Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the infections that you might get when you have sex with a person who is already infected.
These infections can pass on to you through vaginal and/or anal intercourse, oral sex and even skin contact. STDs can affect both men and women but the complications in women are more severe than in men.
How are STDs caused?
Sexually transmitted diseases can be caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses (see Box). The risk of getting an STD is very high for individuals who have sex with multiple partners or have sex with people who have had multiple partners. Risk of STDs is also higher in individuals who do not use preventive methods, such as a condom. |
Symptoms of STDs | |
- Vaginal discharge (in men, discharge from the penis).
- Itching around the Vagina.
- Pain during sexual intercourse or in the pelvic area.
- Sore throat (can occur in individuals who have oral sex).
- Pain in or around the anus (can occur in people who have anal sex).
- Pain while urinating.
- Painless red sores on the genital area, tongue, anus or throat.
- Blisters in the genital area that turn into scabs.
- Frequent fever and bodyache.
- Dark urine, loose, light-colored stools, and yellow eyes and skin.
- Soft, flesh-colored Warts around the genital area.
- Rash on the palms or soles.
- Unexplained fatigue and weight loss.
| | STDs caused by viruses | | Hepatitis B | | Herpes | | HIV | | Human papillomavirus (HPV) |
| | STDs caused by bacteria | | Chlamydia | | Gonorrhea | | Syphilis |
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Most STDs can be diagnosed through an examination by your doctor, a culture of the secretions from your Vagina or penis, or through a blood test.
Types of STDs
There are more than 20 types of STDs. Some of the most common ones are:
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Chlamydia: Chlamydia is caused by bacteria. It can infect both men and women. Left untreated it can lead to serious complications. Chlamydia usually does not display symptoms. If it does, you will have a burning feeling when you urinate and/or vaginal discharge (penile discharge in men).
Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria—it infects the genital tract, mouth or anus. In women, symptoms of Gonorrhea are hardly noticeable. But in men the disease can cause pain while urinating and penile discharge. It is curable, but left untreated leads to various complications. |  |
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| Herpes simplex: Herpes is an infection that is caused by a Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral Herpes affects the mouth or face. Genital Herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. You can get genital Herpes from having sex, even oral sex. Mothers can also infect their babies during childbirth. Some people have no symptoms. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. | |
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| Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. Although it affects both women and men, symptoms are more common in women. Infected women can have symptoms like a green or yellow discharge from the vagina, itching in or around the Vagina and discomfort during urination. Most infected men do not have any symptoms, but it can cause irritation inside the Penis. | |
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| Syphilis: Syphilis is caused by bacteria. It affects both men and women—infecting the genital area, lips, mouth, or anus. Many people do not notice symptoms for years. Symptoms can disappear and come back. Syphilis can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy. It can cause birth defects and in rare cases even death. However, if detected early, Syphilis can be easily cured. | |
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HPV: Human papillomavirus (HPV) are common viruses that can cause genital Warts. Most HPVs are harmless, but some of these viruses can cause severe complications. In some people, symptoms may not be visible.
AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is themost advanced stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV). The HIV virus kills or damages Cells of the body's immunesystem.
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HIV can spread through unprotected sex, by sharing drug needlesor through contact with the blood of an infected person. It can passfrom mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Initial symptomsthat come and go in a month or two after infection are usually swollenglands and flu-like symptoms. Severe symptoms may not appear untilmonths or even years later. A blood test can confirm HIV infection.There is no cure. It can be kept under control and infected people canlive with the disease for many years.
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Prevention
Look for signs of an STI in your sexpartner. But remember that STIs do not always cause visible symptoms.When having intercourse, oral sex or anal sex, always insist that yourpartner wears a condom. Male latex condoms can reduce your risk of getting an STI. |  |
Female condoms are also available these days, but they are not as effective in preventing STIs as male condoms are. But if your male partner is not wearing a condom, make sure that you do. And make sure you use condoms every time you have sex.
Wash your genitals and the surrounding areas with soap and water and always urinate soon after you have sex. This may help flush away some infection causing germs before they can infect you. Do not have sex if you or your partner is being treated for an STI. |