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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
What is it?
An STI is any disease transmitted by sexual intercourse or sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections can affect men and women from all backgrounds and economic levels, with approximately two-thirds of cases occurring in individuals less than 25 years of age. Sexually transmitted infections are one of the most common infectious diseases in the United States with more than 20 different types identified and an estimated 15 million new cases reported each year.
The 5 most commonly occurring STI?s?chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis?will be discussed here. HIV/AIDS is discussed in detail under the ?Conditions & Treatments? tab at: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/HC.
Here is a quick introduction to the 5 different types of STIs:
Chlamydia is the most frequently reported STI. An estimated 2.8 million Americans get chlamydia each year, but not even half get reported. Chlamydia infections are spread by sexual contact through oral, vaginal, or anal routes with an infected partner.
Gonorrhea is a STI that you can get if you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who has gonorrhea. Gonorrhea infections are spread by sexual intercourse or contact through oral, vaginal, or anal routes with an infected partner.
Syphilis is an STI that has often been called "the great imitator" because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases. Syphilis is also spread by sexual contact through oral, vaginal, or anal routes with an infected partner. Syphilis is not spread by contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.
Trichomoniasis, also called "trick," is a common STI that affects both women and men, although symptoms are more common in women. This disease is spread through sexual activity.
Genital Herpes is a STI that spreads from person to person through sexual contact. Individuals who get this disease may have only minimal signs or symptoms from the infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur.
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What is it?
