| Here
are some of the most common STDs:
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Both of these STDs can be cured with antibiotics. If left
untreated, they can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which
may lead to chronic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy.Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
This virus can be treated but not cured. Having HPV increases
your risk of developing cervical cancer, so you need to have
regular Pap smears to detect any cancer cells early.Genital Herpes
There is no cure for this virus, but there are treatments
for the sores it causes. If you have been exposed to herpes
and are pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor. There are steps
you can take to prevent passing it on to your baby in childbirth,
when it could be harmful.
Syphilis
This STD can be cured with medication. Untreated, it can lead
to serious health problems for adults. If you are pregnant
and have syphilis, there is a high chance of having a miscarriage
or a baby with serious health problems. |
Answers about STDs:
Question: What's the best defense
against STDs?
Answer: A good offense. Practice good
prevention.
Practice sexual abstinence.
Use a latex condom; it's very effective at
preventing the spread of STDs, including HIV, the virus that
causes AIDS.
Talk frankly with your sexual partner about
any STDs you or your partner have had or been exposed to and
about any unexplained sores or discharge in the genital area.
Have regular checkups for STDs, even if you
have no symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with an STD, follow
your doctor's directions and tell your recent sexual partner(s).
In the future:
Scientists are working on a vaccine to prevent
infection by the herpes virus. It should be available in the
next 5-10 years, but the vaccine would only work on women. |
