Sexually Transmitted Infections

A sexually transmitted infection (STI; formerly called sexually transmitted disease or STD) is caused by a virus, parasite, fungus, or bacterium that can be passed from one person to another through intimate or sexual contact. There are nearly 30 STIs in the world. Some can be cured, and some can only be treated by not cured. This channel provides important information about the most common STIs, including testing issues and how to manage a relationship in which an incurable STI is present.
Human Papillomavirus ( HPV ) / Genital Warts:
The Human Papillomavirus (pap a LOW mah virus) or HPV is a large family of viruses containing over 60 types.
Many produce warts on fingers, hands and face, warts that are only a nuisance. Other strains can cause genital warts, or lead to cervical dysplasia, which are irregular cells on the cervix that can lead to a precancerous or cancerous condition. The strain of HPV that causes genital warts is not the same as the one that causes common warts. Genital warts can appear on the cervix, vulva (external female genitals), in or around the vagina or penis, on the scrotum, in or around the anus/rectum, on the groin (where genitals meet the inner thigh), or in the eye or eyelid, nose, mouth or throat (from oral sex transmission). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV):
Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver. There are 5 types, identified by letters A through E. Hepatitis C is the liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), found only in the blood of persons with this disease. Hepatitis C is the most common chronic (persistent/long-term) blood-borne infection in the US. Blood-borne means it can only be transmitted by blood, not through the air or from an object like a toilet seat. This challenges questions and dispels myths about Hepatitis C.
Chancroid:
Chancroid is a bacterial infection that causes painful sores. An easily transmitted STI, chancroid is caused by a bacteria named Haemophilus Ducreyi [hum-AH-fill-us DOO-cray]. It causes ulcers (usually on the genitals) and swollen, painful lymph glands on one or both sides of the groin. Chancroid is very common in Africa, and is becoming more common in Western countries, including the US.
Crabs & Scabies:
Pubic lice (“crabs”) and scabies are tiny parasites or “bugs” that live on the outside of the human body and that cause intense itching. Pubic lice can live on pubic and other coarse body hair. They can be seen by the naked eye or with a magnifying glass and look like tiny crabs. Scabies cannot be seen without a microscope. Both can be transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual contact, since they can move from the coarse hair (pubic area, eyelashes, eyebrows, facial hair, chest, or armpits -- not usually head hair) of the infected person to the coarse hair of another person. Nonsexual transmission is possible by sleeping in an infested bed, using infested towels, or wearing infested clothing.
Genital Itching, Discomfort:
Among the most common symptoms that accompany a sexually transmitted infection (STI) are itching, discomfort (particularly when urinating), and bumps that did not previously appear on the genitals. At the same time, however, these can all be symptoms of non-sexually transmitted infections. No one can diagnose themselves, nor can anyone be diagnosed over the phone or internet. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should make an appointment to see their healthcare provider.
Genital Herpes:
There are 2 types of herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Type I (HSV I) usually appears as cold sores or fever blisters on the lips, face & mouth. Type II (HSV II) most often involves sores on the genital area. Both types can occur, however, in the genitals, mouth or both. Most people get oral herpes during childhood by a simple kiss from a friend or family member. Genital herpes can be contracted when someone with oral herpes (often a cold sore) performs oral sex on someone else without using a latex barrier. People with herpes need to learn about safer sex practices to reduce the chances of transmitting the infection to a sex partner.
HIV and AIDS:
"HIV" stands for "Human Immunodeficiency Virus", a virus that destroys the cells that fight infection in the human body. When a person has HIV, certain infections that the body could usually fight off lead to much more serious health problems, and even death. HIV is the virus that leads to AIDS, the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV is transmitted through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It cannot be transmitted by saliva, sweat, urine, or other body fluids (unless blood is present in these fluids). People can avoid contracting HIV sexually by using latex barriers consistently and correctly with all sexual partners.