Sexually Transmitted Diseases Health Article

Treatment

Although self-care can relieve some of the pain of genital herpes or genital warts that has recurred after being diagnosed and treated by a physician, other STD symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Antibiotics are prescribed to treat gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and other STDs caused by bacteria. Although prompt diagnosis and early treatment almost always cures these STDs, new infections can develop if exposure continues or is renewed. Viral infections can be treated symptomatically with antiviral medications.

Prognosis

The prognosis for recovery from STDs varies among the different diseases. The prognosis for recovery from gonorrhea, syphilis, and other STDs caused by bacteria is generally good, provided that the disease is diagnosed early and treated promptly. Untreated syphilis in particular can lead to long-term complications and disability. Viral STDs (genital herpes, genital warts, HIV) cannot be cured but must be treated on a long-term basis to relieve symptoms and prevent life-threatening complications.

Vaccines

Vaccines for the prevention of hepatitis A and hepatitis B are currently recommended for gay and bisexual men, users of illegal drugs, health care workers, and others at risk of contracting these diseases. Vaccines to prevent other STDs are being tested and may be available within several years.

Lifestyle choices

The risk of becoming infected with an STD can be reduced or eliminated by changing certain personal behaviors. Abstaining from sexual relations or maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner are legitimate options. It is also wise to avoid sexual contact with partners who are known to be infected with an STD, whose health status is unknown, who abuse drugs, or who are involved in prostitution.

Use of condoms and other contraceptives

Men or women who have sex with a partner of known (or unsure) infection should make sure a new condom is used every time they have genital, oral, or anal contact. Used correctly and consistently, male condoms provide good protection against HIV and other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Female condoms (lubricated sheaths inserted into the vagina) have also been shown to be effective in preventing HIV and other STDs. Condoms provide a measure of protection against genital herpes, genital warts, and hepatitis B.

Spermicides and diaphragms can decrease the risk of transmission of some STDs. They do not protect women from contracting HIV. Birth-control pills, patches, or injections do not prevent STDs. Neither do surgical sterilization or hysterectomy.

Hygienic measures

Urinating and washing the genital area with soap and water immediately after having sex may eliminate some germs before they cause infection. Douching, however, can spread infection deeper into the womb. It may also increase a woman's risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

ORGANIZATIONS

Planned Parenthood Federation of America. (800) 230-7526. <http://www.plannedparenthood.org>.

National STD Hotline. (800)227-8922.

OTHER

Basic Facts about STDs. <http://www.mcare.org/healthtips/homecare/basicfac.htm>. (23 May 1998).

Can STDs be Prevented? <http://housecall.orbisnews.com/sponsors/aafp/topics/infections_d/stds/page5.html>. (23 May 1998).

1998 Guidelines for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Disease. <http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/STD98T03.htm>. (23 May 1998).

Sexually Transmitted Diseases. <http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/dstdp.html>. (24 March 2001).

Sexually Transmitted Diseases. <http://www.tod.dm/global/std.html>. (23 May 1998).

The Challenge of STD Prevention in the United States. <http://www.cdc.gov/nch.stp/dstd/STD_Prevention_in_the_United_States.htm>. (23 May 1998).

Maureen Haggerty

KEY TERMS

Chlamydia—A microorganism that resembles certain types of bacteria and causes several sexually transmitted diseases in humans.

Condom—A thin sheath worn over the penis during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy or the transmission of STDs. There are also female condoms.

Diaphragm—A dome-shaped device used to cover the back of a woman's vagina during inter-course in order to prevent pregnancy.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)—An inflammation of the tubes leading from a woman's ovaries to the uterus (the Fallopian tubes), caused by a bacterial infection. PID is a leading cause of fertility problems in women.

Venereal disease—Another term for sexually transmitted disease.