STD Descriptions

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of the upper reproductive tract in women (cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries). It is caused by a variety of sexually transmitted organisms, including gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Symptoms: PID is treated using antiobiotics.

Vaginitis
Vaginitis refers to a bacterial infection or inflammation of the vagina. While men do not display the symptoms, they can transmit the infections.
Symptoms: Vaginitis is treated by both partners taking a prescribed medication (Flagyl).

Trichomonas
Trichomonas is a vaginal infection caused by a one-celled organism. The organism can live for a few hours outside the body, and can be transmitted through shared towels, bathing suits, etc.
Symptoms: As in the case of vaginitis, treatment is accomplished by both partners taking Flagyl.

Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD, transmitted to/from another person through either genital, oral or anal contact. Symptoms appear 2 ot 21 days after contact an infected individual.
In women syptoms include: Male Symptoms: Gonorrhea is treated with an injection of antibiotics.

Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial STD and one of the three most common STDs on the Stanford Campus. Symptoms appear from several days to weeks after contact.
In women symptoms include: Men should look for the following symptoms: Chlamydia is successfully treated with antiobiotics.

Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through open sores, rashes or broken skin. The first symptoms appear 9-90 days after infection.
Symptoms: Syphilis is readily treated with an injection of antibiotics.

Chancroid
Chancroid is a bacterial infection which can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. Untreated chancroid can infect and swell the glands located in the groin. Chancroid is especially dangerous as the sores it produces increase the chances of getting HIV.
Symptoms: Chancroid is successfully treated with oral antibiotics.

Herpes
Herpes is a viral infection which enters the body through the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals. Herpes can be classified into Types 1 and 2: "Oral Herpes" and "Genital Herpes". Both strains can, however, affect the genital area and can be passed on through genital-genital contact and through oral-genital contact. Herpes symptoms are apparent 3-7 days after exposure. Herpes is one of the three most common STDs found on the Stanford Campus.
Symptoms associated with a Herpes outbreak: There is no cure for Herpes. Syptoms may be relieved with the use of pain relievers, wearing dry, loose clothing, and treatment with Acyclovir (a viral inhibitor).

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is caused by a virus which is transmitted by skin to skin contact. It is usually spread through genital to genital contact, although infection through oral sex has been reported. HPV is one of the three most common STDs found on the Stanford Campus. The incubation period for symptoms is one month to many years.
Symptoms in both men and women include: While the warts may be removed using liquid nitrogen, electrocautery or laser treatments, the virus remains dormant and recurrence is likely.

HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus invades and impairs the immune system. It can be transmitted bodily fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal secretions. Fluids can enter the system of another individual through broken skin and through mucus membranes, including those found in the mouth, vagina, cervix, rectum and urethra.
Symptoms : There are four stages in HIV infection. Most people who have been exposed to the virus will eventually develop an impaired immune system.
  1. Acute HIV infection. An illness similar to mononucleosis or the flu develops 2-8 weeks after initial HIV infection.
  2. Asymptomatic HIV infection. During this phase (which may last several years), a person will test positive for HIV but will have no symptoms.
  3. Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL). During this phase, swollen lymph glands are present.
  4. Other HIV disease including AIDS. Symptoms can include:
    • fatigue
    • skin rashes
    • diarrhea
    • yeast infections
    • memory changes
There is no cure for AIDS currently, but treatment, such as the drug AZT, focuses on maintaining a healthy immune system and on avoiding infection. It is important, for all those infected with the AIDS virus, whether or not they have any symptoms, to contact a health care practitioner as soon as possible to explore treatment options.
HIV testing is available through Vaden.

Scabies
Scabies are tiny parasitic mites that buttow under the superficial layers of the ski, depositing eggs and feces and causing intense irritation. Scabies is spread by skin to skin contact and symptoms appear approximately 4 weeks after exposure.
Symptoms:
  • presence of mite burrows persistent itching, worsening with scratching
Scabies is treated with the prescription drug Kwell.

Crabs
Crabs are members of the head lice family. They attach to the capillaries in the skin and suck blood; the body's immune reaction causes the itching. Symptoms usually appear after 30-day incubation period from exposure.
Symptoms:
  • itching in pubic area
  • appearance of whitish-gret or rust colored crab-like parasites
  • Crab nits (eggs) attached to the base of pubic hair
Crabs can be treated by over-the-counter lotions as well as by Kwell (prescription- only).


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