Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

AIDS was first reported in the United States in 1981. It is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus that destroys the body's ability to fight off infection. An estimated 1 million people are currently infected in the U.S., including more than 2000 infants, most of whom contracted the disease from their mothers. People who have AIDS are very susceptible to many life-threatening diseases, called opportunistic infections, and to certain forms of cancer.

Transmission of the virus primarily occurs during sexual activity and by sharing of needles used to inject intravenous drugs.

If you have questions about AIDS, you can call the U.S. Public Health Service confidential toll-free hotline number: 1-800-342-2437.

Chlamydia

Chlamydial infections are now the most common of all STDs, with an estimated 4 million new cases occurring each year. In both men and women, chlamydial infection may cause an abnormal genital discharge and burning with urination. In women, untreated chlamydial infection may lead to PID, one of the most common causes of infertility in women and of ectopic pregnancy. However, many people with chlamydial infection have few or no symptoms of infection. Once diagnosed, chlamydial infections are treatable with an antibiotic drug.

Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus)

Genital herpes affects an estimated 30 million Americans. Approximately 500,000 new cases of this incurable infection develop annually. Herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). The major symptoms of herpes infection are painful blisters or open sores in the genital area. These may be preceded by a tingling or burning sensation in the legs, buttocks, or genital region. The herpes sores usually disappear within 2 to 3 weeks, but the virus remains in the body and the lesions may recur from time to time. Severe or frequently recurrent genital herpes is now treated with acyclovir, an antiviral drug available by prescription; it helps control the symptoms but does not eliminate the herpes virus from the body. Women who acquire genital herpes during pregnancy can transmit the virus to their babies. Untreated HSV infection in newborns can result in mental retardation and death.

Genital Warts

Genital warts (also called venereal warts, or condylomata acuminata) are caused by a virus related to the virus that causes common skin warts. Genital warts usually first appear as small, hard, painless bumps in the vaginal area, on the penis, or around the anus; if untreated, they may grow and develop a fleshy, cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts infect 500,000 Americans each year. Scientists believe that the virus responsible for genital warts also may cause several types of genital cancer. Genital warts are treated with a topical drug (applied to the skin), by freezing, or if they recur, with injections of a type of interferon. If the warts are very large, they can be removed by surgery.

Gonorrhea

Approximately 1-1/2 million cases of gonorrhea occur each year in this country. The most common symptoms of gonorrhea are a discharge from the vagina or penis and painful or difficult urination. The most common and serious complications occur in women, and as with chlamydial infections, these complications include PID, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Historically, penicillin has been used to treat gonorrhea, but several penicillin-resistant forms of the bacteria have recently appeared. Other antibiotics or combinations of drugs must be used to treat these resistant strains.

Syphilis

Syphilis has increased dramatically in recent years, with more than 130,000 cases reported in 1990. The first symptoms of syphilis may go undetected because they are very mild and disappear spontaneously. The initial symptom is a chancre, a painless open sore that usually appears on the penis or around or in the vagina. If untreated, syphilis may go on to more advanced stages, including a transient rash and, eventually, serious involvement of the heart and central nervous system. The full course of the disease can take years. Penicillin remains the drug most commonly used to treat syphilis.

Other STDs

Other diseases that may be sexually transmitted include:

• Trichomoniasis.
• Bacterial vaginosis.
• Cytomegalovirus infections.
• Hepatitis B.
• Scabies.
• Pubic lice.

STDs in pregnant women are associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, prematurity and infection in the newborn. Low birth weight and prematurity appear to be associated with most acute STDs, including chlamydial infection and trichomoniasis. Congenital or perinatal infection (infection that occurs either during or before birth) occurs in 30-70 percent of infants born to acutely infected mothers and may include pneumonia, potentially blinding eye infections, and permanent neurological damage.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.