Sexually Transmitted Disease

Sexually Transmitted Disease commonly referred to as STD is a contagious disease passed on from one person to person via any kind of sexual contact like anal or oral sex, vaginal intercourse and the use of sexual toys, such as vibrators. There are millions of women in the world affected by STD. Statistics reveal that an estimated 15.3 million new cases of STDs are reported each year in the U.S alone; which can be regarded as the maximum rates of STDs in the world. Also studies have shown that women suffer more frequent and serious complications of STDs than men.

Types of STD’s
Sexually transmitted diseases in women, as identified in years of research include common types of STDs such as:

  ¤ Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is one of the most common STDs found in women. The infection also called “Herpes” is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The disease is highly contagious and is transmitted through intimate contact with the mucous-covered linings of the mouth or the vagina or the genital skin. Though there are no treatments available to cure genital herpes till date; as the virus tend to prevail within the body. However, oral prescription antiviral drugs like Zovirax (acyclovir), Famvir (famciclovir) and Valtrex (valacyclovir) can promote a quicker heal and reduce the frequency of relapses.  

  ¤ Genital Warts
Another, common sexually transmitted disease in women is Genital Warts, also called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts. This disease is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and it affects the moist tissues of the genital area. This highly contagious disease is spread during oral, genital or anal sex with an infected partner.  In women, the warts infect the outside and inside of the vagina, on the opening to the uterus or around the anus.

  ¤ Chlamydia
Chlamydia, categorized as the most common sexually transmitted infections in people worldwide, is also one of the curable among STDs. Studies reveal that an estimated 2.8 million Americans get Chlamydia each year. Chlamydia in women if not treated properly in time can affect the reproductive health of women causing infertility. Moreover, there are chances for newborn babies to be affected by infected mothers.

  ¤ Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea in women though highly contagious, is a curable sexually transmitted disease. Also known as Clap, gonorrhea is one of the most reported diseases in the U.S. It is often characterized by thick discharge from the vagina and easily spreads through semen or vaginal fluids during unprotected sexual contact. It has been found that women with multiple sexual partners are at greater risk due to gonorrhea.

  ¤ Syphilis
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by spirochaete bacteria is transmitted into the body through the penis, anus, vagina, mouth or through broken skin. Syphilis affects your genitals, skin and mucous membranes and other body parts including brain and heart. There also chances for an infected pregnant woman to transmit the disease to her unborn child.

  ¤ Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a protozoan (parasite). It is a contagious disease and is sexually transmitted from one person to another through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner. Though most often treated in women, there have been innumerable cases when men can also be infected.