STDs and other issues

Pam Belkevitz, RN, CEN

Bacterial Vaginosis
A condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning. Is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.

BV Symptoms
Women with BV may have an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after intercourse. Discharge, if present, is usually white or gray; it can be thin. Women with BV may also have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both. However, most women with BV report no signs or symptoms at all

BV

Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the United States. Sexually active females 25 years old and younger need testing every year. Easy to cure, chlamydia can impact a womans ability to have children if left untreated

Chlamydia Symptoms
Chlamydia is known as a "silent" disease because the majority of infected people have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure

Chlamydia
In women, the bacteria initially infect the cervix and the urethra (urine canal). Women who have symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. If the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry fertilized eggs from the ovaries to the uterus), some women still have no signs or symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea
If they occur, symptoms in men and women vary depending on what part of the body is infected: Gonorrhea can affect the anus, eyes, mouth, genitals, or throat. This disease can impact a womans ability to have children if left untreated.

Gonorrhea Symptoms
In women, the symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild, but most women who are infected have no symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they can be so non-specific as to be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. The initial symptoms and signs in women include a painful or burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods.

Gonorrhea

Genital Herpes
You can get genital herpes even if your partner shows no signs of the infection. If you have any symptoms (like a sore on your genitals, especially one that periodically recurs) laboratory tests can help determine if you have genital herpes. There is no cure for herpes, but treatment is available to reduce symptoms and decrease the risk of transmission to a partner.

Genital Herpes Symptoms

a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur

Genital Herpes

The first outbreak usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted, and the sores typically heal within two to four weeks.

Trichomoniasis
The infection often has no symptoms although women are more likely than men to get symptoms. You may notice an unusual genital discharge. Without treatment, trichomoniasis can increase a persons risk of acquiring HIV. Pregnant women with trichomoniasis can deliver premature, low birth weight babies.

Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD in young, sexually active women. An estimated 7.4 million new cases occur each year in women and men. Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The vagina is the most common site of infection in women, and the urethra (urine canal) is the most common site of infection in men.

Trichomoniasis Symptoms
Symptoms of infection which include a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor. The infection also may cause discomfort during intercourse and urination, as well as irritation and itching of the female genital area. In rare cases, lower abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days of exposure

Trichomoniasis

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of males and females. These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it. Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems from it. In 90% of cases, the bodys immune system clears HPV naturally within two years

HPV (Genital Warts)

But sometimes, certain types of HPV can cause genital warts in males and females. Rarely, these types can also cause warts in the throat -- a condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis or RRP. Other HPV types can cause cervical cancer. These types can also cause other, less common but serious cancers, including cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and head and neck (tongue, tonsils and throat).

Genital Warts
A small bump or groups of bumps in the genital area. They can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower.

Yeast Infections (Candida)

Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. In fact, it is estimated that between 20%-50% of healthy women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area.

Yeast (Candida)

Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a long-term problem of the skin. It mostly affects the genital and anal areas. Sometimes, lichen sclerosus appears on the upper body, breasts, and upper arms

Lichen Sclerosus Symptoms

Early in the disease, small white spots appear on the skin. The spots are usually shiny and smooth. Later, the spots grow into bigger patches. The skin on the patches becomes thin and crinkled. Then the skin tears easily, and bright red or purple bruises are common. Sometimes, the skin becomes scarred. If the disease is a mild case, there may be no symptoms. Other symptoms are: Itching (very common) Discomfort or pain Bleeding Blisters.

Lichen Sclerosus

References
Forensic HealthCare Online (2011) retrieved April 2, 2011 from the web site http://www.forensichealth.com/category/stis/ CDC (2011) retrieved from the web site: http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/default.