Sexual Health Profile 5

More About Sexual Health Profile 5

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. These are viral infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Hepatitis B and C affect the liver and can severely damage it. Treatment with interferon is available, but this drug therapy may have serious side effects.

Syphilis. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be easily missed. The first symptom is a painless blister or sore that will disappear on its own, but the infection can be passed on to others for up to eighteen months. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, the disease can spread throughout your body over the course of many years and cause considerable organ damage.

Chlamydia. Chlamydia trachomatis is often called "the silent epidemic" because infections are common yet many people do not realize that they are infected. Only one in four of infected people have symptoms of a slight discharge and stinging on passing urine. It is the commonest STD in the UK. This bacterial disease is easily cured with antibiotics but can have serious health consequences if left untreated.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is associated with AIDS. This virus attacks and destroys certain white blood cells (T-helper lymphocytes) that are involved in the immune system. As the number of these cells is reduced, the ability of your body to fight off infections also decreases. This eventually results in death. Although there is no cure, early detection allows for treatment with anti-viral therapies that can help to prolong life.

Hepatitis B and C
Cause: Virus.
Symptom: Usually involve the liver. Hepatitis may cause permanent liver damage.
Treatment: Interferon has been used but may have serious side effects.

Syphilis
Cause: Bacterial
Symptom: Usually blister or sore.
Treatment: Antibiotic.

Chlamydia
Cause: Bacteria
Symptom: may be asymptomatic only 25% of patients have symptoms.
Treatment: Antibiotic

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Cause: Virus.
Symptom: The virus destroys white blood cells that fight off infections. As their numbers are decreased the ability to fight off even the simplest of infections is reduced. This may result in death.
Treatment: There is no cure. Early detection of the virus and early treatment with anti-viral medications can reduce infections and prolong life.

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