The "other" venereal diseases: herpes simplex, trichomoniasis and candidiasis

Although the term venereal disease has been synonymous with gonorrhea and syphilis, the Center for Disease Control now states that the new cases of herpes simplex type - 2, trichomoniasis and candidiasis are rapidly approaching and, in certain instances, have surpassed the annual cases of syphilis and gonorrhea. Trichomoniasis and candidiasis are at times unbearable to millions of women. In relation to genital herpes, the circumstances are much more serious. It is rapidly approaching epidemic proportions, it has no cure, and it can be detrimental to the unsuspecting pregnant woman. It is imperative that, as health professionals, we broaden our teaching efforts to include these "other" venereal diseases and help our students to do what they can within the total framework of their own knowledge and behavior to avoid and treat venereal infections. Traditionally the term "venereal disease" has been thought of as being synonymous with only gonorrhea and syphilis because of their high incidence rates. The Center for Disease Control estimates that there are 3 million new cases of trichomoniasis and 300,000 to 1 million cases of herpes genitalis, compared to one million cases of gonorrhea and about 20,000 cases of syphilis each year. These incidence rates certainly indicate a need for our educational programs to include trichomoniasis and herpes simplex, as well as the traditional coverage of gonorrhea and syphilis, in our health education classes. But what are these other common, sexually transmitted diseases? What are their causes, symptoms and complications, and most important, how can they be prevented or at least treated?