Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Why Unprotected Sex May Worsen Endometriosis

Whoever doubted the stronghold of condoms was sorely mistaken.

All About Hepatitis C

Although it wasn't discovered until 1989, approximately 170 million people are currently infected with hepatitis C. It is a DNA virus primarily transmitted through bodily fluids and can be diagnosed by taking a blood or serum sample.

Gonorrhea Advocacy Sheet

Like many of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), gonorrhea often presents no symptoms, so many infected with it do not know, especially women.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Who is More at Risk? Teens or Adults over 50?

The last time we visited this subject, we found that younger people were not the only one who were subject to sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs.

All About Hepatitis B

Approximately one third of the world’s population has been infected with hepatitis B, and it is most common in China, Africa and Asia. It is a DNA virus primarily transmitted through bodily fluids and can be diagnosed by taking a blood or serum sample.

Genital Warts Advocacy Sheet

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and can be an early indication of types of HPV that can cause cancer (for example, cervical cancer) in women. There are more than 70 types of HPV. It often can be a symptom-free condition, so it’s a good idea to get your doctor’s help if you notice genital warts.

Herpes Advocacy Sheet

The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),or genital herpes is most common in women who are infected by a male partner. Herpes (type 1 and 2) in general affects around 45 million people in the U.S. It is estimated that many women with herpes are not aware of it because they do not experience symptoms.

Top Tips for Pregnant Women with Herpes Simplex Virus

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) impacts 40 percent of women across the U.S. Pregnant women with herpes can transmit the virus to the skin, eyes, brain or central nervous system of their newborn. Herpes virus can cause blindness, disability and death. It is very important that adequate screening and treatment is considered throughout the pregnancy. Neonatal infection can occur in the uterus during pregnancy or during delivery, passing through the birth canal (vagina).

Midwife & leading women’s health expert, Elizabeth Stein CNM, MSN, MPH of Ask Your Midwife (http://www.AskYourMidwife.com), sheds light on this infection and explains what pregnant women with herpes can do to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth.

Pubic Lice Advocacy Sheet

Pubic lice (crabs) is the most contagious sexually transmitted disease (STD). There's a 90 percent chance you will be infected if you have sexual relations with someone with pubic lice. Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects visible to the human eye that feed on human blood and live in the coarse hair (pubic, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, mustache, chest, armpits, etc.) found on the body. Children can contract pubic lice from an infected adult (which raises red flag of sexual abuse).

Female Condoms Being Distributed

Our nation's capitol has become the first city in the US to distribute female condoms for free.

While many cities have given out male condoms for free to individuals in an attempt to curb STDs and promote sexual health, Washington D.C. is the first to distribute female condoms for free. The campaign is part of a larger project to promote safe sex and fight against the city's high HIV and AIDS rates.