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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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VD - Sexually Transmitted Disease

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the disease?

While the only way to prevent STDs is to avoid sex, safer sex practices help lower the risk. Having sex with only one person who is faithful and known to be disease-free can also prevent STDs from occurring. The use of male condoms or female condoms reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching an STD. Other forms of birth control, such as oral contraceptives or a diaphragm, do not provide protection from STDs. Epidemics of STDs exist in most parts of the world.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Long-term effects vary depending on the type and severity of the sexually transmitted disease, as well as the effectiveness of the treatment.

Trichomonas vaginalis.\ ',CAPTION,'Trichomoniasis');" onmouseout="return nd();">Trichomonas and pubic lice have few or no long-term effects other than continued symptoms.

Chlamydia infections and human papilloma virus infections increase a woman's risk of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.

HIV can result in AIDS and death.

Chlamydia trachomatis\. Sexually transmitted disease refers to any contagious disease transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. ',CAPTION,'Chlamydia');" onmouseout="return nd();">Chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhoeae\ bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact. ',CAPTION,'Gonorrhea in Females');" onmouseout="return nd();">gonorrhea can cause infertility in women.

Hepatitis B can cause permanent liver damage, liver cancer, and death.

Treponema pallidum\ bacteria. Less often, syphilis is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby. This form of syphilis is known as \congenital syphilis.\ ',CAPTION,'Syphilis');" onmouseout="return nd();">Syphilis can cause permanent brain and heart damage.

What are the risks to others?

All sexually transmitted diseases are contagious. Those who have an STD should not have sexual contact with another person until they receive treatment or until the infection has cleared. All STDs can be transmitted to babies while they are in the uterus or during delivery. Effects of STD infection on babies depend on the disease transmitted and effectiveness of treatment. Effects can include localized infections, congenital abnormalities, or even death.

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