Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can also be transmitted from pregnant mothers to their babies at birth. Gonorrhea most commonly affects teens and young adults. Experts believe that hundreds of thousands of cases go undetected and untreated because the infection …
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HIV and AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most serious, deadly diseases in human history. It causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by infecting and damaging part of the body’s defense against infection — its lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells in the immune system that are supposed to fight off invading germs. HIV …
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive system that can develop from an untreated sexually transmitted disease (STD). In most cases, it occurs when bacteria from the STD in the vagina or cervix move into the uterus and upper genital tract. The most common organisms …
Pubic Lice
About Pubic Lice Pubic lice (often called “crabs” because of their crab-like appearance under a microscope) are six-legged creatures that most commonly infest hair in the pubic area, although they also can infest other body hair. In most cases, pubic lice are transmitted sexually from the pubic hair of one …
STDs
Sometimes it’s difficult to see your child as anything but that: a child. Yet in many ways, teens today are growing up faster than ever. They learn about violence and sex through the media and their peers, but they rarely have all the facts. That’s why it’s so important for …
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems and increase the risk for getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Syphilis also can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy and cause serious complications. A syphilis …
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), is caused by a parasite called trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite can live in the urogenital tract of males and females and infect any sexually active person, especially those who are not using protection or who have multiple partners. Trichomoniasis (often …
Amebiasis
About Amebiasis Amebiasis is an intestinal illness that’s typically transmitted when someone eats or drinks something that’s contaminated with a microscopic parasite called Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica). The parasite is an amoeba, a single-celled organism. That’s how the illness got its name — amebiasis. In many cases, the parasite lives in …
Ascariasis
Ascariasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasitic roundworm. While globally it is the most common human infection caused by worms, ascariasis is rare in the United States. Most cases happen in areas with poor sanitation or crowded living conditions. Signs and Symptoms Kids are more likely than adults to develop …
Bedbugs
Not long ago, “sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite” was just a sweet rhyme parents said to their kids when tucking them into bed. But recent infestations of bedbugs in even the cleanest hotels and homes have people on high alert, checking mattresses and furniture for telltale signs of …