Public Health Department

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (incl. AIDS)

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases vary by the type of organism and what part of the human body is affected. Many people can become infected without showing signs or symptoms of these diseases. In general, anyone who has pain upon urinating, notices an unusual discharge, develops lesions, feels ill, or thinks that they may have become infected should contact their physician or other health care provider as soon as possible. Some diseases, if left untreated, can result in complications including death. Other infections such as AIDS may not result in signs or symptoms that are immediately recognized or the person may feel perfectly fine, but could still spread the disease to others.

How can a person avoid or prevent STD's?

Abstaining from sexual contact is the best way to avoid exposure. For those individuals who do not abstain from sexual activity common sense measures can help avoid exposure to these types of diseases. Some prevention recommendations include:

• Use latex condoms whenever sexually active. Condoms containing spermicides can help to prevent the spread of STD's, but remember condoms are not 100 % fool proof. Condoms can leak or break and may even disintegrate if used with certain chemicals such as petroleum products.
• Mutually monogamous relationships [both persons limiting themselves to one partner] between uninfected individuals is one method to decrease the likelihood of getting a sexually transmitted disease.
• Do not have sexual contact with a person who has a sexually transmitted disease.
• Do not have sexual contact with multiple partners or with persons who have had multiple partners.
• Do not have sexual contact with persons who use intravenous drugs.
• If you do become infected, do not have sexual contact with other people. If you do, inform your partner before sexual contact and use condoms.
• If you become infected, you should inform your sexual contacts of your infection in order for them to seek appropriate follow up.
• If you think you may have been infected, seek appropriate counseling and testing as soon as possible. The incubation periods are different for the various diseases, so you may be advised to seek further medical follow up.
• Do not use intravenous drugs. If you do use intravenous drugs never share needles or syringes or "works." If you share "works," clean, disinfect [using bleach] and rinse them.
• Do not share personal items such as tooth brushes, razors, wash cloths or other items that are likely to become contaminated with blood or other body fluids.
• Do not have sexual contact with prostitutes.
• Those who are sexually active or use intravenous drugs should consider getting the hepatitis B vaccine.

Background

Sexually transmitted diseases [STD's] have been around since man first recorded history. Millions of people have become infected and many have died from STD's or complications of their disease. In general, most of the sexually transmitted diseases are spread similarly through sexual contact, either orally, vaginally or anal. Some of these diseases are also spread through blood [as occurs with the sharing of contaminated needles and syringes in the injection of drugs] or possibly through contact with other body fluids. Preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases is a local, national and global concern. Some of the more common STD's are listed below.

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