Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Facts and Information

Overview:  In addition to HIV, there are a wide variety of other sexually transmitted diseases.  While these diseases do not receive the publicity of HIV/AIDS, they can be very problematic as well.  Furthermore, many of these diseases are more prevalent than HIV in the United States.

Goals:  This section is designed to provide information related the transmission, progression, and treatment of various STDs.  Note, many of these STDs are easily treatable but hard to detect.

Objectives:  Understand and describe the health and behavioral problems related to substance use disorders including the transmission and prevention of  STDs and other infectious diseases.

Outcomes:  To understand prevalence and symptomatology related to STDs.

Readings: 
STDs in Men         Click on Printer Friendly Format at the bottom of the page
STDs in Women   Click on Printer Friendly Format at the bottom of the page

Other readings are provided in websites in the task section.  Some of this information will overlap with the previous readings.

Tasks:

1.         Enclosed is a website that reviews nine major sexually transmitted diseases.  http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/disease_info.htm.  In the STD topics section, click on each disease and review all information on the CDC fact sheet for that disease.  Once completed, review the statistical trends for each disease that is described in Task 2. 

In addition to the facts sheets, the CDC now has provided pictures of some symptoms for a few STDS.  Note, some of these pictures are very graphic.  These pictures can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/std/training/picturecards.htm

 The same and additional material can be found for various STDs in the STD Facts Book at the following Idaho state website.

http://www2.state.id.us/dhw/std-aids/facts_and_figures.htm

2.  Once you are done with Task one, click on the following Updated information section in the STD website at http://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm.  Then click on the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, 2006 report @ http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/trends2006.htm and the accompanying slide sets @ http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/slides.htm. 

3.   Enclosed is a website that relates to STDs and Pregnancy.  Review this article:

http://www.cdc.gov/std/STDFact-STDs&Pregnancy.htm

Share your thoughts about these issues with your classmates in the on-line discussion for this topic.

4.         After you have reviewed all of the STDs, write a one or two page reaction paper about an STD that you found interesting.  What about the disease was interesting to   you?  What are the implications of the disease for individuals you know?  Send the paper to your instructor.

In addition to the major STDs, there are a variety of other important STDs.  A list of these STDs and accompanying websites is provided for you below

Herpes (oral)

Chancroid

Cytomegalovirus

Molluscum Contagiosum

Pubic "Crab" Lice

Scabes

Enteric Infections 
    Shigellosis
    Campylobacter
    Salmonella
    Giardia Lamblia (Cercomonas Intestinalis)
    Entamoeba Histolytica (Amoeba Dysenteria)

Lymphogranuloma Venereum

Molluscum Contagiosum

Donovanosis (Granuloma inguinale)

Genital Candidiasis

Vaginitis

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Resources:

Additional materials about various STDs with pictures can be found at your local library, public health department and other locations.  However, the websites provided previously have a considerable amount of information.  You can also call the National STD hotline at (800) 227-8922.