Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Topic Overview

Aside from colds and the flu, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are some of the most widespread diseases both in the United States and the world. STDs affect both men and women, and two-thirds of all STDs occur in people younger than 25 years old. Exposure to an STD can occur any time you have sexual contact with anyone that involves the genitals, the mouth (oral), or the rectum (anal). Exposure is more likely if you have more than one sex partner or do not use condoms. Some STDs can be passed by nonsexual contact, such as by sharing needles or during the delivery of a baby or during breast-feeding. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

STDs are a worldwide public health concern because there is more opportunity for STDs to be spread as more people travel and engage in sexual activities. Some STDs have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Pregnant women can spread STDs to their babies. Many people may not have symptoms of an STD but are still able to spread an infection. STD testing can help find problems early on so that treatment can begin if needed. It is important to practice safe sex with all partners, especially if you or they have high-risk sexual behaviors. See the Prevention section of this topic.

Common sexually transmitted diseases

There are at least 20 different STDs. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Some of the most common STDs in the U.S. are:

• Chlamydia.
• Genital herpes.
• Genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain high-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women.
• Gonorrhea.
• Hepatitis B.
• Syphilis.
• Trichomoniasis.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. Having other STDs, such as genital herpes, can increase your risk of HIV.
• Other infections that may be sexually transmitted. These include hepatitis A, cytomegalovirus, molluscum contagiosum, bacterial vaginosis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and possibly hepatitis C.
• Scabies and pubic lice, which can be spread by sexual contact.

Bacterial STDs can be treated and cured, but STDs caused by viruses usually cannot be cured. You can get a bacterial STD over and over again, even if it is one that you were treated for and cured of in the past.

For more information on the symptoms, treatment, and possible complications of specific STDs, see the specific topic in Related Information.

Sexually active teens and young adults

Sexually active teenagers and young adults are at high risk for STDs because they have biological changes during the teen years that increase their risk for getting an STD and they may be more likely to:

• Have unprotected sex.
• Have multiple partners.
• Engage in high-risk sexual behaviors.

Studies show that:

• Sexually active teenagers contract 25% of all new STDs each year.
• Between 12% and 25% of sexually active teen girls test positive for chlamydia.
• As many as 30% to 50% of sexually active teenagers have been infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Sexually active teenagers between 15 and 19 years old have the highest rates of gonorrhea.
• Genital herpes infection has increased more than 50% in sexually active teenagers.
• About 25% of new HIV infections occur in people under 22 years old.

It is important to seek treatment if you think you may have an STD or have been exposed to an STD. Most health departments, family planning clinics, and STD clinics provide confidential services for the diagnosis and treatment of STDs. Early treatment can cure a bacterial STD and prevent complications.

If you are a parent of a teenager, there are many resources available, such as your health professional or family planning clinics, to help you talk with your teen about safe sex, preventing STDs, and being evaluated and treated for STDs.

Risks specific to women with sexually transmitted diseases

In women, STDs can cause a serious infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes (reproductive organs) called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID may cause scar tissue that blocks the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic abscess, or chronic pelvic pain.

STDs in pregnant women may cause problems such as:

• Miscarriage.
• Low birth weight.
• Premature delivery.
• Infections in their newborn baby, such as pneumonia, eye infections, or nervous system problems.

Risks specific to men with sexually transmitted diseases

• Infection and inflammation of the epididymis, urethra, and prostate.

Any child or vulnerable adult with symptoms of an STD needs to be evaluated by a health professional to determine the cause and to assess for possible sexual abuse.

If you have symptoms of an STD or have been exposed to an STD whether by oral, anal, or vaginal sexual activity, use the Check Your Symptoms section of this topic to determine if and when you need to see your health professional.

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Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA	Last Updated: February 9, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
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