Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases acquired from having sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal) with someone who has an STD. Sexually transmitted diseases are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. Currently, there are more than 25 STDs that affect both men and women.
Prevention of STDs
Although many STDs can go unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms, they can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated. We believe that, ultimately, the best treatment is prevention. So it is important to take precautions to stay safe.
Among other prevention measures, you can lower the risk of infection with:
- Abstinence
- Vaccines
- Reducing the number of sexual partners
- Mutual monogamy
- Use of condoms
Common Types of STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases are treated based on their causes. Bacterial STDs are usually easier to treat, while viral STDs can be managed but may not always be cured. Below is a list of the most common STDs we diagnose and treat:
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is a condition marked by inflammation of the vagina, often leading to symptoms like itching, burning, discomfort, and unusual discharge. It can affect women at different stages of life and be triggered by various factors such as infections, hormonal fluctuations, and irritants. Common forms include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis, each with specific causes and treatment options.
Learn More About Vaginitis Here
Condyloma / Genital Warts / Human Papilloma Virus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread virus that can infect various parts of the body. It has over 100 types, some of which cause warts on the hands, feet, and face. Approximately 30 strains can infect the genital area, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, rectum, and anus. This includes the HPV strain responsible for genital warts.
HPV is one of the most common STDs in the United States. About 14 million people acquire the infection each year. HPV is so widespread that most sexually active individuals who are not vaccinated against it will become infected at some point in their lives. Most are unaware they have it.
Learn More About HPV Here
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an STD. It is a bacterial infection of the urethra in men, and the urethra and cervix in women. This disease can spread to the reproductive organs and may lead to infertility.
Learn More About Genital Herpes Here
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that may lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) after many years. The virus weakens the immune system, making it difficult to fight infections and cancer by attacking and destroying white blood cells. HIV and AIDS are incurable STDs; however, some medications strengthen the immune system, helping those infected to live a better quality of life.
Learn More About HIV Here
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is an STD caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The disease causes outbreaks of itchy and painful sores in the genital area. It may also affect the mouth and lips.
Learn More About Genital Herpes Here
Chlamydia
Chlamydia, or a chlamydia infection, is an STD caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic. When symptoms occur, they may develop several weeks after exposure; the incubation period before becoming contagious is roughly two to six weeks. In women, symptoms may include vaginal discharge or a burning sensation during urination.
Learn More About Chlamydia Here
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease, commonly called PID, is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects the female reproductive organs. Pelvic inflammatory disease is one of the most serious complications of a sexually transmitted disease in women. Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause irreversible damage to the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other parts of the female reproductive system, and may cause infertility.
Learn More About Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Here
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and can be effectively treated with antibiotic therapy. Primary syphilis initially resembles chancre sores. The sores are large, round bug bites that are hard and painless, occurring on the genitals or in or around the mouth.
Learn More About Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Here
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by an organism called Trichomonas vaginalis. Women are most often affected by this disease with symptoms of vaginal discharge or vulvar itching and irritation; a vaginal odor may be present. Men are frequently asymptomatic and usually do not know they are infected until their partners need treatment.
Learn More About Trichomoniasis here
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses. Viral hepatitis may include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Hepatitis may be caused by other factors, such as the use of drugs, and may be sexually transmitted. Treatments for hepatitis vary, depending on the type.
Learn More About Genital Herpes Here