Venereal diseases, also known as sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STDs), refer to bacteria, parasites or viruses that enter the human body through sexual activity. MedlinePlus states that STDs affect men and women. Pregnant women who are afflicted can pass these diseases to their babies. It is important to be aware of the common communicable venereal diseases in order to prevent their spread.
HIV/AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a potentially fatal sexually transmitted disease that affects 39.5 million people globally, says the Mayo Clinic. It is characterized in its beginning stages by fever, headache, rash, sore throat and swollen glands. As this disease progresses, weight loss, diarrhea, shortness of breath and a cough develops. Such symptoms as night sweats, chronic diarrhea, blurry vision, a high fever and chills present when HIV has progressed to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
HIV infiltrates the white blood cell's DNA (CD4 lymphocytes) and actually alters it. The virus multiplies in the cells and when it reaches a cell count of less than 200, AIDS results.
This STD is transmitted through sexual activity, needle sharing, accidental needle sticks, infected blood and is passed from mother to child, says the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment for HIV and AIDS involves using a combination of anti-retroviral drugs such as zidovudine, saquinavir and delavirdine. A physician will decide on the combination of such medications based upon the CD4 count.
Gonorrhea
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that approximately 700,000 people in the United States contract gonorrhea each year. According to the Mayo Clinic, its symptoms include a pus-type discharge from the penis and pain or swelling of the testicles in men. In women, gonorrhea causes pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles and vaginal discharge. Other gonorrhea symptoms include anal itching, the need to strain during bowel movements, eye pain, light sensitivity, swollen neck lymph nodes and a sore throat.
The Neisseria gonorrhea bacteria causes this particular STD. The Mayo Clinic says that it is transmitted via oral, vaginal and anal intercourse.
Treatment for gonorrhea includes taking antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or azithromycin. Sexual partners must also be treated although they may be asymptomatic. Babies must be given antibiotic eye drops soon after birth to prevent acquiring the infection.
Chlamydia
MedlinePlus says that chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Its symptoms include testicular tenderness in men and discharge from the penis. Chlamydia causes vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, liver inflammation and pain during sexual intercourse in women. Other symptoms of chlamydia include rectal pain or discharge and a burning feeling while urinating.
The Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria causes this disease.
Treatment for chlamydia requires taking antibiotics such as erythromycin or azithromycin.
