even cause infertility (the inability to have children). Untreated chlamydia infection could also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg implants and develops outside the uterus.)

How Can I Prevent a Chlamydia Infection?

To reduce your risk of a chlamydia infection:

· Use condoms correctly every time you have sex.
· Limit the number of sex partners, and do not go back and forth between partners.
· Practice sexual abstinence, or limit sexual contact to one uninfected partner.

· If you think you are infected, avoid sexual contact and see a doctor.

Any genital symptoms such as discharge or burning during urination or an unusual sore or rash should be a signal to stop having sex and to consult a doctor immediately.

Because chlamydia often occurs without symptoms, people who are infected may unknowingly infect their sex partners. Many doctors recommend that all persons who have more than one sex partner should be tested for chlamydia regularly, even in the absence of symptoms.

Condoms

Condoms are the oldest and most widely used contraceptive methods. Condoms provide a barrier between the sperm and the egg.

Condyloma

Condyloma acuminata are genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases among young people in the United States today.

Douching

Despite all the advertising by manufacturers of feminine hygiene products, there are no practical reasons for women to douche on a regular basis.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and may affect the genital area, or the mouth and lips. The usual symptoms are painful lesions.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is probably under-reported among teenagers and young adults.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses and other factors, such as alcohol abuse, some medications, and trauma.

Human Papilloma Virus

The most common sexually transmitted disease is the human papilloma virus or HPV, which is three times more common than herpes.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

The most serious and common complication of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among women is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the upper genital tract.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States today. More than 20 STDs have now been identified, and they affect more than 13 million men and women in this country each year.

Syphilis

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, can be effectively treated with antibiotic therapy.

Trichomoniasis

Vaginitis is usually characterized by a vaginal discharge or vulvar itching and irritation; a vaginal odor may be present.

Venereal Warts

Venereal warts, also known as condyloma or genital warts, is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a virus that affects the skin on the outside of the body and the mucous membranes.

What Is AIDS?

AIDS is the acronym for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).