STD

Overview

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Anyone can contract an STD by having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the STD, whether they are aware of their condition or not. 

Symptoms of STDs in men

It is possible to contract an STD without developing symptoms. However, some STDs cause obvious symptoms. In men, common symptoms include:

  • Pain or discomfort during sex or urination
  • Abnormal discharge or bleeding from the penis
  • Bumps, blisters, or sores on the penis or genitals
  • Painful or swollen testicles

Symptoms of STDs in women

  • Pain or discomfort during sex or urination
  • Abnormal discharge or bleeding from the vagina
  • Itchiness in or around the vagina
  • Bumps, blisters, or sores on or around the vagina, thighs, mouth, buttocks, anus

Types of STDs

There are many different types of infections that can be transmitted sexually. The most common STDs include:

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. Many people who have chlamydia do not show any noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do develop, they often include:

  • Pain or discomfort during sex or urination
  • Green or yellow discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Pain in the lower abdomen

HPV (Human papillomavirus)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can be passed from one person to another through skin-to-skin or sexual contact. The most common symptom of HPV is warts on the genitals, mouth, or throat. If you contract HPV, proper testing and screenings can help your doctor assess and manage your risk of complications.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact. This type of bacterial infection develops in stages, and symptoms will vary with each stage. The first symptom to appear is a small round sore, known as a chancre. This sore can develop on the genitals, anus, or mouth. Later symptoms can include:

  • Rash
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Hair loss

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Early symptoms of HIV can include:

  • Fever 
  • Chills
  • Aches and pains
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Rashes

There is no cure for HIV, but there are numerous treatment options to manage it. Proper treatment can also lower the chances of transmitting HIV to a sexual partner. 

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another common bacterial STD. This STD most often affects the urethra, rectum, or throat. In females, gonorrhea can also affect the cervix. Many people with gonorrhea develop no symptoms. However, symptoms may include:

  • Painful urination
  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Increased vaginal discharge in women or pus-like discharge from the penis in men

Pubic lice (crabs)

Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are small parasites that attach to the skin and hair near the genitals. These small parasites live on the skin and coarse hairs that are around the genitals, and they feed on blood. Pubic lice symptoms include intense itching and small pink or red bumps around the genitals or anus. Fortunately, pubic lice do not cause any serious health problems and are usually easy to get rid of with over-the-counter medicines.

Herpes

Herpes, also known as herpes simplex virus (HSV), affects the external genitalia, anal region, mucosal surfaces, and skin in other parts of the body. There are two types of herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes, which is responsible for cold sores. HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes. Unfortunately, there is no cure for herpes. However, medications are available to help control outbreaks and alleviate the discomfort of herpes sores.

Diagnosis

STD testing is available in our facility to effectively determine the presence of any STD, even if the patient is asymptomatic. Most STDs can be tested through a urine or blood test, while some will require a swab of the affected area. 

Treatment

There are many treatment options for STDs, depending on what STD you have. It is important for both you and your sexual partner(s) to be tested and treated for STDs before resuming sexual activity. Otherwise, you can pass an infection onto others in your life. 

Bacterial STDs can easily be treated with antibiotics. Most viral STDs have no cure, but some can clear on their own. In many cases, treatment options are still available to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission. 

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