We Know: All About STDs


What are STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are passed and acquired through sexual contact, either vaginally, orally, or anally. The infections are contagious and become diseases when symptoms appear. STDs are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and protozoa. STDs are also called venereal diseases.



How would I get STDs?
Since STDs are passed by sexual contact, it takes at least two or more people to infect one another. The more sexual partners you've had, the higher the risk that you'll get a sexually transmitted disease. Likewise, the less protection, the higher the risk.



How many people have STDs?
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, it is estimated that 15.3 million people will be diagnosed annually. In addition, women are more likely to suffer complications stemming from an infection than men.



What causes STDs?
There are several causes of STDs. The main causes and the associated diseases are listed below:
  • Bacterial
    • Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
    • Chlamydia
    • Gonorrhea
    • Syphilis

  • Viral
    • Human papilloma virus (HPV) - cervical cancer
    • Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D
    • Herpes
    • HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus
    • AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

  • Parasitic
    • Crabs - Pubic lice
    • Scabies

  • Protozoa
    • Trichomoniasis

How do I know if I have a sexually transmitted disease?
Most STDs are asymptomatic upon initial infection. The infection develops into a disease once symptoms appear. The National Women's Health Center lists the following symptoms as characteristic of sexually transmitted diseases:
  • Itching or discharge from the vagina or penis
  • Painful sex
  • Painful urination
  • Pelvic pain, or pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Sores on the genitalia, throat, or anus
  • Blisters or warts on the genitals
  • Body aches
  • Swollen glands
  • Bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Fevers, night sweating, and weight loss
  • Dark urine and pale bowel movements
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides detailed facts and symptoms of common STDs that may be helpful in your diagnosis if you suspect you have a sexually transmitted disease.



How are STDs diagnosed?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. STDs are diagnosed using culture samples and blood tests.



How are STDs treated?
Treatments really depend on the type of sexually transmitted disease. Some viruses can be treated by antiviral medication, while bacterially caused STDs can be treated with antibiotics. Some diseases have no cure, although there may be medications that treat the symptoms, such as in HIV/AIDS and Herpes.



Should I be checked out for STDs?
If you have sexual contact with others, you should consider regular checkups for STDs. Untreated STDs lead to complications, such as cervical cancer (HPV), infertility (chlamydia), and even death (syphilis).



How do I prevent myself from contacting STDs?
The best method of prevention is abstinence. Otherwise, consider these precautions when you have intercourse with your partner:
  • Have a relationship with a partner who has been tested for STDs.
  • Use condoms for all sexual contact, be it oral, anal, or vaginal.
  • Limit the number of sex partners you have.
  • Be honest and talk to your partner about being tested for STDs.
  • Clean yourself thoroughly after sex to prevent the possibility of infection.
Birth control methods do not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.



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