One of the major side effects and potential downfalls of having sex is a sexually transmitted disease. Such a disease can be everything from a nuisance to life-changing. Due to this, it is very important for you to know the STD list, what STD symptoms are and what to look out for. Remember, though, that the best way to avoid an STD is not to have sex at all. However, if you are sexually active, wear a condom. Birth control does not protect against STDs, so always keep this in mind when becoming active with a new partner.
Table of Contents
List of STDs
There are all sorts of STDs out there that you can become infected with. The vast majority of these STDs are spread through sexual intercourse. And yes, it is possible to spread most of these STDs through not only vaginal intercourse but also anal and oral, so simply giving or receiving oral sex does not mean you are practicing safe sex, despite what they might tell you. The list of sexually transmitted diseases includes:
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and genital wards
- HIV/AIDS
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Trichomoniasis
- Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
- Pubic Lice (Crabs)
- Chancroid
- Molluscum Contagiosum
- Scabies
- Herpes
- Hepatitis
- Mocupurulent Cervicitis (MPC)
- Syphilis
BV
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection when there is an overgrowth of what is referred to as “bad” bacteria. There is such thing as good bacteria and bad bacteria found inside the vagina. There are often no symptoms with this, but you might have a strange color in your discharge, a strong odour, hurt urinating or feel itchy down there.
This is considered a sexually associated infection and is not directly an STD, but it is often classified in the same category. Who can treat it with an antibiotic pill, cream or suppository, though, and while it can clear up on its own, it is much better to seek out the medication to avoid any problems or complications down the line.
HPV
This is by far the most common STD, and it is found in over 50 per cent of all sexually active people, at least at some point in their life (this does not mean that between you and a partner, one of you is likely to have it right now). However, the body usually takes care of HPV on its own, all without ever showing any signs of problems, although HPV can lead to some kinds of cancer. There are, in total, over 100 different strains of HPV.
Some kinds can cause genital warts or even cause vaginal, anal, throat or cervical cancer (so when someone tells you it is not possible to catch sexually transmitted diseases by going down on them, this is all false, so make sure to know the facts before you continue your sexual encounters).
This venereal disease will usually be clear within a couple of months. However, if it develops into warts, it can be treated with creams or gels. A health care provider can freeze them off, burn them off or apply specific ointment to remove warts. They can also cut warts off, although it can take several trips to have all warts removed.
HIV/AIDS
This is the STD that receives all of the press, and rightfully so. You contract HIV, short for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which eventually causes the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is passed on through blood and body fluids, so while it is not directly an STD, it can be transmitted through blood and other issues.
A person with HIV does not always have symptoms. They might not show any symptoms until HIV turns into AIDS. Some signs can include a fever, rashes and lesions, night sweats and blurred vision. There is no known cure for HIV, although there are treatments that can help extend the life of someone.
It is possible to take post-exposure prophylaxis immediately after potentially being exposed, although Who must take it within 72 hours after exposure. This is why you need to use condoms when having sex with a partner. Without a condom, you risk being exposed to HIV without knowing it, and you might not realize that you are infected until you develop AIDS.
PID
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is another bacteria-based disease caused by Chlamydia and gonorrhoea. This happens when the bad bacteria moves up from the vagina or cervix and into the uterus and other reproductive organs. This is a female based STD, and different kinds of bacteria can cause PID. Antibiotics can cure the problem, so if you ever start to have strange discolorations, itchy in places you cannot itch or other problems regarding your reproductive system, you need to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
Pubic Lice/Crabs
This condition is not necessarily an STD but can be passed along between partners (especially if you have pubic hair). It is a small parasitic insect that feeds off of human blood. These insects are different from head lice, although they can live in different kinds of hair. If you have blue spots, sores or itching, you have lice. You can purchase an over the counter shampoo, plus make sure to wash your clothing.
LGV
This is not very common in the United States, but it is an STD you need to know about. You might detect a small painless ulcer, but it will start to grow, and you are likely to experience swollen lymph nodes. However, it can be treated as antibiotics should clear it right within a few weeks.
Trichomoniasis
This is the most curable STI, so you don’t need to worry while millions of people come down with it every year. You might have yellow or greenish vaginal discharge if you are a woman, and your vulva might swell a bit. Most men do not have any symptoms at all. This can be cured with antibiotics, although it is important to avoid alcohol for up to 48 hours after taking the medication.
Chlamydia
This is another common STD. It is also one of the top causes of infertility in the United States. It is important to have this STD treated as it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and other problems. It is possible to treat this disease with antibiotics, although there are no symptoms typically. You might have some slight burning during urination, though, and women might bleed after sex or in between periods.
Gonorrhea
Here is another common STD that can cause infertility in men and women. It is also treatable, although a new strain has developed and is currently resistant to antibiotics (it is a matter of time before a new antibiotic is developed, though). Most people do not have symptoms, although there might be an abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina. Some swelling might occur in the testicles or bleeding between periods, though. Thankfully, it is treated with antibiotics, often in a single dose.
Chancroid
This causes ulcers and sores around the genital area. Some women might not have any symptoms, while some men can have ragged edges around the penis. This is treated with antibiotics.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Who can spread this through contaminated objects, including a towel? It also can be spread through sex or sharing toys. It is probably this if you have smooth, white dimples around the genital area. Generally, this will go away within a year without treatment, although the bumps can be removed by a health care provider as well.
Scabies
This is a parasite that can cause intense itching around the skin. This can be passed just through skin-to-skin contact, though, not always through sex. A prescription cream is used to treat scabies to kill mites and eggs.
Syphilis
This is spread typically during sex when open sores are on the genitalia. This can cause serious health problems ranging from damage to the brain and nervous system, not to mention blood infection and even death. However, if antibiotics are taken early enough, it is possible to cure this. This is most commonly found in gay men as it is difficult to see the small, painless sores in the anal cavity. Eventually, this develops a rash on the genitals and even on the palms and feet. Injections and 14-day antibiotics can cure the disease.
Herpes
This is a common STD, and there is no cure, but many people have STD and don’t know about it. Often there are no symptoms of herpes, although blisters can develop around the penis, vagina and anus. People with cold sores also have a form of herpes.
