STIs (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, and Syphilis)

 

Gonorrhea and chlamydia

• Gonorrhea and chlamydia are bacteria that are transmitted by having unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has gonorrhea or chlamydia. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common STIs in the United States and can often occur together. People who have an STI usually experience discharge, difficulty urinating, or pain. People can also have STIs and have no symptoms. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can be treated and cured with a course of antibiotics. Without treatment, gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to further infections and possibly infertility.

 

Trichomoniasis

• Trichomoniasis (trich) is a protozoal infection that is transmitted by having unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has trich. The most common symptoms of trich are trouble urinating and vaginal or penile discharge. Most men who have trich do not have any symptoms. Trich is treated and cured with a course of antibiotics.  Without treatment, trich can lead to further infections and possibly infertility.

 

Syphilis

• Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by having unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has syphilis. Syphilis has different stages of presentation. The first stage of syphilis is a painless genital ulcer and swollen lymph nodes. The second stage of syphilis is a fever and a widespread body rash. The third stage of syphilis affects the eyes, nerves, and muscles of the body. Syphilis is treated and cured with a course of antibiotics. Without treatment, syphilis can lead to neurological deficits and an increased risk of acquiring HIV.

 

STI Prevention and Education at BAO

 

Prevention and management of STIs are the best weapon in decreasing the spread and complications of these bacteria and protozoa. The most efficient way to prevent the transmission of STIs is to use latex, plastic, or internal condoms with oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse. Knowing your STI status and testing frequently is important to ensure you get treatment and prevent complications.

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Hepatitis C

• Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver and is transmitted by exposure to infected blood and sexual fluids, or from a person with a uterus to their baby. Hepatitis C is most commonly spread by sharing injection drug equipment, such as needles. The symptoms of hepatitis C include fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin, and abdominal pain. People with hepatitis C can also have no symptoms. Hepatitis C is treated and cured by antiviral medications for a few months. Without treatment, hepatitis C can possibly lead to liver failure or liver cancer.

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Hepatitis C Prevention and Education at BAO

 

Prevention and management of STIs are the best weapon in decreasing the spread and complications of this virus. The most efficient way to prevent the transmission of hepatitis C is to avoid sharing injection drug equipment (needles, syringes, etc.) with other people and to use latex, plastic, or internal condoms with oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse. Knowing your hepatitis C status and testing frequently is important to ensure you get treatment and prevent complications.