SYMPTOMS

DAMAGE

NUMBERS

Chlamydia is a common and curable infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria target the cells of the mucous membranes including the surfaces of the urethra, vagina, cervix and endometrium as well as the fallopian tubes, anus, rectum, lining of eyelid and less commonly, the throat. (18)

Men: Usually none. Some experience discharge form the penis and burning with urination.

Women: Usually none. Some experience pain and/or vaginal discharge.

Men: Sterility

Women: Considered to be the most common cause of sterility. Advanced stage may require removal of uterus, tubes and ovaries.

• 4 million new cases estimated annually (6)

• 75% are not aware they are infected

• 40% of those sexually active are suspected carriers

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Gonorrhea, also known as "the clap," is a curable infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoea. The bacteria target the cells of the mucous membranes including the surfaces of the urethra, vagina, cervix and endometrium as well as the fallopian tubes, anus, rectum, lining of eyelid and less commonly, the throat. (18)

Men: Pus from urethra. Burning upon urination.

Women: Pelvic pain. Painful urination and pus-like discharge.

Men: Sterility. Scarring of the urethra and urinary tract problems.

Women: Sterility. Surgery in severe cases.

• 650,000 new cases estimated annually

• 80% are not aware they are infected in the early stages

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Human Papillomavirus is a virus that affects the skin in the genital area, as well as a female's cervix. Depending on the type of HPV involved, symptoms can vary. (18)

Men: Wart-like genital growths.

Women: Often no visible symptoms. Some experience vulvar burning itching and pain. Abnormal pap smears.

Men: Cancer of the penis and anus.

Women: Initially premalignant changes difficult to eradicate. Develops into cancer if not treated.

• 20 million people are thought to be carriers

• 100 different strains exist

• 75% of reproductive population is infected with this virus

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A virus causes herpes--either simplex type 1 (HSV-1) or simplex type 2 (HSV-2). The difference between Herpes and other common viral infections is that Herpes can go through periods of latency, where no symptoms are visible for long periods of time, but it can still cause symptoms later. (18)

Men and Women: Lesions appear at the site of infection - periodic eruptions of painful blisters and ulcers anywhere on the body.

Men: Continuous outbreaks. Eventually may lead to hospitalization. Lifetime medication required.

Women: Same as men. Causes infant death.

• 45 million affected

• 1 million new cases annually

• 75% show no symptoms

• 25% of women have this disease

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A disease that causes inflammation of the liver. (18)

Men and Women: Often none. Some experience yellowing of the skin (jaundice), tiredness, dark urine and grey-colored stool.

Men and Women: Severe liver damage. Can eventually lead to cancer of the liver and cirrhosis.

• 120,000 new cases annually

• 40%-50% children born to infected mothers develop liver cancer.

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Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, is a virus that attacks the immune system resulting in Aquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. Over time, infection with HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. (18)

Men and Women: Fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph glands.

Men and Women: Immune system breakdown. Fatal. No cure.

• 6th leading cause of death among persons 15-24 years old.

• 20% infected during the teen years.

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Syphyilis is a curable infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum that enters the body through mucous membranes or abraded skin. Once inside the body, syphilis enters the blood stream and attaches to cells , damaging organs over time. (18)

Men: 1st stage: swollen nonpainful ulcers on external genitalia.
2nd stage: changes of skin, fever enlarged lymph nodes.

Women: 1st stage: often unnoticed.
2nd stage: Same as men.

Men: Brain disorders, heart disease, blindness, dementia and death.

Women: Same as men. Can cause birth defects or death in newborns if mother is infected.

• 700,000 new cases reported annually.

• 50% are not aware they have the disease.

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is a serious infection in the upper genital/reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries) of a female. PID can be sexually transmitted or naturally occurring. (18)

Men: This disease affects only women.

Women: See Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Often symptoms are minor and mistaken for menstrual cramps.

Men: This disease affects only women.

Women: Ectopic Pregnancy (fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tubes instead of uterus.) Can be life-threatening. Sterility and cancer common.

• 261,000 new cases annually; most in the 15-19 year age group.

• 100,000 women become infertile as a result of PID each year.

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Number of
Sexual Partners

Number of
People Exposed to

1

1

2

3

3

7

4

15

5

31

6

63

7

127

8

255

9

511

10

1023

11

2047

12

4095