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AIDS | Chlamydia | Crabs | Genital Herpes | Genital Warts | Gonorrhea | Hepatitis B | Syphilis

AIDS

This page was reviewed or revised on Saturday, October 26, 2002.

Cause Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
How transmitted Contact with infected blood or sexual fluids.
Symptoms May cause no symptoms for many years. Symptoms such as swollen glands, night sweats, weight loss may occur.
Diagnostic tests Blood test
Treatment Medications to help keep immune systems stronger. There is no cure.
Complications The virus destroys the immune system leaving the body unable to fight off infections. This may eventually cause death. May also be passed from mother to infant.

Chlamydia

Cause Chlamydia Trachomatis (Bacteria)
How transmitted Direct contact with infected sexual fluids during genital, oral or anal sex.
Symptoms Many males and most females have no symptoms. May have burning on urination, discharge, abdominal pain, pain during sex, or females may bleed during or after sex. Symptoms begin 1-3 weeks or longer after contact
Diagnostic tests Swab of urethra in males or cervix in females.
Treatment Antibiotics
Complications Can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in females which is a serious infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to sterility. It can also cause eye infections or pneumonia in infant during birth.

Crabs

Cause Phthirus Pubis (Pubic Lice)
How transmitted Close physical contact with an infected person (especially sexual contact) Also possible through sharing bedding, clothes, towels and possibly toilet seat.
Symptoms Persistent itch in pubic hair - usually worse at night. May see live crab or brown specks in underwear.
Diagnostic tests Visual examination
Treatment Medicated lotion applied to pubic hair.
Complications Secondary infections from scratching.

Genital Herpes

Cause Herpes Simplex Virus
How transmitted Direct skin to skin contact with the site of infection to the site of contact during genital, oral or anal sex.
Symptoms Tiny cluster of painful blisters or sores containing clear liquid. Blisters break open, then heal and disappear. Re-occurrences are likely.
Diagnostic tests Swab of the sores or blisters. A blood test is not a good indicator of infection.
Treatment Antiviral creams or pills. There is no cure.
Complications Can pass to other sites if not careful with handwashing after touching sores. Infants can be infected at birth causing serious medical problems including death.

Genital Warts

Cause Human Papilloma Virus
How transmitted Direct skin to skin contact with an infected person or previously infected person.
Symptoms Causes a wart usually on genitals. May cause itching or burning. In females, warts may be in the vagina, or on the cervix where they may go unnoticed.
Diagnostic tests Direct visual exam. Pap tests in females.
Treatment Warts may be removed with either liquid, freezing or laser. Surgery may be required if severe.
Complications Strongly associated with cancer of the cervix. Therefore, females should have yearly pap tests.

Gonorrhea

Cause Neisseria Gonorrhea (Bacteria)
How transmitted Direct contact with infected sexual fluids during genital, oral or anal sex.
Symptoms May have no symptoms - especially females. May have burning while urinating, and thick yellowish discharge.
Diagnostic tests Swab of urethra in male and cervix in female.
Treatment Antibiotics
Complications Can cause PID in females which can lead to sterility. Can cause heart and brain infection. Can cause blindness in infants if infected during birth.

Hepatitis B

Cause Hepatitis B Virus
How transmitted Contact with infected blood, sexual fluids and possibly saliva.
Symptoms May have no symptoms. May have flu-like illness including fatigue, lack of appetite and jaundice (yellowing skin).
Diagnostic Tests Blood test
Treatment There is no cure. There is a vaccine available. Hepatitis B immune globulin may provide protection after exposure.
Complications Can lead to Cirrhosis and Cancer of the liver. Can be passed from mother to infant during birth.

Syphilis

Cause Treponema Pallidum (Bacteria)
How transmitted Direct contact with sores of infected person. Case remains infectious for up to 2 years after infected.
Symptoms A painless open sore (chancre) appears between 10 days and 3 months after exposure. May also cause skin rash on hands and feet. All symptoms go away without treatment.
Diagnostic tests Blood test. Swab of chancre.
Treatment Antibiotics
Complications Can cause heart, brain, spinal cord, bone and joint damage. Can cause birth defects or miscarriage. Can cause death if untreated.