STD Symptoms And Treatments

Scientists have released evidence of a new gonorrhea "superbug" -- oneresistant to all forms of antibiotics that are currently available for treatment. Althoughmany observers from the scientific community have called this an "alarming" development,few are surprised. Gonorrhea is one of the world's most common STDs, and it has shown anotable tendency to mutate in order to survive antibiotic treatment. Althoughgonorrhea is not fatal -- yet -- it can cause serious health complications if leftuntreated, and can leave women unable to bear children. This news only servesto reinforce the importance of knowing how to identify STDs when you suspect you have one,and perhaps more importantly, the importance of having safe sex. The topic of sexually transmitteddiseases (STD) is an unpleasant one. Alsoknown as sexually transmitted infections (STI) and venereal diseases (after Venus, theRoman goddess of love), the reported cases of STDs have been at epidemic numbers foryears. Despite having become more controlled in North America, AIDS is stilla terrifying prospect, and it's only one of many STDs out there. The major publicitysurrounding AIDS has left us slightly more ignorant about other STDs, which may not bedeadly but do pose wider threats. The major problem with any STD is its sneaky capabilityto go unnoticed. The symptoms can range from chancre sores, to painful urination anddischarge, to flu-like aches and pains. Many men and women carry STD bacterium or virusesfor years without visible symptoms, and unknowingly pass them on to their sexualpartners. Here is an overview of STD symptoms and treatments so that you're alittle more well-informed on how to protect yourself and your partner.std breakdownThere are two types of sexually transmitted infections: bacterial and viral. The biggestdifference between the two is that infections of a bacterial nature respond to antibiotictreatments. Viral infections do not have cures. Here is a breakdown of two ofthe most common STDs, their symptoms, and their respective treatments.Bacterial STDChlamydia Chlamydia iscontracted through oral, vaginal or anal contact or by touching your eyes after touchingthe genitals of an infected partner. Symptoms in men and women:Painful urination, penile/vaginal discharge or sore throat from oral contact.GonorrheaGonorrhea is a bacterial STD that presents differingsymptoms in men and women. Symptoms in men and women: Menoften experience pain while urinating and penile discharge, while a full half of all womenexperience no symptoms at all. Untreated gonorrhea in both men and women can lead topelvic inflammatory disease. Women run the risk of compromising their fertility. Viral STD AIDS An acronym foracquired immune deficiency syndrome, AIDS is an outbreak of symptoms and infections thatresult from the damage done to the immune system by the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV). AIDS may initially be asymptomatic or thepatient may experience flu-like symptoms,which may disappear for many years before the development of full-blown AIDS. AIDS is symptomized by fever, weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea, andopportunistic infections such as rare forms of cancer (Kaposi's sarcoma) and pneumonia(PCP). Treatment consists of a combination of antiviral drugs, proteaseinhibitors and other drugs. Everyone who has ever been -- or will ever be --sexually active is at risk. Abstinence is the only true form of protection against theseinfections. Thought condoms were the only form of STD prevention? Thinkagain...

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