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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are those diseases transmitted primarily through sexual means, which may include oral, anal, or genital contact; osculation (kissing); or manual stimulation. STDs are also referred to as sexually transmitted infection (STI), venereal diseases (VD), and reproductive tract infections (RTI). Though other diseases may also be transmitted through sexual contact, the term STD is reserved for an infection spread primarily through sexual means. The source of infection may be bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitical. Depending upon the infecting agent, the resulting disease may remain localized at the site of infection (such as the genitalia or sex organs) or may spread to other parts of the body. Though symptoms may vary, both men and women are susceptible to STDs.

The most reliable method for the prevention of all STDs is abstinence or limiting sexual activity to monogamous, long-term relationships with partners who have been tested and are free of infection. Consistent and correct use of latex condoms may help to prevent the transmission of many STDs but may be ineffective in preventing others.

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most commonly reported STD in the United States. Chlamydia may be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Infected mothers may also pass the disease to their babies during vaginal childbirth. Risk factors include multiple sex partners. Young women are particularly susceptible to infection because the cervix is not yet fully mature. Symptoms are often mild or absent. If present they may appear between one to three weeks after exposure. In women symptoms may include abnormal discharge from the vagina or burning during urination, and in men the disease may manifest as a discharge (with possible itching and burning) from the penis.

The disease usually infects the cervix and the urethra in women. Untreated chlamydia can spread to the rectum or the fallopian tubes causing lower abdominal pain, back pain, fever, nausea, pain during intercourse, and spotting between menstrual periods. Damage to the reproductive organs may result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or infertility. Women infected with chlamydia are at higher risk for contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if exposed to it.

The treatment for chlamydial infections is antibiotic therapy, with all sexual partners being tested and treated to prevent reinfection. Annual screening for women at risk helps to detect infection and prevent the disease from spreading further. Latex condoms when used consistently and correctly can reduce the risk of transmitting chlamydia.

Reference:

Holmes, King K.; P. Frederick Sparling; Per-Anders Mardh; et al., eds. 1999. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 3rd edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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