Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs In Men) (cont.)
Systemic STDs
Systemic STDs are infections that may be acquired through sexual contact that
spread throughout the body causing damage to organs remote from the site of
sexual contact.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
What is HIV?
HIV is a viral infection that is primarily transmitted
by sexual contact or sharing needles, or from an infected pregnant woman to her
newborn. Negative antibody tests do not rule out recent infection. Most (95%)
people who are infected will have a positive HIV antibody test within 12 weeks
of an exposure. The HIV ultimately causes suppression of the body's immune
(defense) system. Although there are no specific symptoms or signs that confirm
HIV infection, many people will develop a nonspecific illness 2 to 4 weeks after
they have been infected. This initial illness may be characterized by fever,
vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and joint pains, headache, sore throat, and/or painful lymph
nodes. On average, people are ill for up to 2 weeks with the initial illness. In
rare cases, the initial illness has occurred up to 10 months after infection. It
is also possible to become infected with the HIV virus without having recognized
the initial illness.
The average time from infection to the development of symptoms related to
immunosuppression (decreased functioning fo the immune system) is 10 years.
Serious complications include unusual infections or cancers, weight loss,
intellectual deterioration (dementia), and death.
When the symptoms of HIV are severe, the disease is referred to as the acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Numerous treatment options now available for
HIV-infected individuals allow many patients to control their infection and
delay the progression of their disease to AIDS. More details regarding HIV
infection and AIDS and their treatments are found in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
article.
Next: Hepatitis B »
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