Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sourcebook, 8th Ed.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs), as the name indicates, are typically transmitted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth. In some cases, these diseases are transmitted in nonsexual ways—during blood transfusion, sharing needles, and so on. STDs affect people of all age groups but are more common among the young people who are sexually active. The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these potentially life-threatening STDs are a few of the greatest public health challenges today. The STDs have significant health consequences if they are not diagnosed and treated.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sourcebook, Eighth Edition offers basic information about sexual health and the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of common STDs, including chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and trichomoniasis. It discusses trends in STD rates and developments in STD vaccine research and provides tips on talking to doctors and sexual partners, a glossary of related terms, and resources for additional help and information.

Part 1: Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Diseases discusses the basics of sexual and reproductive health, identifies the parts of the female and male reproductive system, and discusses trends in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) rates in the United States and worldwide. It also examines the impact of these diseases on women, men, children and teens, older adults and some special populations such as pregnant women and people who engage in same-gender sex. The part concludes with statistical information on racial disparities and minorities disproportionately affected by STDs.

Part 2: Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases identifies the symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments of common types of STDs, including chancroid, chlamydia, donovanosis, gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis, human papillomavirus (HPV), lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), syphilis, and trichomoniasis. The part also includes information on how HIV causes AIDS and the disease’s transmission, testing, and treatment, as well as strategies for living with HIV and paying for medical care.

Part 3: Health Complications That May Co-occur with Sexually Transmitted Diseases provides information about infections and syndromes that may develop after sexual contact, such as bacterial vaginosis, cytomegalovirus, yeast infection, intestinal parasites, molluscum contagiosum, sexually transmitted gastrointestinal syndromes, pubic lice, and scabies. The part also provides information about conditions related to STDs that can cause long-term health complications for men and women, including urethritis, cervicitis, epididymitis, neurosyphilis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and pregnancy complications.

Part 4: Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Testing and Treatment offers information about how medical professionals test patients for STDs and addresses common issues associated with STD testing, such as maintaining confidentiality and discussing STDs with health-care providers. It discusses antibiotic resistance and prophylactic antibiotics for prevention of STDs. Information about unproven STD treatment products, partner services, expedited partner therapy and complementary and alternative therapies for STDs is also included.

Part 5: Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Risks and Prevention discusses sexual behaviors that increase the likelihood of STD transmission, such as choosing high-risk partners, having multiple sex partners, and certain nonsexual factors that raise STD risk such as using illegal substances, body art, and douching. The part also offers tips on talking to sexual partners and adolescents about STDs and addresses the effectiveness of sexual and abstinence education as forms of STD prevention. The part concludes with information about preventing STDs by using safer sex and barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams, by using medication after a known exposure to STDs, by preventing the transmission of these diseases from a pregnant woman to her child, and by using STD vaccines and microbicides.

Part 6: Living with Sexually Transmitted Diseases discusses how to have a conversation about HIV status, partner communication and agreements, social stigma associated with HIV, and ways to overcome it. It also offers insights on how STD patients can cope physically and mentally.

Part 7: Additional Help and Information provides a glossary of important terms related to STDs and a directory of organizations that offer information to people with STDs or their sexual partners.