|
|
|
 |
|
What Is It |
 |
A bacterial infection of the genital area. |
|
How Many Get It |
|
Approximately 650,000 new cases a year. The highest rates are among women aged 15 to 19 and males between the ages of 20 to 24. |
|
Signs |
|
Most people infected have no symptoms. For those who do, it can cause a burning sensation while urinating, green or yellowish vaginal or penile discharge, and for women, abnormal vaginal bleeding and/or pelvic pain. Symptoms can appear within 2 to 10 days after infection. |
|
How It's Spread |
|
Through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex. |
|
Treatment |
|
Oral antibiotics. Both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth back and forth--and both partners need to abstain from unprotected intercourse until the infection is gone. |
|
Possible Consequences |
|
Increased risk for infection of other STDs, including HIV. In women, the infection can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing PID, which can lead to infertility and tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. |
|
|
|
| Photo: Scott Houston, Corbis Sygma |
|
|
|
