Warning: STDs are on the rise

By Dr. Natalie Vanek, Infectious Disease

 

A new report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are on the rise in the U.S. If left untreated, these sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause an increased risk of getting HIV, long-term abdominal/pelvic pain and fertility problems.

Anyone who has sex is at risk but, according to the CDC, some groups that are more affected than others include:

• People aged 15-24
• Gay and bisexual men
• Pregnant women
• People living with HIV
• People who have a partner who tested positive for an STD

Symptoms

Chlamydia	Gonorrhea	Syphilis
Abnormal discharge from the vagina or penile discharge	Pain and/or burning with urination	Primary stage: single or multiple painless sores
Burning sensation when urinating	White, yellow or green penile discharge	Secondary stage: Skin rashes or mucous membrane lesions
Rectal pain, discharge and/or bleeding	Increased vaginal discharge	Latent stage: No visible signs or symptoms
	Vaginal bleeding between periods	Tertiary stage: internal organ damage
	Anal discharge, itching and/or pain with bowel movements	Neurosyphillis and ocular syphilis: (These symptoms can happen at any stage) Headache Coordination problems Paralysis Numbness Dementia Vision problems/blindness

 

Protect yourself
To protect yourself, use condoms with lubricants. If you’re sexually active, get an STD test.  You can have an STD without symptoms.

Treatment
If you do test positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis, they are curable with antibiotics. See a physician immediately for medication.