Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Here are the most common types of STDs:
Bacterial STDs:
- Chlamydia: Often asymptomatic, but can cause genital pain, discharge, and lead to serious reproductive health issues if untreated.
- Gonorrhea: Similar to Chlamydia, it can cause pain, discharge, and lead to complications like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women.
- Syphilis: Progresses through stages (primary, secondary, latent, tertiary) with various symptoms like sores (chancres), rashes, and potentially severe organ damage if untreated.
- Mycoplasma Genitalium: Often asymptomatic, but can cause urethritis and cervicitis, and is increasingly recognized as a cause of STD-related symptoms.
- Ureaplasma: Similar to Mycoplasma, it can be part of normal flora but can also cause urethritis, particularly in men.
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): While not strictly an STD, it's often associated with sexual activity and involves an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, causing discharge and odor.
Viral STDs:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The most common STD. Certain strains cause genital warts, while others can lead to various cancers (cervical, anal, oral, penile). Many infections are asymptomatic.
- Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus - HSV-1 & HSV-2): Causes outbreaks of painful blisters or sores, primarily on the genitals or mouth (cold sores). The virus remains in the body for life, with intermittent outbreaks.
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): Attacks the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections and diseases. If untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
- Hepatitis B & C: Viral infections that affect the liver. They can be transmitted sexually, through blood, or from mother to child. Hepatitis B is often preventable with a vaccine.
Parasitic STDs:
- Trichomoniasis ("Trich"): Caused by a tiny parasite, it often affects the vagina in women and urethra in men, leading to itching, irritation, and discharge.
It's important to remember that many STDs can be asymptomatic, which is why regular testing is crucial for sexually active individuals.
