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Viral STDs |
Contraceptive considerations
- When used consistently and correctly, latex male condoms give substantial protection. Other barrier methods (female condom, spermicides, sponge and diaphragm) have not been adequately studied.
- No STD protection occurs from other methods, including hormonal contraceptives (the pill, DMPA and Norplant), intrauterine devices (IUDs), sterilization or natural family planning methods.
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AIDS (HIV) |
Herpes Simplex (HSV) |
Human Papilloma (HPV) |
Hepatitis B (HBV) |
| Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to severe depression of the immune system, resulting in opportunistic infections called "acquired immunodeficiency syndrome," or AIDS. HIV is transmitted by an infected person through semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk or blood. |
Herpes has two types. Type I generally appears as cold sores on the lips, while Type II is often found as sores on genitalia. The two types, however, can infect any mucous membranes. Infected people may experience outbreaks of sores several times a year, typically for about a week during each outbreak. Some people experience only a single episode or no episode at all. |
Human papilloma viruses (HPV), or genital warts, are a family of viruses that cause warts in the mouth, throat, genitalia or anus. While painless and often small, some people experience large warts that can cause problems, such as blockage of the urethra or the larynx in infants. The virus is the main cause of cancers of the cervix, penis and anus. |
Hepatitis B (HBV) causes liver damage and may be transmitted sexually. The virus is also transmitted by contaminated blood products or contaminated syringes. HBV is found in bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal secretions. |
| Symptoms -- In the first few months, HIV-infected people may experience fever, chills or similar signs. AIDS, which is actually complications from diseases that occur after an HIV- infected person's immunity is weakened by the virus, typically occurs years after infection. AIDS is nearly always fatal. |
Symptoms -- Most HSV infections are asymptomatic. Herpes can appear as sores or blisters on the genitalia, anus or mouth. In serious cases, it can infect a person's eyes. A burning, itching sensation with redness occurs initially, followed in a day or so by blisters. The blisters recede and disappear with time. |
Symptoms -- Warts grow in the mouth, throat, genitalia or anus. They are bumpy, fleshy growths that are painless. The HPV subtypes causing external warts are usually not those associated with cancers. |
Symptoms -- Nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite and headaches are initial symptoms. Swollen glands and liver damage occur in later stages, and a person's eyes and skin turn yellow. In rare instances, some people die from severe damage to the liver. Some infected people have episodes of infection for life. |
| Treatment -- Several drug treatments show promise in reducing the level of HIV in blood and semen, reducing HIV related symptoms and delaying the onset of AIDS. These expensive treatments generally are not available in developing countries. |
Treatment -- The virus remains latent in the body between outbreaks and cannot be cured. Herpes remains in the infected person's body for life. Drugs are available to curtail the outbreak of sores and reduce pain. Herpes increases the risk of acquiring HIV, since sores make it easier for the AIDS virus to enter the body. |
Treatment -- Warts can be removed (by burning, freezing or with chemicals), but may recur since the latent virus remains in the body. Annual Pap smears are indicated to screen for cervical cancer. |
Treatment -- Ample rest helps people recover from acute disease. A vaccine is available and should be strongly encouraged. |
