Sexually Transmitted Infections

how the disease in contracted. The two types of transmission are fluids and contact. Fluids indicates contact with infected semen, mucus, saliva, and /or blood. Contact indicates transmission through touching the area of infection.

most common symptoms.

if left untreated what are the consequences.

type of treatment.

measures that you can take to lower your exposure/risk of contraction an STI.

Contact

Rare but will exhibit only a few broad, deep and extremely painful ulcers when symptoms occur.

Secondary bacterial infection, fistulae, and recurring ulcers.

Antibiotics

Total absence of any touching. Barrier methods are only partially protective as lesions may exist in areas not covered.

Fluids (semen or mucus)

Rare but if present may include for women: pain or dull aching from cervix, heavy feeling in pelvic area, pain upon urination or intercourse, heavier menstrual flow, breakthrough bleeding, heavy cervical discharge. For men: urethral discharge, pain upon urination, epididymitis.

Can be serious for women. If infection spreads to fallopian tubes, can cause scarring, increased risk of tubal pregnancy, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID.)

Antibiotics.
NOTE: Partners must also be treated.

Condoms, casual contact.

Contact

Internal symptoms are rare. Lesions on the cervix can be seen only through magnification and the use of 5% acetic acid. External lesions on the vagina, tip of penis or rectum may itch or burn.

Warty lesions and pre-cancerous cell formation. If not treated until an advanced stage, cancers may form.

On the cervix: cryo (freezing), laser, and LEEP (electrosurgical excision procedure). External: cryo, laser, liquid N, and other various chemicals and creams. The visual presence of the lesions can be eliminated, however, viral particles remain for life.

Total absence of any touching. Barrier methods are only partially protective as lesions may exist in areas not covered.

Fluids (mucus and semen)

Similar to chlamydia. Click here for information.

Can be serious for women. If infection spreads to fallopian tubes, can cause scarring, increased risk of tubal pregnancy, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID.)

Antibiotics. NOTE: Partners must also be treated.

Condoms

Fluids (includes saliva). High risk for health care workers.

Rare, but poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, headaches, jaundice, dark,tea-colored urine, and light-coloured stool when symptoms are present.

Cirrhosis, liver cancer or failure, and even death.

None, however, immunization with available current vaccines which are effective.

Vaccination and avoid contact with needles, blood, etc.

Contact

Rash, fluid -filled blisters or sores around the mouth or genital skin which rupture leaving painful shallow ulcers.

Recurrent painful attacks, chronic pain and urethral strictures. Transmittable during birth to an infant leading to possible severe neurological damage or even death.

Antiviral drugs if taken early in prevention. Otherwise prescription drugs are used to treat the blisters. NOTE: the disease once contracted is not curable.

Total absence of any touching. Barrier methods are only partially protective as lesions may exist in areas not covered.

Fluids. High risk for health care workers.

various encompassing 4 stages, each stage progressive intensity of symptoms, Including flu-like illness for approximately 2 weeks and then no symptoms for a few months to years to early symptoms of fevers, herpes zoster, yeast infections for a few months to years leading to AIDS and opportunistic infections.

complications associated with the infections and illnesses acquired leading to death. For pregnant women - 20-30% risk that the HIV virus can be passed onto the child in utero.

NO cure at present, but antivirals and specific medications to lengthen life span and deal with infections and complications.

Condoms and avoid contact with needles, particularly IV drug use.

Contact

Small, round raised lesions with shiny surface and white coloured material filled. Located on genital skin, thighs, abdomen, and chest.

Secondary bacterial infection.

Cryo, scraping, chemicals.

Total absence of any touching. Barrier methods are only partially protective as lesions may exist in areas not covered.

Fluids.

Rare, but painful and frequent urination with a possible white discharge when symptoms occur.

Can be serious for women. If infection spreads to fallopian tubes, can cause scarring, increased risk of tubal pregnancy, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID.)

Antibiotics.

Condoms.

Fluids.

May simmer for years with no symptoms, however moderate to severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, and possible bowel symptoms are present symptoms. May mimic any one of several lower abdominal conditions; such as appendicitis, ruptured ovarian cysts, etc.

Abscesses and scarring leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pain, and even death.

Antibiotics. Treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia. NOTE: Partners must also be treated.

Condoms. Hormonal contraceptive methods (the pill, Depo-provera, Norplant, etc.) Help prevent recurrent attacks by suppressing ovulatory menstrual cycle.

Not necessarily by sexual contact. Can be transmitted by shared items (ie.; Bed linen, towels, clothes, etc.).

Irritation and itchiness.

Secondary infections from scratching.

Special creams, lotions, and shampoos. NOTE: partners must be treated and ALL fabrics, blankets, etc, that came into contact must be washed in very hot water, dry cleaned, ironed on high, or stored or frozen for two weeks to destroy insects and eggs.

Avoid contact. ALL fabrics, blankets, etc, that came into contact must be washed in very hot water, dry cleaned, ironed on high, or stored or frozen for two weeks to destroy insects and eggs and prevent reinfection.

Fluids and Contact. 50% risk to baby in utero.

3 stages: primary - painless ulcer, secondary - rash lymph node enlargement, spotty baldness, and latent - no clinical signs, but vascular and neurological damage may be occurring.

Severe neurological dysfunction , aortic aneurysm.

Penicillin or doxycycline - based on darfield or blood test diagnosis. NOTE: important to treat pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis and ALL contacts must be treated.

Condoms and spermicides.

Secondary infection from a yeast infection or from trichomonas (T) vaginalis (passed during intercourse) causing inflammation of the vagina.

Women - an abnormal, often foul-smelling, vaginal discharge; itching or pain inside/outside the vagina; redness and swelling on the outside of the vagina; and pain during intercourse or when urinating. Men (yeast infection) - may cause an itch and redness in a uncircumcised man; (T-vaginalis) - rare but may have a slight discharge from the penis and/or a burning sensation when urinating when symptoms occur.

Yeast infection - creams. T-vaginalis - creams or pills. NOTE: male partners should be treated to prevent reinfection.

Condoms and avoid wearing tight pants, panty hose or synthetic underwear (ie.; nylon, polyester, acrylics) which prevent fresh air flow.