$Unique_ID{BRK01266}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System, Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Information About "Reiter's Disease"}
$Subject{Reiter's sex STD}
$Volume{J-15, N-15}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Information About "Reiter's Disease"


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QUESTION:  I have a friend who has "Reiter's Disease"  I am considering a
sexual relationship with this man, but am concerned, since I understand it is
a sexually transmitted disease with no cure.  Could you please provide
information about the disease, including its symptoms and effects on both men
and women?

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ANSWER:  There are four elements in the symptoms which form Reiter's Syndrome,
arthritis, urethritis (inflammation of the tube in the that carries urine from
the bladder to outside the body) or a cervicitis in women (inflammation of the
cervix), conjunctivitis (red eye) and small painless ulcer like lesions
usually found in the mouth, tongue or head of the penis.  It may result form
bacterial infections to the digestive system such as salmonella or shigella,
but a sexually transmitted form occurs most frequently in men ages 20 to 40.
This sexually transmitted form is usually associated with an infection by
chlamydia trachomas and should be treated with antibiotics, tetracycline or
erythromycin, for at least ten days.  Both sexual partners should be treated
at the same time, to prevent the infection passing back and forth from one to
the other.  The arthritic symptoms receive the same care as any other form of
arthritis; aspirin, or other anti inflammatory medications.  Few patients are
disabled by chronic or recurrent outbreaks of this disease.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
