In most cases, such diseases are transmitted by people who have no signs or symptoms. In addition, contraceptive methods like the birth control pill and IUD (intrauterine device) provide no protection against STIs, unlike the barrier methods (e.g., condoms). The number of partners, having sexual relations during trips or while under the influence of illicit drugs and/or alcohol are also increased risk factors.
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It can take as little as 1 or 2 days in the case of gonorrhea, herpes or chlamydia but, for condylomata or AIDS, it can take several months or years. The incubation period for hepatitis A, B and C is 15 to 180 days. In certain cases (e.g., herpes, condylomata), a person may remain a carrier for many years, passing the infection to other partners or even developing complications without ever knowing that he/she is a carrier.
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The most frequent complications with chlamydia and gonorrhea are infertility, ectopic pregnancy or chronic pelvic pain. In addition, some infections can be passed from an infected mother to her baby through the placenta or through contact with her blood and vaginal secretions during childbirth. Hepatitis will cause severe, permanent impairment of the liver.
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A doctor can screen for STIs by carrying out a gynecological examination, including a PAP test, typing human papillomaviruses and taking specimens from the external genitalia, cervix and vagina for culture. Blood can be taken to test for hepatitis A, B and C, HIV and syphilis, as well as herpes antibodies and liver-specific antigens.
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Reduce the number of your partners, use a male or female condom, use spermicidal products, avoid unprotected anal relations and oral-anal contact, be vaccinated against hepatitis (and soon human papillomavirus), all before starting sexual activity.
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