Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Information and resources for Alaskans
Overview
All sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur in Alaska, but some are more common and pose greater public health risks.
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Gonorrhea
Important Facts
Gonorrhea
Important Facts
- Who can get gonorrhea? Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea. This STD can cause infection in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common infection. In Alaska more than half of all infections are in persons under the age of 30.
- How is it transmitted? Gonorrhea is transmitted from person to person by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. Pregnant women can transmit the infection to their baby during delivery which can cause serious health problems in the newborn.
- What are the symptoms? Some people with gonorrhea will have few if any symptoms. Symptoms in men include a burning sensation when urinating; a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis; and painful or swollen testicles. Symptoms in women include vaginal discharge, burning during urination, and abdominal cramping. Rectal infection in both men and women can cause discharge, itching, and pain. Gonorrhea in the throat may cause a sore throat.
- Is it treatable? Gonorrhea is very treatable, but treatment has to be with the correct medication. A person should wait 7 days after treatment before having sex. All sex partners need treatment as this will prevent you from getting the infection again.
- How can I prevent gonorrhea? You can reduce your risk of getting gonorrhea by using latex condoms correctly and abstaining from sexual contact with individuals for whom you don’t know their status.
- Who should be tested? You should be tested if:
- you have signs or symptoms suggesting gonorrhea
- if you had oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone diagnosed with gonorrhea
- you are pregnant
- are a sexually active man who has sex with other men of unknown status
- are living with HIV and are sexually active with individuals of unknown status
- are taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection)
Syphilis
Important Facts
Syphilis
Important Facts
- How is it transmitted? Syphilis is transmitted from person to person by direct contact with a syphilitic sore. The sore can be in places you can’t see: in the mouth, rectum or vagina. So transmission can occur during vaginal, oral or anal sex. And pregnant women can transmit to their unborn child.
- What are the symptoms of syphilis? Symptoms can be mild and not noticed. The first symptom is a sore that does not hurt and will go away on its own. As syphilis progresses, people may get a rash on their palms of their hands and the bottoms of their feet. Sometimes the rash is faint and not noticeable and sometimes it is a full body rash. Other symptoms can be patchy hair loss, raised white or gray lesions in the moist areas of the body (underarm, groin, mouth), and feeling unwell. All of these symptoms will go away without treatment, but the infection still exists and progresses. Hearing and vision can also be affected early or late in the infection. Symptoms can appear as long as 10 to 30 years after the infection was first acquired and can be fatal.
- How is syphilis treated? Treatment after exposure to syphilis can prevent infection. While proper treatment always cures a syphilis infection, an untreated infection may cause neurological or internal damage that is not reversible.
- How can I reduce my risk? You can reduce your risk of getting syphilis by using latex condoms correctly, abstain from sexual contact with individuals for whom you don’t know their status.
- Who should be tested? You should be tested if:
- you have signs or symptoms suggesting syphilis
- if you had oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone diagnosed with syphilis
- you are pregnant
- are a sexually active man who has sex with other men of unknown status
- are living with HIV and are sexually active with individuals of unknown status
- are taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection)
Preventing STDs
The best prevention is to practice safe sex by using a condom and also get tested often. You can get tests at your healthcare provider's office. If you don't have a healthcare provider, you can visit one of our public health centers across the state.
You can go to iKnowMine and request condoms and at home STD testing to be sent to you. This is a free and confidential program.