Sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs) are spread from one person to another through sexual activities. Thus, sexually active individuals are more likely to contract these illnesses, resulting in severe health problems. Therefore, such partners are encouraged to often test for STDs to be aware of their status. The process will help them treat and prevent the spread of these infections and keep STD spread to a minimal. There are different types of sexually transmitted illnesses. Read on to learn about the most common STDs.
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the commonly reported bacterial STDs. The infection inhabits the anus, vagina, penis, and mouth of an infected partner. Mothers can also transfer chlamydia to their children at birth.
How can you tell if someone has chlamydia? Most individuals have no noticeable symptoms. However, vaginal or penis discharge should not be ignored. Moreover, burns while urinating and pain during intercourse can as well be a sign of chlamydia.
Regardless of symptomatic indications or not, you should know how to test for chlamydia. It will make your screening and diagnosis simple and protect you from serious health problems. Whenever you don’t want to visit a doctor for a chlamydia test, you can use a home test kit. Despite being treated for chlamydia in the past, you can be infected again. Thus, going for screening more regularly is vital.
2. Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is potentially the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI). This viral disease is spread through oral, anal, and vaginal sex. It affects the throat, mouth, and genitals. An infected person can transmit HPV to their sexual partners, even without any symptoms. There are different HPV infections, some of which are harmless. Others can cause serious health complications to infected persons like genital warts and cervical cancer. Though this STD is not curable, its symptoms are treatable. One can get an HPV vaccine at the age of 11-12 to protect themselves from the strains related to this viral infection.
3. Trichomoniasis
It is a parasite-infected STD with a high prevalence in women. Like the other sexually transmitted diseases, trichomoniasis is spread through sexual interactions. It develops in a man’s penis or a woman’s vagina. It does not infect the anus, mouth, or other parts of the human body. Trichomoniasis is a curable STI. The signs and symptoms of this sexually transmitted illness include burning sensation while passing urine, itching, vaginal or penile discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse.
4. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI that may affect the throat, mouth, urethra, and anus. Infected mothers can transmit gonorrhea to their child during birth. Some people suffering from this sexually transmitted illness will show no symptoms. However, other individuals will experience yellow, green, or white penile or vagina discharge and pain while urinating. In severe cases, women will have vaginal bleeding (not menstrual), while men will experience testicular pains. A worrying concern when treating gonorrhea is its resistance to antibiotics.
5. Syphilis
This bacterial STD affects the lips, mouth, and genitals in the form of sores and can be spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. Infected pregnant women can also transmit it to their children. After contracting syphilis, one can have it up to 90 days before noticing any signs or symptoms. Once the sores develop, the next sign is skin rash on some parts or the entire body. If not treated on time, syphilis can cause severe health complications, such as blindness, paralysis, dementia, and brain damage. Some fatal cases have been reported following this STD. Thus, early treatment of this deadly sexually transmitted condition can save one from serious health issues or even death.
6. Genital Herpes
It is a common STD caused by a virus known as herpes simplex. Genital herpes can be spread through anal, vaginal, or oral sexual intercourse with an infected partner. How can you tell if someone has genital herpes? Some individuals show no symptoms, while others will have mild signs. However, some people develop blisters around their mouth, rectum, and genitals. Such lesions can burst and take longer to heal and are usually painful. An individual can spread genital herpes with or without symptoms. This STD is not curable, but with the right medication, sore outbreaks can be prevented.
Among the many transmissible diseases, these STDs are the most challenging infections that one can contract. However, knowing how they are spread and how to prevent them can keep you in good health. It is advisable to get tested regularly to help you know your status. That way, you can seek treatment and manage any infections at the earliest.