Viral STDs
Like bacterial STDs, these are also some scary sounding names. If you get some of these STDs, you can easily die. Viral STDs are caused by tiny germs known as viruses that can grow and multiply only while living inside a living cell. The human body provides the perfect place for these viruses to grow. These viruses cannot be killed and so there is no cure for these sexually transmitted disease, they can only be controlled with medication. Re-occurrences of the symptoms are common. Since some of these viruses don't produce symptoms for months or even years, it is difficult to know if you or your sex partner are infected.
Genital Herpes Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. Many cases of Genital Herpes are acquired from people who did not know they are infected or who had no symptoms at the time of the sexual contact.
Results of a nationally representative study show that genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, at least 45 million people ages 12 and older, or one out of five adolescents and adults, have had genital HSV infection. Over the past decade, the percent of Americans with genital herpes infection in the U.S. has decreased.
Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of four women) than in men (almost one out of eight). This may be due to male-to-female transmission being more likely than female-to-male transmission.
Results of a nationally representative study show that genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, at least 45 million people ages 12 and older, or one out of five adolescents and adults, have had genital HSV infection. Over the past decade, the percent of Americans with genital herpes infection in the U.S. has decreased.
Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of four women) than in men (almost one out of eight). This may be due to male-to-female transmission being more likely than female-to-male transmission.
What does it look like? (primary)
VERY GRAPHIC!
How do I get this STD?, What should I watch for?, what happens if I don't get treated?, How can I prevent it?Read More for Answers to these Questions...
HIV & AIDS HIV & AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Once a person has the HIV in their bloodstream, they are known to be HIV positive. They may look healthy and not even know they are infected. But they can infect you. People can be HIV positive for many years before the virus destroys their immune system and symptoms begin to appear. At that point, the person is considered to have AIDS. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. There were more than a million people—an estimated 1,106,400 adults and adolescents—living with HIV infection in the United States at the end of 2006, and that gay and bisexual men of all races, African Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos were most heavily affected. The top ten states/territories in the US are: New York, California, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Maryland. The CDC estimates that at least half of all new HIV cases diagnosed in the United States are in individuals under age 25.
It is estimated that 39.5 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, and 50% of these are women. 25 million people have died so far from the virus. HIV is the 9th leading cause of death in people 15-24 years old.
It is estimated that 39.5 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, and 50% of these are women. 25 million people have died so far from the virus. HIV is the 9th leading cause of death in people 15-24 years old.
How do I get this STD?, What should I watch for?, what happens if I don't get treated?, How can I prevent it?Read More for Answers to these Questions...
Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus known as hepatitis B virus (HBV). This virus attacks the liver and can cause a lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Unlike the HIV, HBV can live on a dry surface for at least 7 days. According to the CDC , an estimated 1 - 1.25 million people in the United States are chronically infected. In 2001 there were 71,000 new infections diagnosed with the highest rate of disease in 20-49-year-olds.
How do I get this STD?, What should I watch for?, what happens if I don't get treated?, How can I prevent it?Read More for Answers to these Questions...
Genital Warts Genital Warts are caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). The virus infects the skin and mucous membranes. There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of men and women, including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), and anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, and rectum. You cannot see HPV. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it. Some HPV have been linked to cervical cancer in females and penile cancer in males. This STD is commonly found in teens and young adults who have multiple sex partners. Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and another 6.2 million people become newly infected each year. At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.
How do I get this STD?, What should I watch for?, what happens if I don't get treated?, How can I prevent it?Read More for Answers to these Questions...
The Teen Resource website is funded through the Georgia Department of Community Health - Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program.