STD Facts

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an ailment that is spread from person to person through sexual interaction. An STD is contracted by unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse with a carrier.

An STD is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) (VD).

That doesn’t mean sex is the only method. Depending on the STD, infections might be spread via sharing needles or breastfeeding.

STD Symptoms in Males

An STD can be contracted without symptoms. Others have obvious signs. Symptoms in men include:

• sex or urination pain
• inflamed penis or testicles, or rashes on or around the thighs or mouth
• odd penile discharge or bleeding
• swelling testicles

STD Symptoms in Women

STDs often have no symptoms. Symptoms of STDs in women include:

• sex or urination pain
• inflamed vaginal, anus, thighs, or mouth
• unexpected vaginal discharge or bleeding
• itching in the vagina

Symptoms differ amongst STDs.

STD Types

Many illnesses are sexually transmitted. Here are the most frequent STDs.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by bacteria. The CDC says it’s the most frequent STD among Americans (CDC).

Many chlamydia patients show no symptoms. Symptoms often include:

• sex or urination pain
• green or yellow vaginal or penile discharge
• lower abdominal discomfort
• Untreated Chlamydia can cause:
• urethral, prostate, or testicular infections
• inflamed pelvis
• infertility

Untreated Chlamydia can be passed to a baby during birth. The baby may:

• pneumonia
• infected eye
• blindness

Antibiotics are easily treatable. How to avoid, identify, and treat Chlamydia.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus disseminated by intimate skin-to-skin or sexual contact. The virus has various strains. Some are riskier than others.

Warts on the genitals, mouth, or throat are a common HPV symptom.

Some HPV strains can cause cancer, including:

• oral carcinoma
• cervicovaginal
• VC cancer
• erectile a
• GI cancer

While most HPV illnesses do not induce cancer, some HPV strains are more likely than others to do so. The National Cancer Institute reports that HPV 16 and 18 cause the majority of HPV-related cancer cases in the US. 70% of cervical cancer cases are caused by these two HPV strains.

HPV has no cure. The infection frequently resolves on its own. There is also a vaccine for some of the more harmful forms, like HPV 16 and 18.

If you get HPV, your doctor can assess and treat your risk of problems. Learn how to protect yourself from HPV and its effects.

Syphilis

A bacterial infection is a syphilis. Early on, it often passes unnoticed.

The first sign is a little round sore called a chancre on the genitals, anus, or mouth. It’s harmless but contagious.

Later syphilis symptoms include:

• rash
• fatigue
• fever
• headaches
• ailment
• slimming
• balding

Untreated late syphilis can cause:

• blindness
• hearing loss
• memory loss
• psychiatric
• brain or spinal cord infections
• cardiopathy
• death

Antibiotics can treat syphilis if found early enough. But syphilis in a newborn can be lethal. That’s why all pregnant women should be checked for syphilis.

Syphilis causes less damage if detected and treated early. Find out how to spot syphilis and halt it in its tracks.

HIV

HIV can harm the immune system, increase the risk of infection, and cause cancer. Untreated HIV can advance to stage 3 AIDS. With today’s medication, many HIV-positive people never get AIDS.

Symptoms of HIV might be mistaken for flu symptoms in the early stages. Early signs can include:

• fever
• chills
• aches
• nodes swollen
• a cough
• headache
• nausea
• rashes

Initial symptoms usually subside within a month. After that, a person can carry HIV for years without acquiring serious or persistent symptoms. Others may experience vague symptoms such as:

• fatigue
• fevers
• headaches
• tummy aches

There is presently no remedy for HIV, but there are treatments available. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help HIV patients live as long as non-HI

Treatment can also lessen the risk of HIV transmission to a sexual partner. Treatment can potentially reduce HIV levels in the body to undetectable levels. The CDC says HIV cannot be transmitted at undetectable levels.

HIV is often undetected due to a lack of routine testing. The CDC advises that everyone aged 13 to 64 is tested at least once to promote early diagnosis and treatment. Those at high risk of HIV should be tested annually, even if they show no symptoms.

All major cities and public health centers offer free and confidential testing. Here is a government tool for seeking local testing services.

It is now possible to live a long and healthy life with HIV. Learn how to protect yourself or your partner from HIV.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD. Call it “the clap.”

Many gonorrhea patients show no symptoms. Symptoms include:

• a discharge from the penis or vagina
• sex or urination pain
• more frequent urination
• itching genitals
• a cough

Untreated gonorrhea can cause:

• urethral, prostate, or testicular infections
• inflamed pelvis
• infertility

During childbirth, a mother can spread gonorrhea to her baby. So gonorrhea can lead to major health issues for the newborn. That’s why many doctors advise pregnant women to be tested for STDs.

Antibiotics frequently cure gonorrhea. Learn about gonorrhea symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis.

Crabs (Poop Lice)

Crabs are another term for lice. They are small insects that live on your pubic hair. They, like head and body lice, feed on blood.

Among the signs of pubic lice:

• itchy genitals or anus
• pink or red genital or anus pimples
• a mild fever
• apathy
• irritability

Lice or their little white eggs may be seen around the pubic hair roots. A magnifying glass can help.

Untreated pubic lice can be spread via skin-to-skin contact or sharing clothing, beds, or towels. Infected bites can be scratched. It’s best to cure pubic lice right away.

If you have pubic lice, you can treat them with over-the-counter topical medicines and tweezers. Clean your clothes, bedding, towels, and home. Get rid of lice and avoid re-infection with these tips.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis (trich) It’s caused by a protozoan that can be spread by vaginal touch.

The CDC says that only a third of trich patients show symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• vaginal or penile discharge
• itchiness in the vagina or penis
• urination or sex pain
• urination
• Trich-related discharge smells “fishy” in women.

Untreated trich can cause:

• urethral infections
• inflamed pelvis
• infertility

Antibiotics can cure trich. Recognize trich early for faster therapy.

Herpes

The herpes simplex virus is known as herpes (HSV). The virus has two strains: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Sexually transmitted diseases It is a common STD. The CDC estimates that one in every six Americans aged 14 to 49 has herpes.

HSV-1 causes oral herpes, which causes cold sores. However, oral intercourse can transmit HSV-1 from one person to another’s genitals. HSV-1 can then cause genital herpes.

HSV-2 is a genital herpes virus.

Herpes causes blisters. In genital herpes, the lesions appear on or around the genitals. Oral herpes develops on or near the mouth.

Herpes sores usually recover in a few weeks. La première éruption est généralement la plus With time, outbreaks grow less painful and frequent.

With herpes, a pregnant woman can potentially infect her fetus or her newborn infant during childbirth. This congenital herpes can be fatal to babies. That’s why knowing your HSV status is important for pregnant women.

Herpes has no cure yet. But there are drugs to manage breakouts and relieve herpes pain. The same drugs can reduce the risk of herpes transmission to a sexual partner.

Treatment and safe sexual procedures can help you live with herpes and protect others. Learn how to avoid, detect, and treat herpes.

Other Types  of STDs

Other rare STDs include:

• chancroid
• verrucogranuloma
• guinal granuloma
• Molluscum sp.
• scabies

Oral Sex STDs

STDs aren’t exclusively spread via vaginal or anal intercourse. Oral intercourse can also get or transfer STDs. In other words, STDs can spread from genital to mouth or throat.

They aren’t always visible. Symptoms include sore throats, mouth sores, and throat sores. Learn about oral STD symptoms and treatment options.

STDs that Can Be Cured

Most STDs can be cured. Antibiotics or other treatments can cure STDs like:

• chlamydia
• syphilis
• gonorrhea
• crabs
• trichomoniasis

Some are incurable. Currently, incurable STDs include:

• HPV
• HIV
• herpes

An STD can be controlled even if it cannot be cured. It’s still critical to receive a diagnosis. Treatment alternatives can often help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading STDs. Learn about treatable and incurable STDs.

Pregnancy and STD

Pregnant women can pass STDs to their fetus or baby during pregnancy or childbirth. STDs in babies might cause issues. They can be fatal in some circumstances.

Doctors typically advise pregnant women to get tested and treated for STDs to help prevent infant STDs. Without symptoms, your doctor may suggest STD testing.

A pregnant woman who tests positive for STDs may be prescribed antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other therapies. They may advise you to have a cesarean delivery to reduce the chance of transmission.

STD Diagnosis

Symptoms alone can seldom diagnose STDs. Any healthcare physician who fears you have an STD will certainly recommend tests.

If you have a sexual history, your doctor may recommend STD testing even if you don’t have symptoms. Because STDs may have no symptoms. Even symptom-free STDs can cause harm or spread to others.

Most STDs can be diagnosed with a urine or blood test. They may also take a genital swab. They may also take swabs of any sores you’ve developed.

In a doctor’s office or sexual health center, you can get tested.

Some STDs have home testing kits, although they are not always trustworthy. Caution is advised. Before buying a testing kit, make sure the FDA has approved it.

A Pap smear is necessarily not an STD test. A Pap test looks for precancerous cells on the cervix. A negative Pap smear, even when accompanied by an HPV test, does not guarantee you are STD-free.

If you’ve had sex, ask your doctor about STD testing. Some people need more regular testing than others. Examine your options for STD testing and what to expect.