Herpes
Herpes simplex is a virus; it cannot be cured but can be treated. Herpes comes in two forms: oral herpes produces sores on and in the mouth; genital herpes produces blisters or sores on the genitals. Herpes is not a dangerous STD, it does not effect the immune system, nor does it lead to other health problems, but it is uncomfortable. An estimated 25 percent of American adults have genital herpes, but most aren’t aware of it because their symptoms are too mild to notice.

The early phase of an outbreak, works like a warning signal. Many people feel itching, tingling, or painful sensations in the area where the lesions eventually develop. Herpes is most contagious during the first blistering or breakout of sores, which usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted. In time, blisters usually crust over and form a scab that can last four to six weeks until fully healed. During this time, flu-like symptoms may appear, but the symptoms will vary from person to person as well as from one episode to the next.

The only way to find out if one carries herpes is to take a blood test at a clinic. The herpes symptoms can be treated with prescription medicines. However, since herpes is a virus, it will stay in the body over a lifetime, often without symptoms or with only periodically recurring symptoms. This is called “latency,” meaning the virus travels along the body’s nerve system, “sleeping” and “waking” whenever it feels like it.

Herpes is spread via direct skin-to-skin contact, and there is no absolute way of protecting oneself except by abstaining from sex. A condom will lower the risk of transmission, but might not fully cover areas where unrecognized herpes hide.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is also a virus; highly contagious, it attacks the liver. Some people may never know they have it, and it may pass within six months, while others may carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Hepatitis B can also lead to chronic liver diseases as well as liver cancer.

People tend to believe that hepatitis B only affects drug addicts who share needles, or people involved in unprotected sex with someone who carries the virus. In the United States, one out of 20 people will get hepatitis B at some time during their life.

Hepatitis B virus is spread via unsafe sex in any form, or from contact with infected blood or body fluids. An infected person can transmit the virus through cuts, open sores, or other moist openings.

Symptoms vary individually; some people demonstrate no symptoms while others have jaundice, which causes yellowing of skin and eyes. Other symptoms include nausea, dark urine, and feeling extremely tired.

There is no cure for this virus at the time, and the only treatment is rest and a diet high in protein and carbohydrates. This treatment repairs damaged cells and protects the liver. The only way to protect oneself from hepatitis B is to use a condom during intercourse. There is also a vaccine that is recommended for infants and young adults before they become sexually active.

Human Papilloma virus and Genital Warts
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States today. Scientists have identified more than 70 types of HPV, and as many as 40 million Americans are currently infected with some form of the virus. Some types cause skin warts, and some cause genital warts. About 30 percent of the HPV types can be spread through sexual contact. Scientists have also found a close connection between certain types of HPV and genital cancers, including cervical cancer.

HPV infections often don’t cause visible symptoms. The virus can remain latent in the skin, while the infected person can be unaware of the infection and the potential risks. HPV can be contracted from one partner, remain dormant, and later be unknowingly transmitted to another sexual partner. HPV infections that produce genital warts are highly contagious and are only transmitted by sexual contact. The fact that the symptoms often do not show and that warts may develop within three months of contact makes it very hard to track down the disease vector in order to prevent it from spreading.

Each year, one million new people in the United States are diagnosed with genital warts. These usually appear as a group of tiny bumps in the genital area or the rectum. In some cases, if left untreated, the bumps will grow and take on a cauliflower appearance. Sometimes they may disappear, but they will stay latent in the body. The only sure diagnosis is by examination. Women, especially, should do an yearly Pap smear test, a microscopic examination of cells taken from the uterine cervix, in order to detect signs cervical cancer.

Depending on size and location of the genital warts, different treatments are available. Usually more than one treatment is needed and often the warts reappear. The only way to prevent HPV infection is to avoid direct contact with the virus. If genital warts are visible, sexual intercourse should be avoided until they are treated. Using latex condoms during intercourse may provide some protection.

HIV/AIDS
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, damages the cells in the immune system. As the body’s defenses are destroyed, it becomes unable to protect itself from other illnesses. The process can take months or even years before any signs of illness appear. In the United States today, an estimated 800,000 to 1.2 million people are infected with HIV. There are several ways of treating HIV, but there is no cure for the virus. AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is the last stage of the HIV infection. When AIDS is developed, people experience life-threatening infections and cancers which can eventually kill them.

HIV is not spread through body fluids such as saliva, urine, or tears, nor through feces, or touching someone who is infected, through coughing or sneezing, not even through sharing items such as cups and pencils. It is spread through blood and/or semen contact with an open wound. The only way to find out if one is infected with HIV virus is by taking a blood test. After abstinence, condoms are the best way to reduce the risk of an HIV infection.

Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs in the United States, especially among teens and young adults. Chlamydia is an infection, caused by bacteria, which spreads through sexual intercourse. It is easy to cure, but if left untreated it can severely damage a woman’s body and even cause infertility. As with other STDs, most people do not experience symptoms, which leaves them unaware of the infection. Chlamydia needs to be treated at an early stage in order to prevent harm to the body. In cases where symptoms do occur, they may be like other STD symptoms, including burning sensation when urinating, or strange discharges from the penis or vagina. Women may also feel pain in the lower belly, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between periods. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Partners of infected persons should also undergo treatment, and all medication should be taken even though symptoms might clear up, or the virus might soon reappear. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment. The only way of reducing the risk of chlamydia is to use condoms.

Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, which is spread through all forms of sexual intercourse. The germs are found in the mucous areas of the body (the throat, penis, vagina, and rectum). Symptoms may appear up to a month after transmission, but often not at all. The symptoms are much like other STD symptoms, including burning sensation when urinating and changes in the discharge. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics; if left untreated, future complications are common, including arthritis, skin problems and other organ infections. Condoms provide good protection.

Syphilis
Syphilis is a highly infectious STD caused by bacteria. The most common way of transmission is through sexual contact, but a pregnant woman can also transmit it to the baby. Syphilis has three stages: Primary stage: Chancres (painless sores) on genitals, mouth, rectum, or fingers; skin rashes and flu-like symptoms. These may appear (and disappear) 10 days up to six weeks of exposure. Secondary stage: A skin rash and reappearing lesions that are highly infectious. This stage may appear up to six months after the primary stage. Third stage (latent stage): This stage has no symptoms but can infect the central nervous system and other internal organs. In this stage, syphilis can only be determined by a blood test. Other associated symptoms are vaginal bleeding between periods, recurring nosebleeds, mouth sores, genital lesions (females), and limited range of motion. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can lead to permanent disability and death. A total abstinence from sexual contact must be adhered to until follow-up tests have indicated that the infection has been cured. Condoms offer some protection against syphilis, but the only complete reliable method of prevention is avoidance of sexual contact.

Sources: American Social Health Association; Hawai‘i State Department of Health – STD/AIDS Prevention Branch; Diamond Health Clinic.