Summary
Highlights
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections, are primarily spread through sexual contact such as vaginal, anal, and oral sex. However, some can also spread through non-sexual means like unsterilized drug needles, from mother to infant during childbirth or breastfeeding, and blood transfusions. STDs can lead to severe outcomes, including infertility and poor health for newborns.
Initially, many STDs don't show symptoms, making unknowing transmission easy. Common STDs include Chlamydia, Chancroid, Pubic Lice, Genital Herpes, Hepatitis, Trichomoniasis, HIV/AIDS, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Scabies, Molluscum Contagiosum, Ureaplasma infection, and HPV. While some are curable (e.g., Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia), others like Herpes, HIV, HPV, and Hepatitis B are not.
STDs are caused by bacteria (Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia), parasites (Trichomoniasis, Pubic Lice), and viruses (HPV, Genital Herpes, HIV). Genital areas are ideal for microbial growth due to their moist and warm environment. Risk factors include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, a history of STDs, needle sharing, and being young (ages 15-24).
Symptoms of STDs can include painful or burning urination, pain during sex, unusual or odorous vaginal discharge, fever, lower abdominal pain, unusual vaginal bleeding, penis discharge, or sores, bumps, and rashes on or around the genitals, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth, painful or swollen testicles, and vaginal itchiness.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, urine samples, or fluid samples from sores, as symptoms alone are often insufficient. STI screening is crucial for everyone, especially pregnant women, sexually active women under 25, men who have sex with men, people with HIV, and those with new partners. Treatment varies by STD type; bacterial and parasitic STDs are curable with antibiotics, while viral STDs can be managed with antiviral drugs to reduce transmission and severity, but often not cured.
Prevention methods include abstaining from sexual acts, vaccination, having one sexual partner, and avoiding alcohol or recreational drugs that might lead to risky behaviors.