Introduction
A sexually transmitted disease (also called a sexually transmitted infection, or STI) is an infectious disease that's transmitted by sexual contact. Infections can be spread through sexual intercourse, oral sex, anal sex or even using fingers or sexual toys that have come in contact with another person's genitals or bodily fluids.
In many cases, you can acquire an STD without even knowing it, since they often don�t have any signs or symptoms. However, all STDs can have an impact on your future health. For instance, the human papillomavirus (HPV or genital warts) can lead to cervical cancer in females, chlamydia can sometimes lead to infertility, and hepatitis B and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) can potentially lead to death.
Symptoms
STDs are a group of illnesses spread primarily through sexual contact, including HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, genital herpes, trichomoniasis, genital warts, gonorrhea and syphilis. Symptoms vary widely and some infections are barely noticeable. Obvious signs are skin rashes appearing on or near the genital area and genital discharges.
Discharges in men are always considered abnormal and should be reported to a physician. Women should pay attention to any discharges that deviate from the normal cycle or are abnormally strong or smelly. Pain or discomfort while urinating is another symptom (these can often be mistaken for a bladder infection). In women, pain in the pelvic area or during intercourse should be evaluated professionally.
Never ignore even mild symptoms. A delay in getting a diagnosis increases the risk of unwittingly spreading an STD. Furthermore, without early treatment, the infection can lead to inflammation in the pelvis, affecting fertility in both sexes.
The most deadly of all STDs, HIV is the viral infection linked to AIDS, which causes the body's immune system to shut down. In most cases, HIV is transmitted through vaginal or anal sex, although any form of contact with infected blood can also spread the virus. Symptoms identified with early HIV infection may appear as head and muscle aches, fever, sore throat, rashes, and swelling of glands only to go away and then return to stay. As the infection progresses, other symptoms arise, including swollen lymph nodes, extreme tiredness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. The only way a positive diagnosis of HIV can be obtained is though an HIV test.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted by vaginal, oral or anal sex. It is the most common of all STDs. Symptoms include pain during urination and soreness of the throat, liver, upper abdomen, back and shoulders about two to three weeks after the infection is contracted. Infected men may also notice a whitish discharge from their urethra. In many cases, however, there are no symptoms. In about 40 per cent of cases, women will develop pelvic inflammatory disease, a major cause of infertility and birth defects. Having chlamydia also increases a person's risk of contracting HIV.
Syphilis remains one of the most serious STDs. The first sign of it is often an ulcer in the genital region, but this disappears on its own, later to appear on a different part of the body in the form of another skin rash.
Gonorrhea, like syphilis, has been around for centuries and is still a widespread problem. Typical signs are often vague and uncharacteristic. A discharge and pain or discomfort when urinating can sometimes be indicative of gonorrhea.
While much less serious than syphilis or gonorrhea, trichomoniasis infection is quite a common STD. The symptoms of trichomoniasis usually mimic a yeast infection, with a smelly discharge, itching, burning and irritation. In men, there can be symptoms of a discharge or urinary symptoms, though many men exhibit no symptoms at all.
Genital warts can be passed on without the obvious presence of warts on the skin through the human papillomavirus, which is also a risk factor for cervical cancer.
Any of these symptoms require medical attention. Avoid any sexual contact until you have been examined by a physician.
Causes/Risk Factors
STDs are caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria, which are spread through sexual contact.
Sexually promiscuous behaviour greatly increases the risk of infection. While latex condoms can help to minimize the risk of contracting an STD, they will never entirely eliminate it.
Routine check-ups are recommended as a preventative health measure, since many STDs have serious consequences if they�re not treated early and effectively. If the infection is allowed to continue, symptoms may seem to improve even as the disease progresses.
What You Can Do
Only have sex with one partner in a committed, exclusive relationship.
Know your partner�s health status. Some STDs can be transmitted by non-sexual means, particularly intravenous drug use, so even if your partner hasn't had sex with an infected person, they can still have an STD. Don�t have sex with someone who has symptoms of, or may have been exposed to, an STD.
Wear a condom or encourage your male partner to wear one. Make sure you both know the proper techniques for condom use. Remember that herpes and genital warts can be spread by skin-to-skin contact so a condom may not provide sufficient protection if the lesions are not covered by the condom.
Contrary to popular myth, you can contract many STDs through oral sex. So be just as careful when you're having oral sex as when you're having vaginal or anal sex. A dental dam or other mouth barriers can help prevent infections spread by oral sexual activity.
Apply a water-based lubricant (like K-Y Jelly) before sex to prevent tearing of the vagina or rectum. Don't use petroleum jelly, since it can break down the latex in condoms.
If you're a sexually active woman, make sure you have a regular pap smear to screen for cervical cancer, and consider getting the HPV vaccine. This vaccine can also help prevent genital warts.
Don't douche if you are a woman. This can upset the balance of organisms in the vagina and make you more susceptible to STDs.
Strengthen the immune system with sufficient sleep and relaxation.
Don't do drugs. Using narcotic drugs or alcohol increases your odds of engaging in risky sexual behaviour, as well as weakening the immune system.
If you think you may have an STD, see your doctor or visit the STD clinic as soon as possible.
What You Can Take
A strong immune system will increase resistance to sexually transmitted diseases. To strengthen the immune system, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, limit sugars and drink plenty of liquids.
If antibiotics are taken to treat an infection, eat plain natural yogurt containing live culture, kefir or lactic acid fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut, to help restore healthy intestinal bacteria.
Further Resources
Contact Alberta Health and Wellness at www.health.alberta.ca/public/STD-prevention.html. You can also call the STD clinic in Calgary at 944-7575 or call the 24-hour help line at 1-800-772-2437.
