Many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as venereal diseases, are present without causing any symptoms. When symptoms are present, they include itching, swelling or rash on the genitals and surrounding areas, pus or foul smelling genital discharge, frequent or painful urination, genital warts or ulcers, fever, achiness, pelvic or abdominal pain, and/or painful intercourse.

Since symptoms of STDs mimic many other conditions, your doctor may order various laboratory tests to pinpoint your condition. Many STDs are very treatable. If you are experiencing unusual symptoms, or have had sexual contact with a possibly infected individual, talk to your doctor about being tested for an STD.

STD Testing

After a physical exam, your doctor may prescribe blood and urine tests to identify infection or tumor markers (substances produced by cancer or by other cells in response to cancer). Samples of bodily fluids can be used in a sexually transmitted infection screening to help identifying bacterial or other infections in the semen.

Imaging tests using x-ray or ultrasound devices can identify structural problems in the testes or penis. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be taken.

Most STDs are caused by bacteria or viruses, and many are highly treatable if identified early.

Treating Bacterial STD's with Antibiotics

Antibiotics are effective forms of treatment for the following bacterial venereal diseases.

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STD transmitted through sexual contact. Some individual experience genital discharge and painful urination, but others do not express any symptoms at all.

Gonorrhea is another common STD. Like Chlamydia, many infected individuals don’t express any symptoms.Syphilis can be life threatening if left untreated – it can progress to conditions which cause stroke or meningitis. There are often no symptoms associated with syphilis, but one identifying symptom is a painful, open sore around the genitals. Sores may also be present around the mouth, hands, or anus.

Syphilis can be transmitted through sexual contact, or through non-sexual skin-to-skin contact. Talk to your doctor if you have sores and you have had contact with an infected individual.

Treating Viral STDs

The following viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Genital Herpes is an STD caused by contact with the Herpes Simplex Virus Type2 (HSV-2) during vaginal, oral or anal sex. Herpes Simplex Virus Type1 (HSV-1) is a related condition caused by oral sex or by non-sexual contact. Both can be controlled by anti-viral drugs.

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus and are characterized by cauliflower-like clusters on or around the genital area. Although there is no cure for genital warts, topical medications can help. Sometimes clusters can be removed with minor surgery.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an incurable STD caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); HIV is spread through sexual contact with an infected individual or by coming in contact with infected needles. Mothers with HIV can transmit the virus to their children through gestation, childbirth or nursing. After being infected with HIV, some people experience flu-like symptoms for 1-4 weeks. Some people experience no symptoms at all. HIV can remain dormant for years before developing into AIDS. There has been great progress in developing anti-viral cocktails (mixtures of drugs) which prolong the life and improve the health of an HIV-positive individual. Talk to your doctor immediately if you suspect you have had unprotected exposure to an HIV positive individual.

Preventing STDs

You can protect yourself from contracting STDs by:

• abstaining from sexual contact
• limiting the number of sexual partners you have
• avoiding sexual contact with infected individuals
• correctly using a condom
• ensuring that you use sterile needles

Talk to your doctor immediately if you have disconcerting symptoms or suspect you have been exposed to an infected individual. STD testing and treatment can save your life and the lives of people close to you.