|
|
Sexual Health - Sexually
Transmitted Infections
Also check out:
Planned Parenthood: Teen Health
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a
condition caused by a change in the balance of different kinds of bacteria in
the vagina. Most women will get BV at some point in their reproductive years.
When there are symptoms, they often appear as a form of vaginitis — an
irritation of the vagina often associated with a vaginal discharge. BV is not
always due to sexual contact. However, women who are sexually active run a high
risk of developing the condition. It can develop when an external factor, such
as sexual contact, disrupts the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria.
BV is
associated with premature delivery, low birth weight, and pelvic inflammatory
disease. It can also increase the risk for HIV infection. Pregnant women with BV
run higher risks of miscarriage, especially in the first trimester.
Common
Symptoms — if they occur
-
strong, unpleasant
vaginal odor
-
vaginal discharge
-
However, many
women do not have any symptoms.
How BV
develops:
Diagnosis:
Treatment:
Protection:
Chlamydia
(cla-MIH-dee-ah)
Chlamydia is a
sexually transmitted bacterium. It can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus,
urethra, eyes, or throat. In women, it usually infects the cervix and can spread
to the urethra, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It can cause bladder infections
and serious pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and sterility. In
men, chlamydia infects the urethra and may spread to the testicles, causing
epididymitis, which can cause sterility.
Chlamydia can
also lead to reactive arthritis — especially in young men. One in three men with
reactive arthritis becomes permanently disabled. In infants, chlamydia can cause
pneumonia, eye infections, and blindness. Chlamydia is the most common and most
invisible sexually transmitted bacterial infection in America. About three
million American men and women become infected every year.
Common
symptoms — if they occur
-
discharge from the
penis or vagina
-
pain or burning
while urinating, frequent urination
-
excessive vaginal
bleeding
-
painful intercourse
for women
-
spotting between
periods or after intercourse
-
abdominal pain,
nausea, fever
-
inflammation of the
rectum or cervix
-
swelling or pain in
the testicles
-
Symptoms
appear in five to 21 days — if they appear.
Seventy-five percent of women and 50 percent of
men with chlamydia have no symptoms. Many women discover they
have chlamydia only because their partners are found to be infected. Other women
discover that they must have had it for some time when they are treated for the
infertility that it can cause.
How
chlamydia is spread:
-
vaginal and anal
intercourse
-
from the birth
canal to the fetus
-
rarely, from the
hand to the eye
-
rarely, during oral
sex
Diagnosis:
Can be confused with gonorrhea and other conditions. Examination of tissue
samples or urine is necessary for correct diagnosis.
Treatment:
Antibiotics for both partners. Follow-up testing may be suggested three to four
months after treatment.
Protection:
Condoms reduce
the risk of infection with chlamydia.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
(sigh-tow-MEG-a-low-VI-rus)
CMV is a virus
that is transmitted through many bodily fluids. It is also sexually transmitted.
Every year, CMV causes permanent disability, including hearing loss and mental
retardation, for 4,000 to 7,000 babies. It is the most common infection in the
U.S. that is spread from women to the developing fetus — from 10 to 20 percent
of infants born to women with CMV become infected. CMV is also very dangerous
for people with weakened immune systems. It can cause blindness and mental
disorders. Like many other viruses, CMV can remain in the body for life.
Common
symptoms — if they occur
There are usually no symptoms with the first infection. But reinfection with
CMV, or infection with other sexually transmitted organisms such as HIV and
hepatitis B, may reactivate the virus and cause illness. Symptoms include:
-
swollen glands,
fatigue, fever, and general weakness — CMV causes eight percent of the cases of
mononucleosis
-
irritations of the
digestive tract, nausea, diarrhea
-
loss of vision
How
CMV is spread:
In saliva, semen, blood, cervical and vaginal secretions, urine, and breast milk
by:
-
close personal
contact
-
vaginal, anal, and
oral intercourse
-
blood transfusion
and sharing IV drug equipment
-
pregnancy,
childbirth, and breastfeeding
-
Between 40 and
80 percent of Americans get CMV through contact with other children's saliva by
the time they reach puberty. Adults, however, usually become reinfected through
sexual activity.
Diagnosis:
blood test
Treatment:
There is no cure. Symptoms may be managed with a variety of intravenous drugs.
Treatment is not successful during pregnancy.
Protection:
Condoms may reduce the risk of infection with CMV during vaginal, anal, and oral
intercourse, but kissing and other intimate touching can spread the virus.
Genital Warts
Though they may recur, genital warts can be treated in a number of ways. They
may be removed by carefully applying, and often reapplying, a prescription
medication to the wart. Clinicians offer other treatments, including:
Abnormal cell growth
-
cryotherapy
(abnormal tissue is frozen off)
-
laser surgery
(abnormal tissue is destroyed with a laser beam)
-
LEEP (abnormal
tissue is removed using a thin wire loop that carries an electrical current)
Protection:
Condoms reduce the risk of genital warts and cervical cancer, but the virus may
"shed" beyond the area covered or protected by condoms.
(See
also
Human Papilloma Virus)
Gonorrhea
(gone-o-RHEE-a)
Gonorrhea is a
bacterium that can cause sterility, arthritis, and heart problems. In women,
gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to in
ectopic pregnancy or sterility. During pregnancy, gonorrhea infections can cause
premature labor and stillbirth. To prevent serious eye infections that can be
caused by gonorrhea, antibiotics are routinely put into the eyes of newborn
babies immediately after delivery. More than 700,000 Americans get gonorrhea
every year.
Common
symptoms — if they occur
-
for women:
frequent, often burning, urination; menstrual irregularities, pelvic or lower
abdominal pain; pain during sex or pelvic examination; a yellowish or
yellow-green discharge from the vagina; swelling or tenderness of the vulva; and
possibly arthritic pain.
-
for men: a pus-like
discharge from the urethra or pain during urination
Eighty
percent of the women and 10 percent of the men with gonorrhea show no symptoms.
If they appear
at all, symptoms occur in women within 10 days. It takes from one to 14 days for
symptoms to appear in men.
How
gonorrhea is spread:
vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse
Diagnosis:
microscopic examination of urethral or vaginal discharges; cultures taken from
the cervix, throat, urethra, or rectum. Urine tests are also available.
Treatment:
Both partners
can be successfully treated with oral antibiotics. They should be treated at the
same time. Often people with gonorrhea also have chlamydia. Both infections
should be treated at the same time.
Protection:
Condoms reduce the risk of infection with gonorrhea.
Hepatitis
(hep-ah-TIE-tis)
Hepatitis B
virus (HBV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can be prevented
with vaccination. About 78,000 Americans get HBV every year because they have
not been vaccinated. Sexual transmission of the hepatitis A virus (HAV) is less
common. Unlike most sexually transmitted infections, a person with HAV also
develops immunity against reinfection. Sex play has a limited role in the
transmission of the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Although 90-95
percent of adults with HBV recover completely, about five to 10 percent of
people who get HBV as adults will be "carriers" and have chronic infection with
HBV. Chronic HBV infection can cause severe liver disease and death. Unless they
are treated at birth, 90 percent of the infants born to women with HBV will
carry the virus. Pregnant women who may have been exposed to HBV should be
tested before giving birth so that their babies can be vaccinated at birth or
treated if they become ill.
Common
symptoms — if they occur
-
extreme fatigue,
headache, fever, hives
-
lack of appetite,
nausea, vomiting, tenderness in the lower abdomen
Later
symptoms:
more abdominal pain, dark urine, pale-colored stool, yellowing of the skin and
white of the eye — jaundice
Hepatitis may be invisible during its
most contagious phases.
How
HBV is spread:
in semen, saliva, blood, and urine by
-
intimate and sexual
contact, from kissing to vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse
-
use of unclean
needles to inject drugs
-
accidental pricks
with contaminated needles in the course of health care
-
sharing personal
hygiene utensils such as toothbrushes and razors
How
HAV is spread:
-
sharing needles for intravenous drug use or oral contact with fecal matter
through
-
oral/anal sex play
-
other kinds of sex
play
-
Hepatitis A
and B are very contagious. However, HAV infection is contagious for only a short
period of time.
Diagnosis:
blood test
Treatment:
In most cases
the infection clears by itself within four to eight weeks. Some people, however,
remain infected and contagious for the rest of their lives. There are medicines
that can help treat chronic HBV, but they cannot be used by pregnant women.
Protection:
Condoms may offer limited protection against hepatitis during vaginal, anal, and
oral intercourse. Latex or plastic barriers can be used during oral/anal or
oral/vulvar contact. But the virus can be passed through kissing and other
intimate touching.
Children and adults
who do not have HBV can get permanent protection with a series of HBV
vaccinations.
There is also a vaccine for HAV that is
recommended for people who may be at risk of infection.
Herpes
(HER-peez)
There are two
forms of herpes — herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus-2
(HSV-2). HSV-1 is most often associated with cold sores and fever blisters on
the mouth. HSV-2 is most often associated with genital sores. But both forms of
herpes can infect the oral area, the genital area, or both. Rarely, herpes may
cause early pregnancy loss or stillbirth. If active herpes infections are
present during childbirth, newborn infants may suffer serious health damage,
including developmental disabilities and, rarely, death. Transmission to a
newborn is more common during the first episode of the herpes infection and less
common during recurrent herpes outbreaks. Most adults have HSV-1 or HSV-2, or
both. At least one million people get herpes every year. Like many other
viruses, the HSV remains in the body for life. And like other sexually
transmitted viruses, there are often no symptoms.
Common
symptoms — if they occur
-
a recurring rash
with clusters of itchy or painful blistery sores appearing on the vagina,
cervix, penis, mouth, anus, buttocks, or anywhere elsewhere on the body
-
painful ulcerations
that occur when blisters break open
-
The first episode
may cause pain and discomfort around the infected area, itching, burning
sensations during urination, swollen glands in the groin, fever, headache, and a
general run-down feeling.
-
Symptoms
usually appear from two-20 days after infection — but it may be years after
infection before symptoms appear.
-
Recurrences
are sometimes related to emotional, physical, or health stresses. During
recurrences, it is important to observe strict rules of day-to-day hygiene. Wash
hands frequently and do not touch the sores. If the sores are touched
inadvertently, wash hands immediately. Be particularly careful when handling
contact lenses and touching the eyes.
How
HSV is spread:
-
touching, sexual
intimacy — including kissing
-
vaginal, anal, and
oral intercourse
-
HSV may be
passed from one partner to another, or from one part of the body to another,
whenever contact is made with an infected area. Oral sex play can pass herpes
from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth.
-
HSV is most
contagious from the time the sores are present until they are completely healed
and the scabs have fallen off. But people may be contagious at various times
when they have no symptoms. Mucous membranes of the mouth, anus, vagina, penis,
and the eyes are especially susceptible to infection.
Diagnosis:
Can be confused with syphilis, chancroid, and other sexually transmitted
infections. Definitive diagnosis is possible by blood test or laboratory
culturing of fluid samples taken from the sores.
Treatment:
No cure.
Symptoms can be relieved and the number of recurrences reduced with anti-herpes
drugs.
Protection:
Partners should refrain from sexual intimacy from the time they know the
blisters are going to recur until seven days after the scabs have completely
fallen off the healed sores. People with herpes may also consider taking
anti-herpes drugs to reduce the risk of passing the infection to uninfected
partners. Condoms reduce the risk of transmitting the virus between outbreaks
but the virus may "shed" beyond the area covered or protected by condoms.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
(human im-MU-noh-dee-FISH-en-see
virus)
HIV infections
weaken the body's ability to fight infection and can cause acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (AIDS) — the most advanced stage of HIV disease. HIV is the
most dangerous sexually transmitted infection, and it affects people of all
ages. It is now the sixth leading cause of death for American women and men
between 25 and 44 years old. It is estimated that more than one million people
in the United States have HIV. Like many other viruses, HIV remains in the body
for life.
Common
symptoms — if they occur
-
constant or rapid,
unexplained weight loss, diarrhea, lack of appetite
-
fatigue, persistent
fevers, night sweats, dry cough
-
lightheadedness,
headaches, mental disorders
-
a thick, whitish
coating of yeast on the tongue or mouth — "thrush"
-
severe or recurring
vaginal yeast infections
-
chronic pelvic
inflammatory disease
-
purplish growths on
the skin
-
There may be
no symptoms for 10 years or more. In one 20-year-long study, about five percent
of men with HIV had not yet developed symptoms.
How
HIV is spread:
-
in blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk by
-
anal and vaginal
intercourse — less commonly transmitted through oral sex
-
sharing
contaminated needles for injecting IV drugs
-
transfusion of
contaminated blood products
-
childbirth
-
breastfeeding
-
accidental pricks
with contaminated needles in the course of health care
Diagnosis:
There are
blood, urine, and oral swab tests to detect HIV antibodies. Diagnosis of AIDS is
based on the presence of one or more of a variety of conditions and
"opportunistic" infections related to HIV infection.
Treatment:
No cure or vaccine. HIV infection and many AIDS-related conditions — such as
various pneumonias, cancers, and infections that take advantage of weakened
immune systems — can be managed to some extent with different treatments.
However, at this time, no one has recovered from AIDS. Although people with AIDS
are living longer, it is still considered fatal.
Protection:
Condoms offer
good protection against infection with HIV.
Human Papilloma Virus
(pap-ill-LOW-mah)
There are more
than 100 different human papilloma viruses (HPVs). They cause a variety of warts
and other conditions and can remain in the system for life. Studies suggest that
as many as three-quarters of adults in the U.S. have been infected with at least
one type of HPV. About 40 of these HPVs are genital and affect sexual and
reproductive organs. A few cause genital warts, but most genital HPV infections
are not visible and have no symptoms. Some of these cause cancer of the cervix,
vulva, penis, anus, or vagina. Every year, more than five million Americans are
newly infected with genital HPVs — about 20 million women and men are now
infected.
Common
symptoms — if they occur
-
Warts appear on the
genitals, in the urethra, in the anus, and, rarely, in the throat.
-
Genital warts are
soft to the touch, may look like miniature cauliflower florets, and often itch.
-
Untreated genital
warts can grow to block the openings of the vagina, anus, or throat and become
quite uncomfortable.
-
It usually
takes between three weeks and six months after infection for warts to develop.
Genital warts grow more rapidly during pregnancy or when other infections are
present.
Abnormal cell growth
Abnormal cell
growth can only be detected by a clinician. Symptoms of
cervical cancer include:
How
genital HPVs are spread:
-
vaginal, anal, and
oral intercourse
-
intimate touching
-
very rarely, to the
fetus during childbirth.
-
oral sex
Diagnosis
-
microscopic or
computerized evaluation of tissue or fluid samples
-
clinical evaluation
of warts during a physical or gynecological exam
-
Special magnifiers
— colposcopes — can detect genital HPVs that cannot be seen with the naked eye
during pelvic exams.
-
Pap tests may
reveal precancerous conditions caused by genital HPVs — early treatment prevents
cancer of the cervix.
Treatment:
No cure for HPV.
Intestinal Parasites
(in-TES-tin-al PAR-ah-sites)
Intestinal
parasites are protozoa — microscopic, one-cell animals — that live in the
intestines. Some of the more common infections caused by intestinal parasites
are amebiasis, giardiasis, and cryptosporidiosis. Intestinal parasites are often
transmitted by contaminated food and water and during nonsexual, intimate
contact. They may also be transmitted sexually. They are common in places with
inadequate hygiene and sanitation. Intestinal protozoa can be very serious —
even life threatening — for people with weakened immune systems, such as people
with HIV. Millions of Americans have intestinal parasites.
Common symptoms — if they occur
-
diarrhea, which may
become severe and chronic
-
abdominal painbloating
-
nausea, vomiting
-
However,
intestinal parasites do not always cause symptoms.
How intestinal parasites are spread:
oral contact with fecal matter through:
-
contaminated food
or water
-
oral/anal sex playother kinds of sex
play
-
nonsexual intimate
contact, such as diaper changing
Diagnosis:
Examination of stool. Other tests are sometimes required, such as proctoscopy —
a test that involves a clinician inserting a thin lighted tube into the rectum.
Treatment:
Drugs are
available, but pregnant women cannot take some of them. Treatments are often not
effective for people with weakened immune systems.
Protection: Observe
strict rules of day to day hygiene. Latex or plastic barriers can be used during
oral/anal contact to reduce the risk of intestinal parasites.
Molluscum Contagiosum
(mo-LUS-kum con-tay-GEE-0H-sum)
Hundreds of
thousands of cases of the virus molluscum contagiosum are diagnosed every year.
It is often transmitted by nonsexual, intimate contact.
Common
symptoms — when they occur
Small, pinkish-white, waxy, round, polyp-like growths in the genital area or on
the thighs. There is often a tiny depression in the middle of the growth.
Symptoms usually appear between two and 12 weeks after infection — but it can
take years.
How
molluscum contagiosum is spread:
Vaginal, anal,
and oral intercourse, as well as nonsexual, intimate contact. Children may
become infected through casual contact. In such cases, growths may appear on
other parts of the body, especially the abdomen.
Diagnosis:
clinical evaluation of the sores and microscopic examination of tissue taken
from the sore
Treatment:
Growths may be removed with chemicals, electrical current, or freezing.
Protection:
Condoms reduce the risk of molluscum contagiosum, but the virus may "shed"
beyond the area covered or protected by condoms.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is a progressive infection
that harms a woman's reproductive system. PID occurs throughout the pelvic area,
in the fallopian tubes, the uterus, the lining of the uterus, and in the
ovaries. Especially if untreated, PID can lead to sterility, ectopic pregnancy,
and chronic pain. The more episodes of PID a woman has, the greater are her
chances of becoming infertile. PID is not always the result of a sexually
transmitted infection — but in most cases it is. The sexually transmitted
infections that most commonly cause PID are gonorrhea and chlamydia. More than
one million U.S. women have an acute episode of PID every year. It is believed
that millions of other cases go undiscovered.
Common
symptoms
-
unusually long or
painful periods, and unusual vaginal discharge
-
spotting and pain
between menstrual periods or during urination
-
pain in the lower
abdomen and back
-
fever, chills
-
nausea, vomiting
-
pain during
intercourse
Treatment:
Antibiotics, bed rest, and sexual abstinence. Surgery may be required to remove
abscesses or scar tissue, or to repair or remove reproductive organs.
Diagnosis
-
pelvic exam
-
blood tests
-
microscopic
examination and/or culture of vaginal and cervical secretions
-
laparoscopy — an
optical instrument is inserted through a small cut in the navel to look at the
reproductive organs
-
Symptoms can
be confused with those of appendicitis and other infections. Diagnosis can be
difficult if patients are too embarrassed to admit sexual activity.
Protection:
Condoms reduce the risk of infections commonly associated with PID.
Pubic Lice
Every year, millions of people
treat themselves for pubic lice. These tiny insects are also called "crabs."
Common
symptoms — if they occur
-
intense itching in
the genitals or anus
-
mild fever
-
feeling run-down
-
irritability
-
lice or small egg
sacks — nits — in pubic hair
-
Itching
usually begins five days after infestation begins. Some people don't itch and
don't know they are infested.
How
pubic lice are spread
-
contact with
infected bedding, clothing, upholstered furniture, and toilet seats
-
intimate and sexual
contact
Self-diagnosis:
Seen with the
naked eye or with a magnifying glass, pubic lice look like tiny crabs. They are
pale gray but darken in color when swollen with blood. They attach themselves
and their eggs to pubic hair, underarm hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Their eggs
are white and are deposited in small clumps near the hair roots.
Treatment:
Follow the
directions on the package insert of an over-the-counter medication. Some of the
brands available are A-200®, RID®, and InnoGel Plus®.
Repeated head-to-toe applications may be necessary. Stronger prescription
lotions are also available. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and infants must
use products especially designed for them. Everyone who may have been exposed to
pubic lice should be treated at the same time. All bedding, towels, and clothing
that may have been exposed should be thoroughly washed or dry cleaned, and the
home should be vacuumed.
Protection:
Pubic lice are
highly contagious and there is no protection except for limiting the number of
intimate and sexual contacts.
Scabies
(SKAY-beez)
The scabies
mite burrows under the skin. It can hardly be seen with the naked eye. It
belongs to the same family as the spider. It is usually sexually transmitted.
However, school children often pass it to one another through casual contact.
Common
symptoms
-
intense itching —
usually at night
-
small bumps or
rashes that appear in dirty-looking, small curling lines, especially on the
penis, between the fingers, on buttocks, breasts, wrists, thighs, and around the
navel
-
Often symptoms
are not visible. It may take several weeks for them to develop.
How
scabies is spread
-
close personal
contact
-
bedding and
clothing
Diagnosis:
Although
people can diagnose themselves, diagnosis is often difficult. Microscopic
examination of a skin scraping or biopsy by a clinician may be necessary.
Treatment: Follow the
directions on the package insert of a prescription medication such as Kwell®
or Scabene®. Repeated neck-to-toe applications may be necessary.
Everyone who may have been exposed to scabies should be treated at the same
time. All bedding, towels, and clothing that may have been exposed should be
thoroughly washed or dry cleaned, and the home should be thoroughly vacuumed.
Protection:
Scabies are
highly contagious and there is no protection except for limiting the number of
intimate and sexual contacts.
Syphilis
(SIFF-i-lis)
Untreated, the
syphilis organism — spirochete — can remain in the body for life and lead to
disfigurement, neurologic disorder, or death. There are 35,000 new cases
reported each year in the U.S.
Common
symptoms — if they occur
Syphilis has several phases that may overlap one another. They do not always
follow in the same sequence. Symptoms vary with each phase, but there are no
symptoms most of the time.
-
Primary Phase: Painless
sores or open, wet ulcers — chancres — often appear from three weeks to 90 days
after infection. They last three to six weeks. They appear on the genitals, in
the vagina, on the cervix, lips, mouth, or anus. Swollen glands may also occur
during the primary phase.
-
Secondary Phase:
Other
symptoms often appear from three to six weeks after the sores appear. They may
come and go for up to two years. They include body rashes that last from two to
six weeks — often on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. There are
many other symptoms, including mild fever, fatigue, sore throat, hair loss,
weight loss, swollen glands, headache, and muscle pains.
-
Latent Phase: No
symptoms. Latent phases occur between other phases.
-
Late Phase: One-third
of untreated people with syphilis suffer serious damage to the nervous system,
heart, brain, or other organs, and death may result.
How
syphilis is spread
-
vaginal, anal, and
oral intercourse
-
kissing
-
to the fetus during
pregnancy
Syphilis is
especially contagious when sores are present early in the disease — the liquid
that oozes from them is very infectious. People are usually not contagious
during the latent phases of the first four years of syphilis infections.
Untreated syphilis remains latent for many years or a lifetime, but can be
spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus.
The effect of
syphilis on a fetus is very serious. If untreated, the risks of stillbirth or
serious birth defects are high. Birth defects include damage to the heart,
brain, and skeleton as well as blindness. It is very important for pregnant
women to consider testing for syphilis early, and, sometimes, throughout their
pregnancies. Pregnant women with syphilis can be treated to prevent damage to
the fetus.
Diagnosis
Treatment:
Both partners can be successfully treated with antibiotics — but damage caused
by the disease in the later phases cannot be undone.
Protection:
Condoms reduce the risk of infection with syphilis during vaginal, anal, and
oral intercourse.
Trichomoniasis
(trick-oh-mo-NEYE-ah-sis)
"Trich" is a
condition caused by a protozoan — a microscopic, one-cell animal. It is a common
cause of vaginal infection. More than seven million Americans are infected with
trichomoniasis every year.
Common
symptoms — if they occur
-
frothy, often
unpleasant-smelling discharge
-
itching in and
around the vagina
-
blood spotting in
the discharge
-
swelling in the
groin
-
urinating more
often than usual — often with pain and burning.
Only
rarely do men have symptoms.
Sometimes women have no symptoms. It takes from three to 28 days for symptoms to
develop.
How
trichomoniasis is spread:
vaginal
intercourse; mutual masturbation if fluids from one partner are passed to the
genitals of the other
Diagnosis:
microscopic examination of vaginal discharge
Treatment:
Both partners can be successfully treated with drugs.
Protection:
Condoms reduce the risk
of infection with trich.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
are caused by bacteria that have spread from the rectum to the vagina or penis
and then to the urethra and bladder. They may be caused by a sexually
transmitted. UTIs include infections of the bladder — also called cystitis; the
ureters — the tubes that lead from the kidneys to the bladder; and the urethra —
the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body. Severe
cases, left untreated, may cause kidney infection.
Common
Symptoms — if they occur
-
burning pain during
urination
-
the urge to urinate
when the bladder is nearly empty
-
a frequent urge to
urinate, especially at night
-
involuntary loss of
urine
-
lower abdominal
pain or back pain
-
blood and pus in
urine
-
fever
UTIs
are common in women and men who are sexually active.
They affect women more often than men because a woman's urethra is shorter than
a man's and bacteria may get to the bladder more easily. A woman's urethra is
also closer to the anus than a man's.
How
UTIs are spread
Anything — from sex play to toilet water splashing — that brings particles of
fecal material into contact with the vagina and urethra can cause UTIs.
Unprotected anal intercourse is a very high-risk behavior for urinary tract
infection. Some women who use the diaphragm or shield are susceptible to
frequent UTIs.
Diagnosis:
Consult your clinician to confirm diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment:
Protection:
to prevent urinary tract infections or discourage them from returning
-
Drink when you are
thirsty.
-
Urinate as soon as
you feel the urge.
-
Drink unsweetened
cranberry juice.
-
Urinate immediately
before and after intercourse.
-
Avoid using any
sexual position that seems to trigger UTIs.
-
Keep the pubic area
clean and dry.
-
Use latex or female
condoms during vaginal or anal intercourse.
-
Use lubricants
during vaginal intercourse — especially if the vagina is dry.
-
Some women who
are susceptible to frequent UTIs take antibiotics to prevent infections when
they have sexual intercourse.
|
|
