STD’s Viral and Bacterial

STD vs. STI STD is an abbreviation for Sexually Transmitted Disease. Today, the more commonly used term is STI, which stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection. A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that is passed on through sexual activity from a person who already has an STI.

Infection vs. Disease The explanation for the shift in terms from STD to STI is simple yet significant. The term “infection” means that a germ is present in one’s body, but the person may not have any signs or symptoms of the infection. The term “disease” means that the infection is causing obvious signs or symptoms in the person. Thus, a sexually transmitted germ – bacteria, virus, parasite, or fungi – causes an infection, which may or may not result in a disease.

Viral vs. Bacterial The main difference between these two categories of sexually transmitted infections is what causes them Viral STIs are caused by viruses Bacterial STIs are caused by bacteria.

As a result of being caused by different microorganisms, bacterial and viral STIs vary in their treatment.

Viral STIs Four H’s have no cure HIV HPV (genital warts), Herpes Hepatitis.

Treatment for Viral STI’s However many of their symptoms can be alleviated with treatment. And fortunately, there are vaccines available to help prevent both HPV and hepatitis; you can talk with your health care provider about whether you should be vaccinated for either of these infections.HPV hepatitis

Bacterial STI’s Bacterial STIs are often cured with antibiotics. Gonorrhea Syphilis Chlamydia However, if not diagnosed and treated in the early stages, permanent damage or death may result.

Protozoa and other buggers In addition to bacteria and viruses, STIs can also be caused by protozoa (trichomoniasis) and other organisms (crabs/pubic lice and scabies). These STIs can be cured with antibiotics or topical creams/lotions.

Symptoms One of the most common symptoms of an STI is no symptom (for example, up to 80 percent of women and 40 percent of men diagnosed with Chlamydia may not experience symptoms), so it's important to get tested for STIs when you think you may have been exposed. STIs need to be diagnosed correctly and fully treated as soon as possible to avoid complications that could be serious and/or permanent.

PREVENTION RULES!!! Most of all, prevention rules. If you're sexually active with more than one person, or with someone who's sexually active with others, "respect yourself, protect yourself" by having safer sex and getting regular check-ups.

Abstinence Abstinence, choosing not to be sexually active, is the ONLY 100% method of avoiding STI’s and pregnancy.

HIV virus

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea

Hepatitus

HPV

Syphilis

Crabs

Trichomoniasis

Deciding whether to have sex… Think twice.