B U S I N E S S
N A M E
PHARM PHACTS
A U B U R N
H E A L T H Y
A L E X
U N I V E R S I T Y
T I G E R S
N E W S L E T T E R
J E N K I N S
J A N U A R Y
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
IN THIS ISSUE:

STD facts and
statistics

Causes and risk
factors

Symptoms and
complications of
STDs

STD Prevention and
Safe Practices

Tests and
treatment

Coping with an STD
infection
Sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs), also known as sexually
transmitted infections (STIs), are
diseases that may be acquired by
sexual contact. The germs that
cause STDs may pass from person to person in the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or other bodily fluids.
It is possible to get an STD from
a person who seems perfectly
healthy or a person who is not
even aware they are infected.
Many STDs cause no symptoms
in some people, which is one of
the reasons many experts prefer
the term “sexually transmitted
infections” rather than “sexually
transmitted diseases.”
It is also possible that an STD
may be transmitted non-sexually.
They may be passed from a
mother to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth, through
blood transfusions, or through
intravenous drug use.
2 0 1 4
1,2,3,4
In 2008, the CDC estimates
there were 20 million new STDs
diagnosed in the United States.
These infections represented a
cost to the American healthcare
system totaling almost $16 billion. They estimate that human
papilloma virus (HPV) accounted
for about 14 million of these
infections. Chlamydia and gonorrhea accounted for about 3 million and 800,000, respectively.
New HIV infections totaled upwards of 41,000.
STDs are preventable
infections that can greatly
impact your health.
STDs are very common — in
fact, some experts say more than
half of the population will contract one at some point in their
lifetimes.
The CDC estimates there are
more than 110 million people
living with STDs in the United
States. Women account for
about 60,000 of these infections,
and men account for 50,000.
Although these serious infections
are very common, some are
treatable and all are preventable.
Causes and Risk Factors
1,2
Sexually transmitted infections
can be caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Gonorrhea,
syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, and
chlamydia are caused by bacteria.
Trichomoniasis is an infection
caused by a parasite. HPV, genital herpes, hepatitis and HIV
infections are caused by viruses.
Anyone who is sexually active is
at some risk for STI contraction.
Some things that may increase
risk are having unprotected sex
or improper use of condoms,
having sexual contact with multiple partners, having a history of
previous STD infections, alcohol
or drug abuse, using injectable
drugs, or being an adolescent
female. According to the CDC,
STDs are more common among
young people, men who have sex
with men, and in minority communities. People in these groups
should be very cautious regarding
sexual contact and avoid these
risky behaviors.
PAGE
2
STDs may cause a wide
range of symptoms, but
also may be symptomless.
“Many STDs can
be easily
diagnosed and
treated, but only if
potentially
exposed people
get tested.”
Symptoms and Complications1,2
STDs may cause a wide range
of signs and symptoms. Some
of these include sores, bumps,
or rashes on the genital area,
painful or burning urination,
discharge from the genital area,
and unusual vaginal bleeding.
Other signs and symptoms
might include swollen or sore
lymph nodes (particularly in
the groin but could be in other
areas), lower stomach pain, or
a rash over the stomach,
hands, or feet.. These signs and
symptoms may appear anywhere from days to years after
exposure. They could resolve
on their own in a few weeks,
or they may progress to more
serious complications. Although these signs and symptoms are common with STD
infection, STDs also could
potentially have no symptoms
and go unnoticed until complications occur or a partner is
diagnosed. For this reason,
screening tests are very important in preventing complications.
Complications can result from
untreated STDs. Some possible complications include pelvic pain, eye inflammation and
damage, arthritis symptoms,
infertility, cervical cancer, lymphoma, other infections, brain
damage, blindness, and even
death. If you experience any
of the symptoms described
here or believe you are experiencing complications, it is important to contact your health
care provider as soon as possible to determine if the cause is
an STD.
Prevention and Safe Practices1,2,3
There are several ways to
protect yourself and your partners from STDs. The most
effective way to avoid STDs is
abstinence. This strategy may
not be realistic for some people, and there are several other effective strategies. Staying
in a monogamous relationship
with one partner is another
way to reduce STD risk.
Vaccinations exist for certain
STDs including HPV, and hepatitis A and B. These vaccines
are effective if given before
sexual exposure. Using condoms consistently and correctly is another effective method
for reducing STD exposure.
Some other practices that will
reduce the chance of contracting an STD are avoiding excessive alcohol consumption or
drug use, and avoiding casual,
anonymous sexual contact.
If you think you may have been
exposed to an STD, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your partner.
You and your partner should
both be tested as soon as possible. Many STDs can be easily
diagnosed and treated, but
only if potentially exposed
people get tested.
Tests and Treatment1,2,3
If you have signs or
symptoms of an STD,
or if you are concerned because of
your sexual history,
medical tests can
easily determine if you
have a sexually transmitted infection.
Blood tests are used
Simple lab
tests can
diagnose
STDs.
PHARM
PHACTS
to test for HIV or syphilis infection. A simple urine sample
is sufficient to diagnose several
STDs, and fluid samples from
sores or lesions can also be
tested. To find a testing site in
your area, use the link provided in the “helpful resources”
section on page 3.
Treatment of STDs varies
depending on the infection.
Antibiotics, often given in a
single dose, can cure many
bacterial STDs. Antiviral drugs
are used to treat herpes and
HIV infections. These do not
cure the infection, but do help
manage it. It is crucial to take
all prescribed medications
exactly as directed.
PHARM
PAGE
PHACTS
Coping with an STD Infection
1
illness and death.
That can present
numerous other
problems, such as
infection
can be diffi- damaged trust between partners and
cult.
the loss of plans to
have children. It is
very important to find effective
ways to cope with these difficult
realities.
Coping
with STD
It can be very traumatic to find you
have an STD. You might feel angry,
confused, or guilty if there is a
chance you have exposed others to
the STD. Some STDs are very
serious, and can result in chronic
First, don’t jump to the conclusion
that your partner has been unfaithful. One of you may have been
infected by a past partner. Second,
be open and honest with your
health care providers. Their job is
to stop STDs from spreading, not
to be judgmental. Any information
you share with them is kept confidential. Third, contact your local
health department. They may not
provide comprehensive services,
but they will maintain an STD program that provides confidential
testing, treatment, and partner
services.
Although STD infection can be a
traumatic event, it’s important to
find effective and safe ways to cope.
Helpful Resources and Contact Information
http://www.cdc.gov/std/HealthComm/fact_sheets.htm - CDC
STD Fact Sheet
CONTACT US
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safersex-101.htm - STD Facts and Information
Auburn University Pharmaceutical Care Center
2155 Walker Building
Auburn University, AL 36849
334-844-4099
http://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/default.htm - Type in ZIP
Code at Bottom of Page to find Testing Center
Questions or concerns about this information?
“Although STD
infection can
be a traumatic
event, it’s
important to
find effective
and safe ways
to cope.”
[email protected]
Visit us on the web at
www.pharmacyauburn.edu
References
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Updated Feb 23, 2013 [cited 2013 Dec 11]
Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/DS01123
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Updated Nov 5, 2013 [cited 2013 Dec 10] Available
from: http://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/default.htm
Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Updated 2013 [cited 2013 December 11] Available
from: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex-101.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Incidence, prevalence, and cost of sexually transmitted infections in the United States. February 2013. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/STI-Estimates-Fact-Sheet-Feb-2013.pdf
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