Cervicitis : Risk Factors

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by a group of infectious microorganisms that are transmitted mainly through sexual activity. These agents represent a costly, burdensome global public health problem. STDs can cause harmful, often irreversible, clinical complications, including reproductive health problems, fetal and perinatal health problems, and cancer, and they are also linked in a causal chain of events to the sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although STDs are largely preventable through behavior modification and sound primary health care, they are under-recognized and under-appreciated as a public health problem by most healthcare providers, the general public, and healthcare policy makers. In 1997, the Institute of Medicine characterized STDs as "hidden epidemics of tremendous health and economic consequence" in the United States and advocated urgent national preventive action. An estimated 333 million curable STDs occur annually worldwide. In the United States, STDs are among the most frequently reported infectious diseases nationwide. Each year an estimated 15 million new cases of STDs occur in Americans, including nearly 4 million infections in U.S. teenagers. The annual direct and indirect costs of the principal STDs, including sexually transmitted HIV infection, and their complications are estimated at $17 billion. More than twenty-five bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and yeasts are considered sexually transmissible. Bacterial STDs include those caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea), Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid), and other common sexually transmitted organisms. Chlamydia and gonorrhea cause inflammatory reactions in the host. In women, these organisms can ascend into the upper reproductive tract where pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause irreparable damage to the reproductive organs and result in infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. In its early stages, syphilis causes painless genital ulcers and other infectious lesions. Left untreated, syphilis moves through the body in stages, damaging many organs over time. Chancroid is associated with painful genital lesions. In pregnant women, acute bacterial STDs can cause potentially fatal congenital infections or perinatal complications, such as eye and lung infections in the newborn. Effective single-dose antimicrobials can cure chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chancroid. Viral STDs include the sexually transmitted viral infections caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV infection), herpes simplex virus type 2 (genital herpes), and human papillomavirus (HPV infection). Initial infections with these organisms may be asymptomatic or cause only mild symptoms. Treatable but not curable, viral STDs appear to be lifelong infections. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Herpes causes periodic outbreaks of painful genital lesions. Some strains of HPV cause genital warts, and others are important risk factors for cervical dysplasia and invasive cervical cancer. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is another acute viral illness that can be transmitted through sexual activity. Most persons who acquire HBV infection recover and have no complications, but it can sometimes become a chronic health problem. Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis) is a common protozoal STD, and Candida species (candidiasis) are sexually transmitted yeasts. Both are frequently associated with vaginal discharge.

Detailed information on sexually transmitted diseases, including causes, diagnosis, and prevention

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a term used to describe more than 20 different infections that are transmitted through exchange of semen, blood, and other body fluids; or by direct contact with the affected body areas of people with STDs. Sexually transmitted diseases are also called venereal diseases.

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Detailed information on sexually transmitted diseases, including causes, diagnosis, and prevention

Detailed information on sexually transmitted diseases, including causes, diagnosis, and prevention

Detailed information on sexually transmitted diseases, including causes, diagnosis, and prevention

Your body usually tells you when you are in danger -- your heart races, you breathe hard, your palms sweat. But when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, you may not have any warning signs.

Detailed information on sexually transmitted diseases, including causes, diagnosis, and prevention

Detailed information on sexually transmitted diseases, including causes, diagnosis, and prevention

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are viral and bacterial infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact.

Your body usually tells you when you are in danger -- your heart races, you breathe hard, your palms sweat. But when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), you may not have any warning signs.

Detailed information on sexually transmitted diseases, including causes, diagnosis, and prevention

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial STD by far in the United States -- and it can cause serious complications and infections for both men and women if left untreated.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea is most common among females ages 15-19 and males ages 20-24. Although most males experience symptoms, 50% of females have no symptoms. For this reason, gonorrhea in adolescent girls often goes untreated. Therefore, screening cultures for gonorrhea should be routine for all sexually active adolescents.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae , a bacterium. Gonorrhea is spread through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal). The organism can grow easily in mucous membranes of the body, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra, mouth, throat, and rectum in women and men. It can also invade the conjunctiva (e.g., during childbirth). Each year approximately 650,000 persons in the United States get gonorrhea. Approximately 75 percent of gonorrhea cases are found in persons age fifteen to twenty-nine years. About 50 percent of men have some initial symptoms, typically a burning sensation when urinating and a discharge from the penis. Many infected women are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms. Initial symptoms include a painful or burning sensation when urinating and a vaginal discharge that is yellow or bloody. Untreated gonorrhea in women can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility or increase the future risk of ectopic pregnancy. An infected pregnant woman can transmit the infection to her newborn during vaginal delivery. N. gonorrhoeae in the male or female genital tract can be diagnosed in a laboratory using a urine specimen. Many of the currently used antibiotics can successfully cure gonorrhea. Persons who engage in sexual behaviors that place them at risk of STDs should use latex or polyurethane condoms every time they have sex, limit the number of sex partners, and not go back and forth between partners. All young, sexually active, nonmonogamous persons who do not use condoms every time they have sex should consider being screened for gonorrhea yearly. Infected persons should notify all sex partners so they can receive treatment. A LLISON L. G REENSPAN J OEL R. G REENSPAN ( SEE ALSO : Sexually Transmitted Diseases )

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (commonly known as "the clap) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhea. See also: Disseminated gonococcemia

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is transmitted sexually. Many women and some men who have gonorrhea do not have any signs or symptoms. If not treated, gonorrhea can cause swollen and painful joints and permanent damage to your reproductive organs.

Gonorrhea is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. The genitourinary tract is the main system that is usually affected, but gonorrhea can also spread to the rectum, the throat, and the eyes. Left untreated, gonorrhea can spread through the bloodstream and infect the brain, heart valves, joints, and the reproductive system. Exposure to an infected mother during birth may cause permanent blindness in the newborn.

Gonorrhea is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae . The mucous membranes of the genital region may become inflamed without the development of any other symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are different in men and women. In men, gonorrhea usually begins as an infection of the vessel that carries urine and sperm (urethra). In women, it will most likely infect the narrow part of the uterus (cervix). If untreated, gonorrhea can result in serious medical complications.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection affecting the skin of the genitals.

Studies report that at least a quarter of all adults are infected with the sexually transmitted herpes virus. A guide to managing its sympoms and protecting yourself from this highly infectious disease.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. The disease is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled, painful blisters in the genital area.

Genital herpes ( herpes genitalis ) is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a strain of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Genital herpes invades the body through mucous membranes, also known as small breaks in the skin.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) usually caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2. Herpes is a family of viruses that causes various types of infections, one of which is genital herpes. In the United States, one-half million new cases of genital herpes are reported every year. Oral herpes, which causes cold sores of the mouth or lips, is caused by a different type of herpes virus (HSV type 1) and is not sexually transmitted.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a herpes virus. The disease is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled, painful blisters in the genital area.

Genital warts are soft wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease. Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD), also called a sexually transmitted infection (STI.

Treating WartsYou and your doctor can talk about what treatment may be best for your wart or warts. To get rid of your warts, your doctor may need to try more than one type of treatment.

Learning about HPV can help you avoid infection and seek treatment, if necessary.

Detailed information on the most common types of warts, including foot warts, flat warts, genital warts, and filiform warts

Detailed information on the most common types of warts, including foot warts, flat warts, genital warts, and filiform warts

Genital Warts (Condyloma)Note:Latex condoms may help protect against genital warts. But condoms don’t cover all the areas that can get infected.

Detailed information on the most common types of warts, including foot warts, flat warts, genital warts, and filiform warts

Genital warts , which are also called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, are growths in the genital area caused by a sexually transmitted papillomavirus. A papillomavirus is a virus that produces papillomas, or benign growths on the skin and mucous membranes.

Genital warts, or condylomata acuminata, are also called venereal warts. These warts are painless, pink or grayish growths on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and anal area. They are usually found in clusters. Genital warts are very contagious and spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

After undergoing treatment for genital warts, what are the best condoms for a woman to use if she had genital warts around her cervix -- the female condom or the regular condom?

Trichomoniasis refers to an infection of the genital and urinary tract.

Trichomoniasis refers to an infection of the genital and urinary tract. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease, affecting about 120 million women worldwide each year.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Answer this one: Which is the most common bacterial STD?

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States, with about three million new cases diagnosed in the country each year. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis . The following areas in the body can be affected: cervix fallopian tubes, which carry ova (eggs) from the ovaries to the uterus urethra, which carries urine from the bladder to outside the body epididymis, a small organ attached to the testicles that is responsible for sperm production prostate gland, a gland at the base of the penis which provides nutrients for sperm anus throat eyes In addition, Chlamydia trachomatis also causes lung and eye infections in newborns whose mothers have a chlamydial infection during the last part of their pregnancy .

Chlamydia is a disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most commonly sexually transmitted.

Chlamydia infection is a very common STD. Because most people do not have symptoms, chlamydia may not be noticed until it causes severe problems. Left untreated, this STD can cause women and men to become sterile.

A lot of us don't realize that chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause no symptoms, meaning you could have an STD and not know it.

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis , a bacterium. Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. An estimated 3 million Americans are infected with chlamydia each year. Three-quarters of infected women and half of infected men have no symptoms. Sexually active girls and young women are especially susceptible to chlamydia because the cells that form the lining of the immature cervix are easily invaded by the bacteria. Women with symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. When the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes, some women still have no symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, and bleeding between menstrual periods. Whenever the infection spreads past the cervix, permanent and irreversible damage can occur to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and tissues surrounding the ovaries. This damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy. Widely available laboratory tests can accurately detect chlamydia bacteria in a urine sample. Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Persons who engage in sexual behaviors that place them at risk of STDs should use latex or polyurethane condoms every time they have sex, limit the number of sex partners, and not alternate partners. All young, sexually active, unmarried persons who do not use condoms every time they have sex should be screened for chlamydia yearly. Infected persons should notify all sex partners so they can receive treatment. A LLISON L. G REENSPAN J OEL R. G REENSPAN ( SEE ALSO : Sexually Transmitted Diseases )

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, is more common than gonorrhea, affecting 35% and 8% of sexually active adolescents, respectively. Adolescent girls are at especially high risk for infection with chlamydia. Because chlamydia causes no symptoms in half of infected adolescents, it often goes untreated. For this reason, screening for chlamydia should be routine for all sexually active adolescents.

Herpes simplex is a viral infection that mainly affects the mouth or genital area.

If you have herpes, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans have it. Herpes has no cure. But you can control it and learn how to protect yourself and others from outbreaks.

Detailed information on herpes simplex virus and pregnancy

Herpes simples virus (HSV, or herpesvirus) is a virus that causes infection of skin and mucous membrane and rarely infects other parts of the body. However, in the immunosuppressed patient, HSV may cause pneumonia and other more severe infections. When the infection occurs in the mouth it is commonly referred to as cold sores. An outbreak of HSV infection can be very painful. There are two distinct types of HSV: type 1 and type 2. It was believed that HSV-1 mostly caused oral herpes (herpes labialis), while HSV-2 generally caused genital herpes that typically affects the penis, vulva, and rectum. This is not completely true. Both type 1 and type 2 can cause herpes lesions on the lips or genitals. The first symptoms occur within 2-20 days after contact with an infected person. Symptoms of the primary infection are usually more severe than those of recurrent infections. The primary infection can cause symptoms like those experienced in other viral infections, including lack of energy, headache, fever , and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The first sign of infection is formation of fluid-filled blisters that may last up to two weeks. However, the pain in the area may last much longer. Once HSV enters the body it spreads to nearby mucosal areas through nerve cells. Once it infects the body the virus remains latent for the life of that individual. During the period of latency there are no symptoms. At times the infected person may shed the virus, even in the absence of visible symptoms, and infect others. Individuals infected with the virus can have recurrent infections; however, normally, recurrent infections are milder and shorter. However, cancer patients can have severe recurrences. Typically, 50-80% of persons with oral herpes experience a prodrome (symptoms of oncoming disease) of pain, burning, itching , or tingling at the site where blisters will form. This prodrome stage may last anywhere from a few hours to one to two days. The herpes infection prodrome occurs in both the primary infection and recurrent infections.

Herpes zoster, also called shingles, and referred to as "zosteer", gets its name from both the Latin and French words for belt or girdle and refers to belt-like skin eruptions that may occur on the trunk of the body. The virus Shingles, or herpes zoster, on patient's buttocks and thigh. ( Custom Medical Stock Photo . Reproduced by permission .) that causes chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus (VSV), can become dormant in nerve cells after an episode of chickenpox and later re-emerge as shingles. Any individual who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. People of all ages, even children, can be affected, but the incidence increases with age. There are many other conditions which can predispose to developing shingles. These include: newborn infants, bone marrow and other transplant recipients, and individuals with immune systems weakened by diseases like HIV or cancer, or drugs, such as those used in chemotherapy . Shingles erupts along the course of the affected nerve, producing lesions anywhere on the body and may cause severe nerve pain. The most common areas to be affected are the face and trunk, which correspond to the areas where the chickenpox rash is most concentrated. The disease is caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that has been dormant in certain nerves following an episode of chickenpox. Exactly how or why this reactivation occurs is not clear; however, it is believed that the reactivation is triggered when the immune system becomes weakened as in the examples described above. Early signs of shingles are often vague and can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. The condition may begin with fever and malaise (a vague feeling of weakness or discomfort). Within two to four days, severe pain, itching , and numbness/tingling (paresthesia) or extreme sensitivity to touch (hyperesthesia) can develop, usually on the trunk and occasionally on the arms and legs. Pain may be continuous or intermittent, usually lasting from one to four weeks. It may occur at the time of the eruption, but can precede the eruption by days, occasionally making the diagnosis difficult. Signs and symptoms may include the following: itching, tingling, or severe burning pain red patches that develop into blisters grouped, dense, deep, small blisters that ooze and crust swollen lymph nodes Immunocompromised patients usually have a more severe course that is frequently prolonged for weeks to months. They develop shingles frequently and the infection can spread to the skin, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, brain, or other vital organs. Potentially serious complications can result from herpes zoster. Many individuals continue to experience persistent pain long after the blisters heal. This pain, called post-herpatic neuralgia, can be severe and debilitating. Post-herpetic neuralgia can persist for months or years after the lesions have disappeared. Other complications include a secondary bacterial infection, and rarely, potentially fatal inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and the spread of an infection throughout the body. These rare, but extremely serious, complications are more likely to occur in those individuals who have weakened immune systems (immunocompromised).

Virus that causes blister-like open sores, usually on the mouth or genitals of the infected person. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) exists in two known forms. HSV type 1 causes sores to erupt near the mouth; HSV type two causes sores to erupt on the genitals. HSV type 1 sores are referred to as oral herpes, cold sores, or fever blisters. Oral herpes is one of the most common viral diseases of childhood. Prenatal stage. Prior to birth, fetuses of mothers with genital herpes are at risk for birth defects. An active genital herpes sore at the time of birth can cause extremely serious results, including blindness, birth defects, and even death. Cesarean section is advisable for mothers with active herpes eruptions at the time of delivery. Newborn infants. Newborn babies have their mother's antibodies providing them immunity against herpes simplex virus until around six months of age.

Herpes is an infection caused by a herpes simplex virus 1 or 2, and it primarily affects the mouth or genital area.