para-std

These are pretty big words for some really itchy STDs! Parasitic STDs are caused by tiny parasites that invade and live in the moist tissue of the vagina, urethra, and the area around your sex organs. Since these parasites are so tiny, it is difficult to know if you or your sex partner is infected until the symptoms of these infections start to appear.	Trichomoniaisis
	Scabies (or Lice)
	Pediculosis Pubis (or Crabs)

Trichomoniasis is caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. According to the CDC this STD mainly affects female teenagers and young women mainly affecting 16-to-35-year old women. In the United States, it is estimated that 2 million females become infected each year.

How do I get this STD?	This STD is spread during vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has Trichomoniasis.
What should I watch for?	Symptoms generally show up within 6 months after having sex with an infected partner. What does it look like?
	Females: Yellowish-green, to greyish-white frothy, foul smelling discharge from your vagina. Vaginal itching or redness. Burning or pain when you urinate (pee). Pain during sex.	Males: Most men do not have symptoms. When symptoms are present, they most commonly are a discharge from your penis, and a burning sensation when you urinate (pee).
What happens if I don't get treated?	You can give your partner Trichomoniasis. A mother with Trichomoniasis can give it to her baby during childbirth.
How can I prevent it?	Use a new latex condom (rubber) with a water-based lubricant every time you have sex. Click here for more ways you can protect your self!

Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This parasitic disease can easily pass between sexual partners. According to the CDC Scabies is spread from person to person when there is prolonged skin-to-skin contact.

How do I get this STD?	This STD is spread during close skin-to-skin contact such as in vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has Scabies. You can also get this parasite by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding.
What should I watch for?	Symptoms may take as long as 2-6 weeks to begin in someone who has never had scabies. For a person who has had scabies before, symptoms appear within several days. You do not become immune to an infestation. Symptoms to watch for include: Pimple-like irritations or a rash especially the webbing between your fingers; the skin folds on your wrist, elbow, or knee; your penis, your breast, or your shoulder blades. Intense itching, especially at night. Sores on your body caused by scratching. What does it look like?
What happens if I don't get treated?	You can give your partner Lice! You can develop sores where the lice have bitten you that can become infected. If you have Scabies: Launder all bed linens and clothing used 48 hours prior to you having a treatment to prevent getting scabies again.
How can I prevent it?	Avoid sharing linens, towels, and clothing with other people who may have scabies. If you have multiple sex partners, wash bed linens often to reduce the risk of scabies. Click here for more ways you can protect your self during sex!

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. The American Social Health Association estimates 3 million cases a year are diagnosed in the US.

How do I get this STD?	This STD is spread during vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has Pediculosis Pubis. Sometimes you can also get this parasite by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding. This does not occur as often as it does with Scabies.
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. What does it look like?
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?	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. Click here for more ways you can protect your self during sex!