Pediculosis Pubis (or Crabs)
Pediculosis pubis (Crabs) is caused by the phthirus pubis, the crab louse. According to the CDC , this STD is highly contagious and the parasite is commonly found in the area around your sex organs and rectum. The lice and the eggs they lay can be seen if you look close. Pubic lice infestation is found worldwide and occurs in all races, ethnic groups, and levels of society.
How do I get this STD?
This STD is spread during vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has Pediculosis Pubis and is most common in adults. Pubic lice found on children may be a sign of sexual exposure or abuse.
Sometimes you can also get this parasite by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding. This does not occur as often as it does with Scabies.
A common misunderstanding is that pubic lice are spread easily by sitting on a toilet seat. This would be extremely rare because lice cannot live long away from a warm human body and they do not have feet designed to hold onto or walk on smooth surfaces such as toilet seats.
What should I watch for?
Symptoms usually occur within a few hours to days. To eat, the louse must bite into your skin. You will notice a mild itching and rash that gets progressively worse. Many people will have an allergic reaction to the louse bites that make the itching worse. Also, you will see visible nits (lice eggs) or crawling lice.
What does it look like?
VERY GRAPHIC!
What happens if I don't get treated?
- You can give your partner Crabs!
- You can develop sores where the crab louse has bitten you that can become infected.
- Because the crab louse will lay eggs at the base of your pubic hair it will be important to have a follow-up treatment in 5-10 days following the first treatment to kill the baby lice that will hatch from the eggs.
How can I prevent it?
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs.
Avoid sharing linens, towels, and clothing with other people who may have crabs.
If you have multiple sex partners, wash bed linens often to reduce the risk of crabs.
Read below for more ways you can protect yourself...
ANSWER:
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs. There is really no way to have a sexual relationship with another person that does not put you at risk for STDs. Ideally you should wait to have sex until you are ready for a permanent relationship with just one person and when they are equally committed to this relationship and to only having sex with you. Even in this situation, there is a risk of STDs if you or your partner has had other sexual relationships prior to this relationship.
If you are having sex now using a latex condom is your first line of defense. Use a new condom every time you have sex. Many teens are embarrassed to buy condoms, but if you are old enough to have sex, you are old enough to act responsibly. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from taking care of yourself and your partner.
Think ahead and always be prepared!
More Ways to Protect Yourself if You are Having Sex Now:
- Have sex only with one partner who is not infected and is only having sex with you.
- Talk with your partner about past sex partners and about any needle drug use.
- Don't have sex with someone who you think might have a STD.
- Before you have sex, look closely at your partner for any signs of STD. If you see anything you are worried about, don't have sex!
- Use a latex condom (rubber) for oral and anal sex. Use an unlubricated condom for oral sex. Males and females should both carry protection.
- In addition to condoms, use birth control foam, cream, or jelly. These kill many STD germs.
- Urinate immediately after sex - this may help remove harmful germs from the urinary tract.
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgment, making you more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
- Get checked for STDs every time you have a health exam if you have had sex. Remember not all STDs have symptoms!
- Know the symptoms of STDs. If you notice a symptom, go see a doctor.
- If you have a STD, your partner must get treated. Don't have sex until your treatment is complete.
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