A sexually transmitted disease, also called venereal disease or sexually transmitted infection is a genital condition transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. A person can have STD by having unprotected sexual contact (oral, vaginal, or anal) with an STD-infected person. Sex isn’t the only way an STD is transmitted; it can also be transmitted through breastfeeding, shared or unsterilized needles, and blood transfusions [1].

Types Of STDs:

There are more than 20 types of STDs, and the most common ones are the following:

• Chlamydia
• HPV (human papillomavirus)
• HIV/AIDS
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Genital herpes
• Trichomoniasi
• Pubic lice
  

Symptoms OF STDs:

Many people are diagnosed with an STD without experiencing any noticeable symptoms. Some STDs often have apparent symptoms. Symptoms of STDs in men include:

• Having to go to the bathroom often
• Swollen or painful testicles
• Pain around pelvis
• Discomfort or pain during sex or urination
• Bleeding or unusual discharge from the penis
• Itching or burning in the penis
• Blisters, bumps, or sores on or around the penis or anus
  

In women, symptoms of STDs include:

• Blisters, bumps, or sores in the vagina, anus, or mouth
• Discomfort or pain during sex or urination
• Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
• Frequent urge to go to the bathroom
• Pain around the pelvis
• Bleeding from the vagina other than menstrual days
• Itching or burning in the vagina
• Pain during sex
  

Risk Factors For STDs:

The following factors may increase your risk of developing STDs:

• Having sexual contact with multiple partners
• Having a history of sexually transmitted infections
• Use of recreational drugs or misuse of alcohol
• Having unprotected sex
• Injecting drugs
  

Diagnosis Of STDs:

Symptoms alone cannot diagnose an STD; multiple tests, such as blood and urine tests, need to be performed for diagnosing an STD. Your doctor can also swab your genitals and send them to the laboratory for analysis. To diagnose some STDs, home testing kits are also available.

Treatment Options For STDs:

The treatment is recommended based on the type of STD you have. Besides receiving the treatment for STDs, it is important for you and your sexual partner not to resume sexual activities until completely treated.

1. Viral STDs: As there is no cure for viral infections, symptoms of the STD and the risk of transmission can be reduced. For example, antiviral drugs are available to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms related to genital herpes.
2. Bacterial STDs: Bacterial STDs can easily be treated with prescribed antibiotics. Talk to your doctor if you have finished taking antibiotics and feel better.
3. Other STDs: Some STDs are not caused by bacteria or viruses, such as scabies, trichomoniasis, and pubic lice. Such STDs are treated by oral or topical medications [2].

FAQs:

1. What should I do to prevent the risk of transmitting an STD?
You should receive the vaccination to prevent the risk of an STD. Ensure testing before starting a new sexual relationship. Talk to your partner about any previous infections and practice safe sex.

2. Can STDs cause complications?
Yes, STDs do cause complications if left unchecked. Some complications include certain cancers, such as HPV-associated rectal or cervical cancer, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and pregnancy complications [3].

References:

1. Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Information from CDC n.d. cdc.gov
2. Workowski KA, Bolan GA, Prevention C for DC and. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Reports Morb Mortal Wkly Report Recomm Reports 2015;64:1–137.
3. Tsevat DG, Wiesenfeld HC, Parks C, Peipert JF. Sexually transmitted diseases and infertility. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017;216:1–9. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2016.08.008.