What is Herpes? Herpes Simplex Virus, or simply Herpes, is an incredibly common viral skin infection. About 20% of Americans over age 12 have Genital Herpes, of which 90% are undiagnosed. An additional 50-80% of the population is estimated to have the more common oral Herpes presentation. What’s the difference between Oral and Genital Herpes? Oral and Genital Herpes are both caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV. However, there are two forms of the virus, one of which is more likely to cause genital herpes and one which it more likely to cause the oral. Most commonly, HSV-1 (also known as Type 1) causes oral herpes presentation while HSV-2 (also known as Type 2) causes genital presentation. However type 1 can also be found on the genitals. What are the symptoms of herpes? The trademark symptom of either type 1 or type 2 is blistering lesions. With oral herpes the lesions appear around the mouth or nose and with genital herpes appearing in the genital and/or rectal area. When appearing on the mouth, these blisters are often referred to as “cold sores” or “fever blisters”. Traditionally, it was assumed that HSV-1 strictly caused oral sores and blisters, whereas HSV-2 caused genital and/or rectal sores and blisters.

Chlamydia is the most common STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) reported in the United States. It is a sexually transmitted disease that can spread quickly because it is caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The reason it is so common is that many people with Chlamydia do not realize they have it and are spreading it to potential sexual partners. For this reason Chlamydia is often screened for in those who may not exhibit symptoms, but who are in high risk groups. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea often occur together. Although Chlamydia is effectively treated with antibiotics, it can have serious complications if left untreated such as pelvic inflammatory disorder in women. This article is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider, but can provide you with an overview about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for this disease. Use this information to form your own questions and take them with you when you visit your doctor. Causes of Chlamydia Chlamydia is transmitted by having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with a person who already has the disease. The infection is spread through semen and vaginal fluids, but the transmission of the disease is not dependent on ejaculation. While the infection comes from these fluids, it can infect the eyes and throat in addition to the vagina, cervix, penis, urethra, and anus.

Gonorrhea is a common STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) in the United States and around the world. It is a sexually transmitted disease that can spread quickly because it is caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The reason it is so common is that many people with Gonorrhea do not realize that they have it and are spreading it to potential sexual partners. For this reason, Gonorrhea is often screened for in not in those who exhibit symptoms, but rather in those who belong to high risk groups. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea often occur together. Although Gonorrhea is effectively treated with antibiotics, it can have serious complications if left untreated, such as gonococcal arthritis. This article is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider, but can provide you with an overview about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for this disease. Use this information to form your own questions and take them with you when you visit your doctor. Causes of Gonorrhea This disease has been around long enough to have a nickname. Gonorrhea is sometimes referred to as “the clap.” Some sources say that clap refers to the French word, ‘clapier’, which means brothel. You don’t need to visit a brothel to get Gonorrhea though.

If you think you may have Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), but aren’t sure, reading this article may help. The information presented here is not meant to replace the advice of a professional health care provider, but will help you form your own questions. Take these questions with you when you visit your doctor. What is Bacterial Vaginosis? Bacterial Vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of certain kinds of bacteria in the vagina. It is not necessarily a true bacterial infection but rather an imbalance of the bacteria that is normally present. Inside the vagina are a host of microbes (sometimes called “vaginal flora”) that keep this important part of the body healthy. Normally, beneficial bacteria are always at work cleaning and protecting the vagina. There are many things that can throw off this important balance of bacteria and that is where the trouble begins. Recently there has been a lot of information in the news about beneficial bacteria in the intestines and the importance of keeping the digestive system healthy with a healthy diet. In the very same way, a healthy vagina needs healthy foods and plenty of water to create healthy bacteria and function best.

What is HPV? What is HPV? Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is used to describe a group of viruses that can infect the penis, vulva (area outside of the vagina), anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix or rectum. Most of the time HPV infection is not serious, does not have any symptoms, and will go away on its own without treatment. HPV is most commonly found on the genitals and anus and is found less often on the mouth or in the throat. Approximately 75% of sexually active individuals will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime, with the highest rates of HPV infection occurring in young people aged 15 to 24. There are more than 100 known types of HPV with at least 40 that cause genital warts and cancer. Low-risk types of HPV, which cause genital warts, often clear on their own. The 13 cancer-causing HPV types, the most common being HPV types 16 and 18, can also go away on their own, but if the infection lingers it can lead to cancer. Symptoms of HPV Genital Warts Genital warts are often the only visible sign that someone has an HPV infection.