by Hector Chapa

Created on: June 07, 2008   Last Updated: June 09, 2008

Three words are enough to strike fear and devastate a relationship: Sexually Transmitted Disease. This article will review information as to how to prevent and treat common STDs. The infomation presented is from the Centers for Disease Control and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

PREVENTION
Prevention of STDs includes strategies to decrease exposure through delaying the onset of sexual activity, limiting the number of sexual partners, limiting the number of high risk partners, and the use of condoms. Prevention can also include partner notification and treatment if one of the pair if diagnosed. Anal sex avoidance can also be a preventative method since anal sex leads to small tears in the rectum which facilitates easier spread of contagious bacteria. Important to note also is that oral-genital sex can also transmit STDs especially Herpes Virus as well as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

Vital to prevention, outside of abstinance, is the use of condoms. Latex or polyurethane condoms are the only type of condoms recommended by the CDC for STD prevention, as "natural" condoms are not as effective for STD prevention. Additionally, the CDC does not recommend condoms lubricated with spermicides as they are no more effective in STD prevention than plain condoms.

SCREENING

According to the CDC, sexually active persons aged 25 or younger should be routinely screened for the presence of STDs. Of course, any individual thought to be high risk by history or those with symptoms should also be screened for diagnosis. Testing depends on the specific infection being investigated. Occassionally a swab is csed (Gonorrhea, chlamydia, Herpes Virus, Trichomonas) or blood tests may be required (HIV, Syphilis). It is important to remember that because some STDs have no clinical symptoms, routine testing is always recommended by Medical Authorities.

TYPES OF STDs
In general, there are different categories of STDs based on the type of infectious agent involved.
Bacterial STDs include: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea

Viral STDs: Herpes Virus (HSV), Human Papalloma Virus (HPV)

Protozoal: Trichomonas

Treponemal: Syphillis

LIVING WITH STDs
Thankfully, most of ther common STDs can be rapidly treated and are not a form of chronic illness. For example, treated gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas results in cure unless reexposure and reinfection occur. Even syphilis can be successfully treated without long term complications IF caught early. Herpes Virus, on the other hand, can be a chronic infection with sporadic or frequent outbreaks. For those with frequent outbreaks, oral medications can be taken to prevent outbreaks, leading to improved quality of life.

The hallmark of a chronic STD is HIV, of course. The HIV virus is still prevalent in the community. The introduction of newer HIV anti-viral medications has lead to longer life spans for those infected. Thus, what was once a fatal illness, is now considered a chronic disease similar to diabetes or hypertension. Vital to any chronic infection or disease state is adherence to medications, routine physician evaluations, proper diet and exercise as well as rest.

STDs are preventable, treatable conditions. Open communication between sexual partners, as well as the individual and health care provider, are key to early diagnosis, treatment and quality of life.

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