Sexually Transmitted Disease is too large a topic to cover in one half-hour podcast. You can, however, find most of what you need to know at the Center for Disease Control website. In today's podcast, Dr. Domke talks about three of the most common forms of STD: Herpes, HPV and Chlamydia. As for prevention, the best ways to prevent STDs are: abstinence or masturbation (best); reducing the number of sexual partners; and using condoms. Chlamydia - 800,000 infections are reported in the USA each year with this bacterium. Because it is a bacterium it can be cured with antibiotics. It normally causes no symptoms, but it can damage a woman's reproductive organs resulting in infertility. Chlamydia also can cause discharge from the penis of an infected man. Genital Herpes (HSV-2) - One out of five adolescents and adults, have had genital HSV infection. HSV-2 is closely related to the virus that causes fever blisters near the mouth (HSV-1). This disease causes a lot of worry, but normally it is not dangerous. The key problem is occasional painful genital sores. However, if a woman is has sores of herpes when she gives birth, it can transmit the illness to her baby. There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners. Genital Warts (HPV) Human papillomavirus - Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms and will clear the infection on their own. The virus lives in the skin or mucous membranes and usually causes no symptoms. Some people get visible genital warts, or have pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, vulva, anus, or penis. Very rarely, HPV infection results in anal or genital cancers. This viral infection commonly causes abnormal pap smears which requires more frequent doctors visits and might require a test called colposcopy. This is like having a pap smear test done with a microscope. At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. By age 50, at least 80 percnet of woman will have acquired genital HPV infection. Gonorrhea - A kind of bacteria that can cause burning with urination or vaginal discharge. It can be cured with antibiotics. HIV and AIDS - A viral infection which remains incurable and is still deadly despite improvements in treatment. Pubic Lice (Crabs) - This is an infection of the skin caused by small parasites. They cause itching in the pubic region. Other resources: How to protect yourself. Common Symptoms and tips on prevention. Download MP3 file This podcast first aired on March 10, 2006.
