Know your Disease

Genital Herpes

Is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, caused by the herpes simplex virus, that is passed through sexual contact.  The virus can be spread even when the person has no symptoms.  

Signs/Symptoms

Many people with the herpes virus don't even know they have the virus because they have no sign or symptoms, or the sign or symptoms are mild. When symptoms are present they include:

• Pain or itching that starts 2-10 days after exposure
  
• Small red bumps or blisters
  
• Ulcers which form when the blisters rupture and then ooze or bleed, they      can also make urination painful
  

Diagnosis/Treatment

Diagnosis for herpes is done by physical exam and results from a viral culture, polymerase chain reaction test, and blood test.  There is no cure for genital herpes but there are antiviral medications that can be prescribed to help with the symptoms.  Some medications may be taken daily even when you don't have an outbreak and some medications may be taken only when you have an outbreak.

Effects of Genital Herpes and Prevention 

Since there is no cure for genital herpes finding out you have the disease can cause embarrassment, anger, shame and fear of being rejected by current or future partners. There are healthy ways to help you cope such as communicating with your partner, educating yourself about the disease and support groups.

Ways to prevent genital herpes are abstinence and talking to your partner before becoming sexually active, and using condoms.

Chlamydia

Is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, it is caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis and is passed through sexual contact.  It can cause serious permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system making it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later on.

Signs/Symptoms

Chlamydia usually has no signs or symptoms, for those who do experience symptoms they usually start 5-10 days after you were infected.  Those symptoms may include:

Symptoms in Women                             Symptoms in Men

• Abnormal discharge                             Discharge from penis
  
• Burning sensation when urinating          Burning sensation when                                                                            urinating
  

Diagnosis/Treatment

Diagnosis for chlamydia is done by taking a swab and collecting a sample from the cervix for women and the urethra from men, or by urine sample. Chlamydia is curable with oral antibiotics.  It is recommended that not only you but your partner as well take the antibiotics to prevent reinfection.  It is also recommended to be retested every 3 months to make sure the infection is cured.

Effects of Chlamydia and Prevention

If chlamydia is left untreated it can have serious effects on your life.  A chlamydia infection may progress to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which could result in sterility and infertility.  

The best way to prevent yourself from being infected with chlamydia is abstinence.  Avoid having sex with an infected partner and use condoms.