There are two basic categories on sexually transmitted diseases: bacterial
and viral. Bacterial STD’s can be treated with an antibiotic; viral
STD’s are incurable, but outbreaks can be treated and in some cases
there are new suppressive medications available.
Among the most
common sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) are:
- Chlamydia (most common bacterial STD)
- Gonorrhea (bacterial STD)
- Syphilis (bacterial STD)
- Genital Herpes (HSV)
- Genital Warts/Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
- HIV/AIDS virus
Often STDs cause no symptoms,
especially in women. So, if you are sexually active with more than one
partner, you should talk to
your doctor about safe
sex practices and be periodically be tested or screened for STD’s even
in the absence of any symptoms. Regular testing will reduce the risk of potentially
spreading the infection to a sexual partner as well as the risk of serious
health problems if left untreated. For more information on STD’s, go
to http://www.epigee.org/guide/stds.html.
The basic rules for safe sex are to:
- Engage in a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected
partner.
- Correctly and consistently use a male condom to provide a barrier to
protect you from contact with genital sores and prevent the exchange of body
fluids,
such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions.
For answers to questions, call the GVSU Health Center at 331-2435, or Planned Parenthood at 774-0516. For more information visit Planned Parenthood www.plannedparenthood.org.
