A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is defined as a disease-causing virus, bacterium, parasite or fungus spread from person to person primarily through sexual contact. These agents thrive in most warm conditions in the body, such as the mouth and vagina. Some STDs can be transmitted in ways other than just sexual contact, for example contact with infected blood. Sharing infected needles or receiving a transfusion of infected blood can pass on the STD. Bacterial, fungal and parasitic STDs are curable with proper medication. Viral STDs have no cure at this time, but can be managed with proper medication.
Women, it is important to recognize, are more vulnerable to STDs from a biological and socioeconomic perspective. While the majority of STDs show little or no symptoms, the consequences of late diagnosis can be severe for women - cervical cancer, ectopic pregnancy and infertility, to name a few.
Sexually active young adults and teenagers are the largest cohort diagnosed with STDs. An estimated 200 to 400 million people worldwide are affected - 70 million in the U.S.
No comments:
Post a Comment