Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of the upper reproductive tract in women (cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries). It is caused by a variety of sexually transmitted organisms, including gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Symptoms:

• abdominal, cervical and/or uterine pain

• fever

• pus-like vaginal discharge

• NO SYMPTOMS

PID is treated using antibiotics.

 

Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD, transmitted to/from another person through either genital, oral or anal contact. Symptoms appear 2 to 21 days after contact an infected individual.
In women symptoms include:

• thick, pus-like discharge

• vaginal soreness

• painful, burning sensation upon urination

• bleeding after intercourse

• UP TO 80% OF WOMEN EXPERIENCE NO SYMPTOMS

Male Symptoms:

• thick, cloudy, foul-smelling penile discharge

• painful, burning sensation upon urination

• testicular or abdominal pain

Gonorrhea is treated with an injection of antibiotics.

 

Chlamydia is a bacterial STD.  Symptoms appear from several days to weeks after contact.
In women symptoms include:

• increased discharge which may be colorless and odorless

• pain with intercourse on deep penetration and/or bleeding after intercourse

• burning with urination

• 80%-90% OF WOMEN HAVE NO SYMPTOMS

Men should look for the following symptoms:

• penile discharge

• burning with urination/frequent or urgent urination

• itching at the end of the penile opening

• 25% OF MEN HAVE NO SYMPTOMS

Chlamydia is successfully treated with antibiotics.

 

Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through open sores, rashes or broken skin. The first symptoms appear 9-90 days after infection.
Symptoms:

• development of a chancre (painless sore)

• swollen painful joints/aching bones

• rash on hands and feet and mild hair loss

Syphilis is readily treated with an injection of antibiotics.

 

Chancroid is a bacterial infection which can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. Untreated chancroid can infect and swell the glands located in the groin. Chancroid is especially dangerous as the sores it produces increase the chances of getting HIV.
Symptoms:

• appearance of small boil or ulcer

• open sore

• painful urination

Chancroid is successfully treated with oral antibiotics.

 

Herpes is a viral infection which enters the body through the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals. Herpes can be classified into Types 1 and 2: "Oral Herpes" and "Genital Herpes". Both strains can, however, affect the genital area and can be passed on through genital-genital contact and through oral-genital contact. Herpes symptoms are apparent 3-7 days after exposure. Herpes is one of the three most common STDs found on the Stanford Campus.
Symptoms associated with a Herpes outbreak:

• mild tingling and burning

• watery blisters

• low grade fever/headache

There is no cure for Herpes. Symptoms may be relieved with the use of pain relievers, wearing dry, loose clothing, and treatment with Acyclovir (a viral inhibitor).

 

HPV is caused by a virus which is transmitted by skin to skin contact. It is usually spread through genital to genital contact, although infection through oral sex has been reported. HPV is one of the three most common STDs found on the Stanford Campus. The incubation period for symptoms is one month to many years.
Symptoms in both men and women include:

• palpable lump or irregularity of the skin surface

• painful intercourse if the lesions are rubbed

• NO SYMPTOMS

While the warts may be removed using liquid nitrogen, electrocautery or laser treatments, the virus remains dormant and recurrence is likely.

 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus invades and impairs the immune system. It can be transmitted bodily fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal secretions. Fluids can enter the system of another individual through broken skin and through mucus membranes, including those found in the mouth, vagina, cervix, rectum and urethra.
Symptoms: There are four stages in HIV infection. Most people who have been exposed to the virus will eventually develop an impaired immune system.

1. Acute HIV infection. An illness similar to mononucleosis or the flu develops 2-8 weeks after initial HIV infection.

2. Asymptomatic HIV infection. During this phase (which may last several years), a person will test positive for HIV but will have no symptoms.

3. Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL). During this phase, swollen lymph glands are present.

4. Other HIV disease including AIDS. Symptoms can include:

   • fatigue

   • skin rashes

   • diarrhea

   • yeast infections

   • memory changes

There is no cure for AIDS currently, but treatment, such as the drug AZT, focuses on maintaining a healthy immune system and on avoiding infection. It is important, for all those infected with the AIDS virus, whether or not they have any symptoms, to contact a health care practitioner as soon as possible to explore treatment options.
HIV testing is available through Vaden.

 

Scabies are tiny parasitic mites that buttow under the superficial layers of the ski, depositing eggs and feces and causing intense irritation. Scabies is spread by skin to skin contact and symptoms appear approximately 4 weeks after exposure.
Symptoms:

• presence of mite burrows persistent itching, worsening with scratching

Crabs can be treated by over-the-counter lotions as well as by Kwell (prescription- only).