Millions of people have been stricken with and killed by sexually transmitted diseases (STD) over the past centuries. In more recent data, studies have shown that STD cases and deaths have shown no signs of slowing down, being a cause of alarm for many worldwide health authorities. Furthermore, in developing nations, such as those in Africa, South America, and some parts of Asia, STDs continue to be a pressing problem. Death rates caused by STDs in these regions are high because of limited access to medical aid, as well as the locals’ lack of awareness on STDs.

The two biggest STD concerns that afflict millions across the globe are HIV and AIDS. HIV is defined as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and when the infection progresses in the body, it develops into a serious disease known as AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It has been estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that more than 25 million people have died from HIV or AIDS since the virus was isolated by scientists in 1981. At present, there are approximately 33 million people with AIDS or HIV worldwide. What is even more alarming is that every year, there are newly infected individuals, and more than half of those are from the ages 25 and below group.

STD symptoms, particularly those of HIV, can be similar to other conditions. Medical sources say that on the initial stage of infection, it is very difficult to diagnose whether a patient has HIV or not, just by looking at the symptoms, which can range from fatigue, headaches, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and the like. The best way to be truly sure if someone has HIV is to take an HIV test. There are HIV tests in London, that can help determine the level of infection, and hopefully indicate if the disease can be treated at that stage. However, it is important to note that HIV testing can be done only after a certain incubation period upon infection, which can be anywhere from three to six months. Within this range, the virus may not be easily detected by tests.

If you are unsure whether or not you have acquired an STD, or may have HIV or AIDS, the smartest thing to do is to consult a health practitioner. Rest assured that your medical professional will treat your issue with utmost discretion. In line with the prevention of STDs, health centers greatly encourage the practice of safe sex, as well as to take STD tests whenever possible.

There are several treatments as well as tips for those that have herpes outbreaks. Doctors may prescribe painkillers to help reduce the pain caused by the blisters or when urinating. There are ointments that can be purchased at pharmacies that can help to reduce itching and pain. The downsides to these ointments are that some find that they have an allergic reaction to them and they may make things worse. It may be wise to test a natural area of the skin prior to applying to blisters. Sometimes icing down the area with an ice pack (or ice wrapped in a towel) may help to sooth the pain. You should not place ice directly on the affected areas.

Drinking plenty of water can help problems during urination. Avoid the use of harsh soaps or bubble baths and clean the area with a soft cloth and warm water, and gently pat dry. Some have found that drying with a hairdryer (on its lowest setting) is more comforting than using a towel. Once an episode has cleared up, it is suggested to use a lubricant as sexual activity can cause a reoccurrence.

The use of antiviral medication may be necessary in some cases. These medications do not eradicate the virus for the body, as once you are infected you will always be a carrier. What the medication does do is stop the virus from growing and can help to keep outbreaks under control. There are several antiviral medications on the market such as Aciclovir, Famciclovir, and Valaciclovir. These medications are most helpful to those experiencing their first outbreak of symptoms as they reduce the length of time as well as the severity experienced. Normally a five day regimen is prescribed; however, if symptoms are persistent you may be on the medication longer.

As far as reoccurrences are concerned, medication may not be necessary for treatment. The reasoning behind this is that sequential outbreaks are not as harsh as the initial outbreak and only last about three days. Should this not be the case for an individual, antiviral medications are prescribed.

Sexually transmitted diseases may be caused by various agents, whether they are bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. Among the most common STDs caused by bacteria are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, which the World Health Organization (WHO) reports to afflict millions of new victims every year. Mentioned here are other bacterial STDs, as well as additional information on them.

About 12 million to 20 million people can acquire Syphilis every year. This bacterial STD is caused by Treponema pallidium, and because its symptoms are fairly similar to those of other bacteria caused STDs, the best way to diagnose Syphilis is through examinations. There are many stages of this disease, and at times, it takes up to three months before the symptoms show. Doctors usually examine for the presence of ulcers or chancres on areas such as the anus, the vulva, or the penis. These indicate the presence of Syphilis in its primary stage.

In the secondary stage of the disease, flu like symptoms may be experienced, as well as rashes and discoloration in the tongue or the mouth. If you suspect that you or someone you know has Syphilis, get a doctor to diagnose it immediately. This condition is often treated through a series of penicillin injections and other forms of antibiotics. Because this disease can be transferred from a mother to her unborn child, medical providers often recommend pregnant moms to undergo STD testing just in case.

Besides the widely common Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis, non-specific urethritis is also a bacterial STD that can afflict both men and women. However, the symptoms for this disease become more easily apparent in men. Among the signs to watch out for are itching, burning, abnormal discharge from the urethra, and also pain while urinating. Urethritis may be caused by bacterial strains such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Ureaplasma urealyticum, while in other cases, viral and parasitic causes have also been reported.

To be able to determine the presence of such a disease, a non-specific urethritis test may be administered. By taking a sample of the urethral discharge, and subjecting it to a bacterial Gram stain test, examiners can determine whether non-specific urethritis is present. If gonorrheal bacteria have been found, then gonococcal urethritis might be the diagnosis. In treating non-specific urethritis, antibiotic doses are given, and this can vary depending on the strain of bacteria that has been detected. If left untreated, this urethritis can progress to PID or pelvic inflammatory disease, or even infertility in men.

World AIDS Day is celebrated globally every first of December. Since 1988, this event hopes to increase the awareness for STDs such as HIV and AIDS, which has claimed the lives of millions over the past decades. Like HIV and AIDS, there are also other sexually transmitted diseases that are caused by viruses, and the quest of finding cures for these conditions continues to challenge medical researchers worldwide. Here are some other common viral STDs, including information on STD symptoms, as well as diagnoses and possible forms of treatment.

Herpes is caused by a viral strain known as the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that about 45 million Americans have herpes. The symptoms include sores, fever and flu symptoms, and swollen lymph nodes. Blood tests and laboratory observation of samples may help determine the stage of infection in the patient. There has been no definite treatment for herpes, but there are antiviral drugs that can suppress the symptoms.

Genital HPV, or genital warts, is a viral disease which is brought about by the Human Papilloma Virus. The CDC says that in the US, about 20 million people have HPV, while about 7 million new cases are diagnosed per year. This infection can be apparent in areas such as the cervix, the vulva, rectum, and penis. These appear as bumps that may be raised, and their number can increase if left untreated. A test that can be done for women to determine the presence of HPV and its possible risk for cancer is a cervical cancer screening. There are other HPV related diseases that may arise if the condition is left untreated, including other forms of cancer.

As you can see, viral STDs are not regularly treated by medicines from drug stores. At times, the cost of treating these can be costly, and the success rates tend to vary. If you require more information on viral STDs as well as other forms of STDs, you can consult with STD clinics in your area, as well as undergo an STD test to determine the cause for any symptoms you may be experiencing. In line with acquiring as much information as you can on STDs, a smart way of dealing with these conditions and preventing them is through safe sex practices.

A lot of people who have become infected with syphilis can go symptom free for years and years, but this does not eliminate the risk of them experiencing complications later on in life if the condition goes untreated. There are three different stages of syphilis: primary, secondary, and tertiary. The disease is passed by people that are in the primary or secondary stage of the disease (where sores are present). However, a person may be unaware of that they are infected and pass the condition along to their partner/s through sexual intercourse.

Primary stage syphilis is where the infected individual develops single or multiple sores called chancres. From the time of infection symptoms tend to appear within ten to ninety days. These sores are characterized as being small, round, painless, and firm. In general chancres appear at the site where the infection entered the body. The sore remains for three to six weeks and heals on its own. But, if one does not receive treatment the infection will move onto the next stage.

Secondary stage syphilis is marked by skin rashes and lesions of the mucous membranes. Typically, it will start out with the development of a rash in one or more areas of the body. Generally, the rash does not cause irritation or itchiness. These rashes can manifest themselves while primary stage sores are still present or weeks after they have diminished. The rashes that afflict those with secondary syphilis generally are red, rough, or red-brown spots that appear on the palms of your hands or on the bottoms of your feet. Rashes that show up on different parts of the body will have different characteristics and may look similar to rashes caused by other conditions. In many cases the rashes may be very minor and go unnoticed.

Other symptoms that may arise from secondary stage syphilis are: fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, unexplained weight loss, achy muscles, chronic fatigue, sore throats, or hair loss (usually patches at a time). The body will resolve the complications of secondary stage syphilis, but if the infection is not treated it will progress to the tertiary stage of the disease.

The tertiary stage, also known as the late or latent stage, of syphilis occurs once the primary and secondary symptoms have cleared up. At this stage a person will continue to carry the infection while there will be no signs or symptoms. Late stage syphilis occurs in approximately fifteen percent of individuals that have not received treatment and can manifest ten to twenty years after being initially infected. The effects of this stage of the disease are damage to organs such as the eyes, brain, nervous system, liver, bones, and joints. This damage will cause symptoms such as poor coordination and impaired movement, paralysis, loss of sight, loss of feeling, and dementia. The damage caused to the body can be severe enough to result in death.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) have been plaguing mankind for centuries. With millions of people stricken per year, the incidence of such conditions continues to cause alarm for many countries as well as international organizations. It has been found by researchers that people in developing countries, particularly in Africa and South America, are more prone to acquiring STDs. In line with this, treatments are not easy to obtain in such nations because of limited access to updated medical facilities.

Among the most concerning STDs that continues to afflict millions is HIV, also known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus. First identified and isolated in 1981, this disease, along with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is said to have caused the deaths of more than 25 million people across the globe, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). As of the year 2007, more than 33 million people are estimated to have HIV, and of these statistics, more than half of them are of people aged 25 years old and below, as the WHO states. When the HIV infection is left untreated, symptoms can escalate and develop into AIDS. Despite the attempt for better cures, the number of people with AIDS and HIV worldwide continues to increase.

Because of such concerns, most health facilities and institutions in the United States and around the world recommend STD testing as well as the HIV test for patients who may be prone to these diseases. Because some STD symptoms may be similar to other non-STD related conditions, it is best to have such tests taken, in order for treatment or preventive care to be duly administered. For people who are interested in STD testing, there are many STD clinics that provide such services. While these facilities intend to keep results of tests private, the patient concerned has the choice to grant these STD clinics permission to share the results with research organizations to aid the search for better STD treatments. It is important to note that HIV testing, AIDS testing, or tests for other STDs is highly encouraged for expectant mothers, as this can help avoid the transfer of the disease to the unborn child.

In line with the increasing stats on HIV and AIDS, many medical researches continue to pursue more effective means of alleviating the symptoms of HIV, AIDS, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases. In the end, mankind can expect the absolute cure that will eliminate these illnesses from society. At present, information and prevention are the best means to avoid getting infected.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) may be acquired through various modes. Whether it is through direct sexual contact from different partners, transferred via blood, or through non-sterile surgical and medical equipment, anyone is at risk of getting such a disease. One of the best ways of preventing STDs is to make well-informed choices with regards to sexual practices, and to undergo STD testing to be sure of one’s condition.

There are different categories into which STDs can be classified. Depending on the agent that brings about the infection, STDs may be bacterial, fungal, viral, or even parasitic in nature. Mentioned here are some common bacterial STDs, as well as the STD symptoms and possible forms of treatment available.

Chlamydia is a disease that is brought about by the bacterial strain Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be acquired through sexual contact, or transferred from an infected pregnant woman to her child. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that every year, nearly 100 million new cases of Chlamydia are reported, with the prevalence among men and women almost equal. Symptoms may be an abnormal discharge from the vagina or the penis, pain during sex or while urination, or some symptoms may not be present at all. After a clinical examination and diagnosis, patients with Chlamydia may be treated with antibiotics.

Another known bacterial STD that is fairly common in most parts of the globe is Gonorrhea. It is caused by the strain of bacterium called Neisseria gonorrheae, and may be transferred through vaginal sex, anal sex, and possibly through oral sex. The WHO estimates that more than 60 million men and women acquire Gonorrhea every year. Symptoms may be similar to Chlamydia, wherein pain is experienced during urination, among others. And more often, men show these signs earlier than women. If Gonorrhea is left untreated in women, it can lead to a more serious condition known as PID or pelvic inflammatory disease. This disease may be diagnosed through a pelvic examination, or through laboratory tests of urethral and vaginal samples from patients. Like Chlamydia, antibiotic treatments in tablet and injection form may help treat Gonorrhea.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are among the most common bacterial STDs in the world. According to medical reports, these are prevalent in developing nations, particularly because of the lack of medical information and the unavailability of treatment resources. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have these STDs, consult with a medical professional right away.

The most effective way to avoid transmitting syphilis or any STD is to practice abstinence or be in a monogamous relationship where both partners are known to be free of any STDs or STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

Other recommendations include avoiding excessive use of alcohol or drugs as our inhibitions are clouded when under the influence of these substances, which may lead to promiscuity or risky sexual behaviours.

It is of the utmost importance that sexual partners are open with each other and disclose any STDs that they have been exposed to so that preventative measures can be agreed upon.

The use of condoms can greatly reduce the risk of contracting syphilis. In many cases the sores (chancres) that appear once one is infected are in the genital area. Latex condoms will protect one from contracting the infection should this be the case. However, if the sores are on other areas of the body that are not covered, a condom will not offer you protection or prevent you from spreading the infection to others.

The spreading of STDs cannot be prevented by cleansing the genital area by douching or urinating after sex. Should you experience any abnormal discharge, soreness, or rashes in the genital region you should abstain from having sexual intercourse and visit your doctor or a nearby STD clinic strait away.

Once you have been treated for syphilis it is necessary to refrain from having sexual relations until you are certain that the symptoms of syphilis have completely subsided. Being considerate of your sexual partners, you should notify them immediately if you have syphilis so that they can be tested and receive adequate treatment if need be. This will also help to stop the spreading of the condition to others.

When you are worried that your may have contracted an STD, it is important that you get an STD test quickly. Waiting for your results can be stressful for both you and your sexual partner and that is why many people are now choosing private STD testing clinics, as opposed to their local GP.

STD test results can take up to two weeks to come back from an NHS doctor, but at a private testing clinic, results are usually given to you the same day or within 48 hours of being tested. People also use private STD clinics because they are 100% confidential; your NHS doctor will put the results onto your medical record, where it can be seen by third parties.

Private STD clinics are also 100% anonymous, no medical records are taken and none of the information is shared with third parties. You can also give a false name and receive your test results either in person or over the phone.

Sexually active people who have more than one partner are advised to have regular STD tests, as many of the symptoms are subtle or easily mistaken; many people do not know that they have an STD until other problems surface.

Gay men are being warned about the risk of contracting HIV as figures show a higher rate of new diagnoses. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) nearly 40% of the 7,370 cases of HIV in 2008 were in gay men; double the number of a decade ago.

Recent studies into sexual behaviour have suggested that there are still high numbers of gay men that engage in unprotected sex, but new diagnoses of HIV within the gay community has fallen slightly over the past few years.

HIV expert at the HPA, Dr Barry Evans said: “Gay men continue to be the group in the UK most at risk of acquiring HIV”.

Adding that, “Safe sex is the best way to protect against HIV infection.”

The figures show that overall new diagnoses had fallen from 7,660 in 2007, and that cases affecting gay men was also down from 3,050 to 2,830, but the HPA was still concerned about the number of late diagnoses, with around 20% of gay men’s diagnoses coming beyond the point when treatment should of started; this greatly increases the chance of death within the first year.