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What are Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STDs) ?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are
diseases that are mainly passed from one person to another during sex.
There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted diseases with a
range of different symptoms. These diseases may be spread through
vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Most sexually transmitted diseases will only affect you if you have
sexual contact with someone who has an STD. However there are some
infections, for example scabies, which are referred to as STDs because
they are most commonly transmitted sexually, but which can also be
passed on in other ways.
What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) ?
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) is
another name for sexually transmitted disease (STD). The name STI is
often preferred because there are a few STDs, such as chlamydia, that
can infect a person without causing any actual disease (i.e. unpleasant
symptoms). Someone without symptoms may not think of themselves as
having a disease, but they may still have an infection that needs
treating.
What are Common STD Symptoms ?
STD symptoms vary, but the most
common are soreness, unusual lumps or sores, itching, pain when
urinating, and/or an unusual discharge from the genitals
Which are the most common Sexually Transmitted Diseases ?
Below are some of the most common
STDs and other genital diseases.
Bacterial STI'S
- Infections that are curable
|
|
Infection |
Risks (M=Mom;
B=Baby) |
Method of Transfer |
Treatment |
Gonorrhea
 |
M - Can result in
ectopic pregnancies and leads to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID),
which can cause infertility
B - Premature birth,
stillbirth, eye infections |
Can transfer in the
birth canal during delivery |
M - Antibiotics
approved by OB/GYN
B - Antibiotics are
given in the eyes to prevent infection |
|
About Gonorrhea
| Symptoms
| Test
|
Treatment |
Pictures of Gonorrhea |
|
Chlamydia |
M - Can result in
ectopic pregnancies and leads to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID),
which can cause infertility
B - Pneumonia, eye
infections, blindness |
Can transfer in the
birth canal during delivery |
M & B - Antibiotics
approved by OB/GYN |
|
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Trichomoniasis |
M - Can cause
fallopian tube damage
B - Premature birth,
low birth weight |
Can transfer in the
birth canal during delivery |
M & B - Antibiotics
approved by OB/GYN |
|
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|
|
|
Bacterial
Vaginosis |
B -
Premature birth,
low birth weight |
Can transfer in the
birth canal during delivery |
M & B - Antibiotics
approved by OB/GYN |
|
About Bacterial Vaginosis |
Symptoms |
Treatment |
Picture Bactrial Vaginosis |
Syphilis
 |
M -
Miscarriage
B - Stillbirth,
congenital syphilis which can result in mental & physical problems |
Can cross
the placenta during pregnancy and can transfer in the birth canal
during delivery |
M & B -
Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN can be given to prevent damage to the
fetus |
|
About Syphilis |
Signs & Symptoms
| Diagnosed
| Treatment
| Syphilis
Pictures |
Viral STI'S -
Infections that are not curable
|
|
Infection |
Risks (M=Mom;
B=Baby) |
Method of Transfer |
Treatment |
|
Human Papilloma
Virus (HPV) |
M - Can lead to
genital cancer
B - Warts can
develop in the baby's throat which will require surgery
M & B - Warts in
birth canal can cause complications during delivery |
Can transfer in the
birth canal during delivery, but very rare |
M & B - Wart
treatment can occur during pregnancy but has to be approved by OB/GYN |
| |
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Hepatitis B |
M - Can cause
significant damage to the liver
B - Unless treated
within an hour of birth 90% of babies will be a carrier for life |
Can transfer in the
birth canal during delivery |
B - No cure, but can
be prevented with vaccinations |
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Key Facts
| Causes
|
Symptoms |
Transmission |
Treatment
|
Self Care |
Herpes
 |
M - Severe outbreak
in the first trimester can result in
miscarriage
B - Fetus is at
higher risk if herpes is contracted during pregnancy, and can lead to
neonatal herpes. |
Can transfer in the
birth canal during delivery and rarely can cross the placenta during
pregnancy |
M - No cure, but
outbreaks can be treated with oral medication
B - Treatment
immediately following birth improves chances of a health baby |
|
About Herpes |
How it Spread ? |
Cure |
Recurrences
| Picture of
Herpes |
|
Human Immuno-
deficiency Virus (HIV) |
M & B - HIV can
develop into AIDS, which is fatal |
Can cross the
placenta during pregnancy and can transfer in the birth canal during
delivery. Also possible to transfer through breastfeeding
|
M - Antiviral
medication is given to reduce symptoms during pregnancy
B - Treatment during
pregnancy greatly reduces the chance of transmission to the baby |
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