Viral STDs
Genital wartsare an STD caused by human papilloma virus, or HPV. They are one of
the most common STDs in teens. HPV infections cannot be cured. However, a new vaccine
calledGardasil®canpreventmostHPVinfectionsinfemales. Manydoctorsrecommendthat
females between the ages of 9 and 26 years receive the vaccine. Preventing HIV infections
in females is important, because HPV can also cause cancer of the cervix.
Genital herpesis an STD caused by a virus called herpes. It is another very common STD.
You can see how genital herpes is spread athttp://www.sexualhealthissues.com/ms/
animations/21/main.html. A related herpes virus causes cold sores on the lips (Figure
22.13). Both viruses cause painful blisters. In the case of genital herpes, the blisters are
on the penis or membranes around the vaginal opening. The blisters go away on their own.
However, the virus remains in the body. It may cause repeated outbreaks of blisters. The
outbreaks are more likely when a person is under stress. There is no cure for genital herpes.
However, drugs can help prevent or shorten outbreaks. Researchers are trying to find a
vaccine to prevent genital herpes.
Figure 22.13: This lip blister, or cold sore, is caused by a herpes virus. The virus is closely
relatedtothevirusthatcausesgenitalherpes. Thegenitalherpesviruscausessimilarblisters
on the genitals. If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you know how painful they can be. Genital
herpes blisters are also painful. ( 2 )
Hepatitis Bis a disease of the liver. It is caused by a virus called hepatitis B, which can
be passed through sexual activity. Hepatitis B causes vomiting. It also causes yellowing of
the skin and eyes. The disease goes away on its own in some people. Other people are sick
for the rest of their life. In these people, the virus usually damages the liver. It may also