A pregnant woman can transmit herpes to her infant through the birth canal, causing serious infection or death to the newborn. Risk is highest if the initial infection is during pregnancy. Gonorrhea Gonorrhea symptoms consist of discharge and painful urination in both men and women, however, half of all women have no symptoms. PID can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Untreated gonorrhea can spread to the bloodstream and infect the heart valves, joints, or the brain.
Gonorrhea is highest among sexually active adolescents and young adults.
Syphilis Syphilis is acquired by direct contact with the sores of active syphilis. Without treatment syphilis is infectious during the first three stages. In its noncontagious late stages, untreated syphilis may progress to complications such as central nervous system impairment and damage to the heart or other organs. Syphilis increases the risk of acquiring HIV and facilitates its transmission. Different signs and symptoms characterize each stage.