FREE ESSAY ON STD - SEXUAL TRANSMITTED DISEASES

STD - SEXUAL TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Sexual transmitted diseases (STD) are one of the major causes of death in the United
States, frequently in teenagers. Some of these sexual transmitted diseases do not have a
cure and many others, if not treated properly, can lead to very serious complications as
cancer. Quantities of the most common types of STD's are viral, bacterial, and parasitic
animals. A virus in order to survive needs a living cell within which to replicate. Some
viruses can survive outside the host cell but they cannot grow or reproduce. Viruses have
genes made of DNA or RNA that allow them to make copies of themselves. The virus uses the
cell's machinery and some of the cell's enzymes to continue reproducing until the cell is
destroyed and other cells become infected. HIV, Genital Warts, Herpes, Genital Herpes,
and Hepatitis type A, C, E, and B are examples of viral STD's. A bacterium is a
prokaryotic organism. Bacteria are able to reproduce and grow without a host cell. Unlike
viruses antibiotics destroy bacteria. Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Vaginitis are
examples of bacterial STD's. Parasitic animals is a common STD that affect many Americans
each year. Vaginitis (Trichomoniasis), Lice, Scabies are examples of parasitic animals
STD's.
Genital Warts are caused by certain types of HPV (Human papillomavirus). HPV is one of
the most common causes of sexually transmitted diseases in this country. There are over
one million new cases per year in the United States. Genital Warts are spread by sexual
contact with an infected partner. This disease it is very contagious and usually within
three months of sexual contact with an infected person, the individual will develop it.
Not often people are born with the infection and sometimes people become infected and the
warts will not develop for many years. Using condoms during sexual intercourse may
provide some protection against HPV.
Genital Warts are often asymptomatic meaning that often there are no symptoms. On the
other hand they can cause warts in the genital areas in women and men. "In women, genital
warts can occur on the vulva perianal area, vagina, and cervix. In men, genital warts can
appear on the tip or shaft of the penis, urethra, scrotum, and perianal area." (Aldara)
Warts can also develop in the mouth of a person who has had oral sex with an infected
individual. The warts often appear in groups and they can be so small that doctors need a
magnifying glass or microscope to see them. The infection may produce itching, burning,
and pain during sex.
There is no cure for Genital Warts. The visible genital warts are frequently removed by
surgery, laser, freezing, and burning. "Factors that might influence selection of
treatment include size, location, and number of warts, changes in the warts, patient
preference, cost of treatment, convenience, adverse effects, and provider experience."
(3M pharmaceuticals) Even though treatment can eliminate warts, it does not destroy the
virus. There is a connection between HPV and the development of several types of cancer,
such as the cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and cancer of the penis. This is
the reason why symptoms should not be ignored and if a person believes that he/she has an
HPV infection he/she should look for professional help immediately. 
Chlamydia is a sexual transmitted infection caused by a bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis.
It is estimated that Chlamydia is the most common sexual transmitted disease in the
United States since there are three to four million new cases each year. It is
particularly common among teens and young adults. Chlamydia is often transmitted through
sexual contact and it is possible for pregnant women to pass the bacteria to their
newborn during birth. Using condoms or diaphragms during sexual intercourse may help
reduce the transmission of chlamydial bacteria.
Chlamydia is often called the Silent Epidemic in view of the fact that up to 70 percent
of women and 30 percent of men who are infected show no symptoms. Alternatively when
symptoms take place, usually after one to three weeks of having sexual contact with an
infected person, women suffer increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, unusual
vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, painful intercourse, and lower abdominal pain. Men
may perhaps go through burning sensation while urinating, mild, sticky, milky or
mucus-like discharge from penis, testicular pain, and irritation around opening of the
penis. Symptoms may seem to ebb and flow. 
"Chlamydia is the easiest sexual transmitted disease to treat. Doctors may prescribe a
single dose of an antibiotic (azithromycin), or other antibiotics which eliminate the
disease within a week." (The Silent Epidemic) Tetracycline or doxycycline are some of the
antibiotics recommended for chlamydial infection. Complications, such as pelvic
inflammatory disease, infertility, and inflammation of the testicles, can result if the
infection is not treated properly. This takes place very regularly for the reason that
Chlamydia is very asymptomatic. 
Another common sexual transmitted disease is Trichomoniasis, which is frequently called
"trich". Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
Trichomoniasis is mainly an infection of the urethra in men and the vagina in women. This
sexual transmitted disease affects two to three million Americans every year. Having
sexual contact, transferring vaginal discharge with hands and mouth, and sharing sex toys
with an infected partner transmits trichomoniasis. Condoms and diaphragms may be helpful
in preventing the spread of Trichomoniasis.
Like many other sexual transmitted disease Trichomoniasis is asymptomatic. "In men 90%
may have no signs." (Trichomoniasis) But when symptoms do occur, within four to twenty
days of exposure, men normally suffer a thin, whitish discharge from the penis and
painful or difficult urination. While women experience heavy, yellow-green or gray
vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, burning during urination, discomfort during
intercourse, and vaginal odor. 
Even though men usually show no symptoms it is healthier to treat both partners to
eliminate the parasite. "Treatment is with antibiotic tablets, either tinidazole
(Fasigyn) which is taken as a single large dose, or metronidazole, which is taken over
five days." (Trichomoniasis: Essential Facts) People receiving treatment should not drink
alcohol since mixing alcohol with the medicines can cause severe nausea and vomiting.
Sexual transmitted diseases are responsible for the death of millions of Americans and
many other people around the world each year. The most dangerous one is the viral STD
since there is no cure for this one. Other STD's such as the bacteria and parasite
animals can be treated with good results but sometimes they can lead to serious
complications as many types of cancer, infertility, and birth defects. The most affected
people by STD's in the United States are teenagers because of the lack of knowledge about
this field and their sexual life. The best way to avoid contracting an STD infection is
abstinence. Moreover, having only one sexual partner and using condoms or diaphragms
during sexual intercourse can reduce the risks.