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SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES INTRODUCTION According to the Websters’ dictionary, a sexually transmitted disease, or commonly termed STD, can be defined as any of various diseases transmitted by direct sexual contacted that include classic venereal diseases (as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chancroid) and other diseases (as hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, giordiasis, and AIDS) that are often or sometimes contracted by other sexual means (Internet 3). This lab report will be dealing with three specific types of STDs each from a different origin. Information will be given on each STD with reference to their common/scientific names, life cycle, transmission, and other key factors that influence and maintain the existence of the STD. This report deals with what may be everyday termed diseases however, these STDs affect one in four adolescents before the age of eighteen. Though these STDs are so common and spoken of so often, without early diagnosis and treatment they pose a serious and may be, even a fatal treat to someone who is inf ected and also their sexual partners or just innocent people who have come into contact with an infected person. Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) The viral disease that will be discussed is the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1). This STD as stated before is a viral disease, of which a virus can be defined as any of various submicroscopic parasites of plants, animals and bacteria that often cause disease and that essentially of a core of RNA or DNA surrounded by a protein coat. Unable to replicate without a host cell, viruses are typically not considered living organisms. HSV-1 is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth, and face. It is especially common in children between the ages of one and three years old and may cause lesions inside the mouth and inflamed gums. It causes cold sores or fever blisters and is transmitted by something as simple as oral or respiratory secretions (for example, sneezing or coughing can transmit the virus). Most people have in one point of their life been affected with the type 1 virus by the age of 20. In addition to oral and genital lesions, the virus can also cause an infection of the eye involving the eyelid, conjunctiva, and cornea. A finger infection called herpectic whitlow affects health care providers because of exposure to lung and mouth secretions during procedures and young childr... ...course if condoms were not used. Treatment comes in the form of arious antifungal vaginal fungal creams (like clotrimazole and miconazole) which are available over the counter for use in the vagina. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We think of these diseases and most of us are in the habit of saying that it will not affect us. This lab report has brought your attention to the fact that not all STDs are contracted through sexual intercourse but rather through the air we breathe if we are in proximity to an infected person. Though the only almost full proof method of not contacting any STD would be abstinence, the use of a condom correctly during sexual intercourse is just as effective. Another effective method is to have one sexual partner and know their history before they were with you. SOURCES/REFERENCES 1. Bowen, Sylvia Cerel; Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Society. Stanford Univ.Pr., 1989. 2. Mader, Sylvia S., Human Biology. McGraw Hill Publishing, 1998 3. The Miami Herald, November 14th, 1999 4. Internet 1, March 7, 2000. www.avsc.org/disease/dchl/html 5. Internet 2, March 7, 2000. www.yahoo.com/health/diseases 6. Internet 3, March 7, 2000. www.webster.com