It’s not a pleasant topic, but sexually transmitted diseases are still an issue in sexual health today. Despite advances in safe sex practices and medicine, the CDC reports that STDs reached a record high in the U.S. 2018. This is a topic that shouldn’t be ignored, especially if you have teens in the household. Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN lists the most common sexually transmitted diseases, a list you might want to discuss with your teens before they become sexually active.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is dangerous because the symptoms do not rear their ugly heads for weeks after contracting the disease. The good news is Chlamydia is easily curable. Symptoms of Chlamydia include painful sex and penile or vaginal discharge. Latex condoms reduce the risk of Chlamydia.
Gonorrhea
Also called “The Clap,” gonorrhea is an STD that is caused by bacteria. Symptoms of the disease include burning during urination and, in men, green, white, or yellow penile discharge. The CDC says 120 people out of 100,000 in the U.S. contract gonorrhea. It can also be transmitted during oral sex and affect the throat.
Syphilis
Treponema pallidum causes syphilis, and it causes serious health problems if it isn’t treated. Sores on the genitals, in the mouth, and in the rectum or vagina spread syphilis, which means this disease is transmitted via oral and vaginal or rectal sexual relations. Condoms help protect against syphilis.
Mycoplasma Genitalium
You may not have heard of this STD but it has “surpassed gonorrhea in prevalence,” according to the CDC. This STD is common in teens, and it is very difficult to diagnose. Long-term consequences of mycoplasma genitalium include infertility caused by another consequence pelvic inflammatory disease.
Trichomoniasis
More women suffer from Trichomoniasis than men, and this STD prevents itself in the form of vaginal irritation, itching, and discharge that is frothy and smells horrible. Women might also feel pain during intercourse if they suffer from trichomoniasis. This said, men can have it, too, so practice safe sex.
Human Papilloma Virus
Also known as HPV, this STD has a vaccination that helps protect your teens against it. Although most parents fear HPV causes cervical cancer in their daughters, only a handful of HPV types actually cause the disease. Still, a few strains of HPV can cause cancer and other strains can cause genital warts.
These are only some of the STDs spread between sexual partners throughout the United States. Located in Stockbridge, GA, Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN understands STDs are embarrassing. Call us at 770-474-1919 if you suspect you have an STD. We promise we’ll treat your case with the utmost confidentiality.
