Bacterial STDs
These are scary sounding names. If you get one of these STDs and don't get treated, there are also some pretty scary consequences! Bacterial STDs are caused by bacteria that are so small they cannot be seen without a microscope. Bacteria need a warm, moist environment in which to live, grow, and multiply. The human body provides the perfect place for these bacteria to grow. Since the bacteria cannot be seen, it is difficult to know if you or your sex partner are infected until the symptoms of these infections start to appear.
Chlamydia (or NGU) Chlamydia is caused by the Chlamydia trachomitis bacteria. This is the most frequently reported bacterial STD in the United States. It is most common in young heterosexuals who have new or multiple sex partners. According to CDC’s 2004 STD data, Georgia reported 34,280 cases of chlamydia and had the eighth highest chlamydia rates in the United States during 2004. About 75 percent of women infected with Chlamydia have few or no symptoms. Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur "silently" before a woman ever recognizes a problem. Chlamydia also can cause discharge from the penis of an infected man.
What does it look like in Males?
VERY GRAPHIC!
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Gonorrhea (Clap or Drip) Gonorrhea is caused by the Neiseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It is most common in young heterosexuals who have new or multiple sex partners and engage in unprotected sexual intercourse. According to the CDC adolescent females ages 15-19 have the highest rates of gonorrhea and in men, the highest rate is found in the 20-24 year old range. Gonorrhea is also often seen among males who have sex with males. There were 15,783 cases of gonorrhea reported for Georgia in 2004, ranking fifth in the nation for the highest gonorrhea cases.
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Syphilis Syphilis is caused by the Treponema pallidum bacteria. This STD has been well known throughout history. It is most common in low-income, minority, heterosexual couples. Syphilis is also frequently found in individuals who trade sex for drugs (most often crack cocaine), and those who are homeless. There is a 2- to 5-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV infection when syphilis is present. Georgia reported a total of 549 cases of primary and secondary syphilis in 2004, ranking third in the nation for rates of primary and secondary syphilis.
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Vaginosis Vaginosis or vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. It is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it is generally related to sexual activity. Vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of a bacteria (Gardnerella vaginalis) that is normally found in the vagina. CDC Fact Sheet
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease PID is an infection of the lining or walls of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, or the ovaries, and can result in long-term pelvic pain and permanent damage to the reproductive organs. According to the CDC, each year in the United States, more than 1 million women experience an episode of acute PID. More than 100,000 women become infertile each year as a result of PID, and a large proportion of the ectopic pregnancies occurring every year are due to the consequences of PID. More than 150 women die from this infection every year. The majority of females with PID are younger than 25 and almost 15% of all females will suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) at some point in their lives.
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