Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are one of three types

of sexually transmitted diseases, the others being viral and parasitic.

What differentiates the three is that bacterial STDs are caused by

bacteria, viral STDs are caused by viruses, and parasitic STDs are

caused by parasites (tiny bugs) that can live in pubic hair or the

genital area. This means that viral STDs are not curable but the

symptoms are treatable, whereas bacterial and parasitic STDs are

curable with the use of antibiotics. Although curable, bacterial STDs

should be treated as soon as possible, otherwise they could cause

further damage. There are quite a few bacterial STDs to be listed, some

more common in others. These include Chlamydia, SGnorrhea, Syphilis,

Donovanosis (Granuloma Inguinale), and chancroid.

Chlamydia is caused by the Chlamydia Trachomatis bacteria. It

can be passed through oral, anal and vaginal intercourse. About 92

million global infections occur each year, with around three million

being in America. The majority of women (approximately 75%) as well as

some men (25-50%) are asymptomatic. If symptoms do occur, they take

about 1-3 weeks to show. Sometimes symptoms take several weeks to show.

This infection targets the surfaces of the urethra, vagina, cervix,

lining of the uterus, anus and rectum. Chlamydia can also spread to the

fallopian tubes and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and infertility

in women if it is left untreated. Some of the symptoms are:

vaginal/penile/rectal discharge which looks like milky or yellow pus or

mucus, pain or burning while urinating, testicular pain and swelling,

abdominal pain and pain and/or bleeding during sex in women. Chlamydia

is curable with the use of antibiotics.

Gonorrhea is caused by the Neisseria Gonorrhoeae bacteria. This

infection can be passed through oral, anal and vaginal intercourse.

Gonorrhea can affect the cervix, urethra, rectum, anus and throat. Each

year, approximately 62 million people globally are infected, with

700,000 infections in the United States. 75% of reported cases are

found in the 15-29 age range. Symptoms for this STD usually appear

within the first two weeks of infection. Symptoms include burning/pain

while urinating, anal irritation/discharge, white/yellow penile

discharge and yellow/green discharge with a strong odor in females.

Some people do not show symptoms at all. Gonorrhea can be cured with

antibiotics. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to Pelvic

Inflammatory disease, infertility, meningitis and septicemia.

Syphilis is caused by the Treponema Palladium bacteria. It can

be sexually transmitted, but can also be passed from a pregnant woman

to her baby. Syphilis progresses through