Sexually Transmitted Disease
Alternate Names : STD, Venereal Disease, VD
What can be done to prevent the disease?
While the only way to prevent STDs is to avoid sex, safer sex practices
help lower the risk. Having sex with only one person who is faithful and known
to be disease-free can also prevent STDs from occurring. The use of male condoms
or female
condoms reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching an
STD. Other forms of birth control, such as oral contraceptives
or a
diaphragm, do not provide protection from STDs. Epidemics of STDs
exist in most parts of the world.
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
Long-term effects vary depending on the type and severity of the sexually
transmitted disease, as well as the effectiveness of the treatment.
Trichomonas and pubic
lice have few or no long-term effects other than continued symptoms.
Chlamydia infections and human papilloma virus infections increase a
woman's risk of cervical
dysplasia and cervical
cancer.
HIV can result in AIDS
and death.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infertility in
women.
Hepatitis B can cause
permanent liver damage, liver
cancer, and death.
Syphilis can cause
permanent brain and heart damage.
What are the risks to others?
All sexually transmitted diseases are contagious. Those who have an STD should
not have sexual contact with another person until they receive treatment or
until the infection has cleared. All STDs can be transmitted to babies while
they are in the uterus or during delivery. Effects of STD infection on babies depend
on the disease transmitted and effectiveness of treatment. Effects can include
localized infections, congenital abnormalities, or even death.
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