STD Facts:

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections contracted from one person to another through sexual contact. Most of these diseases can be treated if contracted, but some unfortunately have no known cure.

STDs are extremely common in the US, especially in the high risk group of young persons aged 15-24. This is because they are more likely to be having sexual relations with different partners. Here are a few of the facts regarding the spread of STDs:

The best way to avoid having to deal with the complications of an STD is to take preventative measures. The easiest of these is abstinence, but for many sexually active people the preferred measure is contraception like condoms.

As well as using condoms, it is prudent to look for STD symptoms and to take regular checks so any contracted STD can be dealt with as quickly as possible. In fact, STD testing should be sought even without any obvious symptoms. Below are the lists of symptoms to be mindful of.

STD symptoms in women:

If you think you are showing any of the following STD symptoms, it is important to get checked out using STD testing from a healthcare professional. Please bear in mind however that many of these STD symptoms are common for a number of conditions and won’t necessarily mean you have an STD:

The following are very general, symptomatic of a wide number of possible conditions but should be checked by a doctor or health practitioner nonetheless:

STD symptoms in men:

As mentioned with regard to women, many of these STD symptoms are indications of a variety of problems. In order to be safe, seek attention if you notice any of the following:

And again, more generally:

Overview of the most common STDs:

Chlamydia

Type: bacterial
Contracted via: vaginal or anal sex
Symptoms: rarely seen, hence the nickname ‘the silent disease’ although unusual vaginal and penile discharge or pain felt when urinating are the most common when experienced
Treatment: one to seven days of antibiotics such as doxycycline

Gonorrhea
Type: bacterial
Contracted via: vaginal, anal or oral sex
Symptoms: mostly felt by men, they include discharge (penile / anal) / burning sensation when urinating / painful bowel movements / anal itching / blood in feces symptoms in women are less likely but can include anything from the above list (STD symptoms in women) except for sores, warts and swellings
Treatment: short course of antibiotics

Pubic Lice (crabs)
Type: parasite
Contracted via: contact between two persons’ pubic hair / contact with cloth where lice may be (less likely; they can survive 48 hours only without human blood)
Symptoms: itching of pubic hair / small blood spots around pubic region / visible crabs in pubic hair or eggs around base or hairs
Treatment: pubic shampoo wash (also wash all bedding and clothes that could be housing the lice.

Overview of specific STDs:

HPV (human papilloma virus)
Type: viral
Contracted via: vaginal, anal or oral sex
Symptoms: genital warts / throat warts / anal warts / thigh warts / no symptoms
Treatment: no known cure, however in most cases the body can fight off the infection on its own. The symptomatic genital warts can easily be treated.

Herpes
Type: viral
Contracted via: vaginal, anal or oral skin-to-skin contact
Symptoms: itching, burning or pain around infected areas / cold sores (oral) / painful legions on genitalia, anus or thighs / vaginal bumps and sores / possible vaginal discharge
Treatment: no known cure although discomfort of symptoms can be relieved and future outbreaks can be reduced via treatments

Hepatitis B
Type: viral
Contracted via: bodily fluid exchange, vaginal, anal or oral sex
Symptoms: they can take from 9-21 weeks to show and even then may not be seen or felt. Common symptoms when experienced are fever, yellowness of skin, fatigue, vomiting, abdomen pain and slightly greyish urine or feces
Treatment: vaccination is recommended as this will protect for life against the virus. There is no known cure although in most cases it will clear the body in a few months. Chronic versions of the virus can lead to liver disease / cancer

HIV / AIDS
Type: viral
Contracted via: vaginal or anal sex
Symptoms: the virus can remain dormant for years so it’s possible symptoms may not be experienced, but typical symptoms are like the flu with muscle aches, headaches, fever and swollen glands
Treatment: no known cure, though treatment using antiviral drugs can help prevent an AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) diagnosis; this is when the HIV infection has overwhelmed one’s immune system making contraction of any illness extremely dangerous or even fatal

Syphilis
Type: bacterial
Contracted via: sexual contact between ulcers from an infected person and mucous linings of mouth / vagina / anus of another
Symptoms: pain-free sores on lips, tongue, genitals or anus / rash
Treatment: a single dose of an intramuscular penicillin injection prevents one from being infectious and will ensure the bacteria leaves the body

Trichomoniasis
Type: infection from a parasite
Contracted via: sexual intercourse (penis-to-vagina / vulva-to-vulva)
Symptoms: few in men, possible white discharge from penis or burning feeling when urinating. In women: bad-smelling, yellow-green discharge from vagina / itching of genitals, thighs / swelling of labia / pain felt when urinating or during intercourse
Treatment: short course of oral antibiotics (metronidazole) 

Guaranteed acceptance for health insurance plans:

It may be the case that you have experience one or more of the above STDs. If you are concerned that this may mean you will not be accepted for a health insurance plan, rest assured you will always be accepted through Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance.

Most of the common STDs will have little or no bearing on the outcome, availability or cost of most health plans. But if you suffer from long-term chronic hepatitis B or HIV it may be the case that the majority of healthcare providers will refuse you cover. Help is on hand with us; we will always accept people and provide them the cover they need regardless of the severity of their pre existing condition.