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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.

Syphilis is a serious sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Since 2001 the incidence of syphilis has increased, especially among homosexual males. The disease is transmitted by direct contact with a syphilis sore, most commonly found on the genitalia, vagina, anus, rectum, or mouth. Pregnant women who are infected can pass the disease onto their babies.

Though many infected individuals remain asymptomatic for years, initial symptoms of primary-stage syphilis may include the appearance of one or more chancres (sores) that present between ten and ninety days after exposure. Chancres are usually round, firm, small, and painless and can last anywhere from three to six weeks before healing. If treatment is not administered the disease progresses to a secondary stage characterized by skin rash, mucous-membrane lesions, fever, sore throat, head and muscle aches, fatigue, and weight loss. Symptoms will resolve without treatment, but the infection remains active. Late-stage syphilis may present with severe damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, liver, bones, and joints and even death.

Early stage syphilis is treated with a single intramuscular injection of penicillin (sometimes multiple injections are necessary depending on the duration of the disease), but the damage resulting from untreated syphilis is permanent. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of contacting syphilis, but it does not provide full protection against infection as chancres may occur in areas not normally covered by condoms.

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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