Diseases spread among individuals through various methods, such as respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, kissing an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, sexual intercourse, etc. This article will focus on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Keep reading to learn about the most critical information and details.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): What are they?

Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are diseases or infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. This means that disease-causing agents are carried in vaginal secretions, semen, blood, or other bodily fluids.

It is worth mentioning that these diseases often do not cause symptoms in most cases, meaning an infected person may unknowingly transmit the infection to others.

Unfortunately, the delayed appearance of symptoms increases the severity of these diseases, leading to serious complications such as complications during pregnancy, eye inflammation, joint inflammation, pelvic inflammation, heart diseases, infertility, and some types of cancers like cervical cancer and rectal cancer. (1)(2)

Examples of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

It is essential to familiarize yourself with the types of sexually transmitted diseases and recognize the signs and symptoms of each type. Here is some vital information about them: (3)

• Chlamydia

This disease occurs due to bacterial infection transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex or contact with genital fluids. Most individuals infected with chlamydia do not notice any symptoms, but if symptoms occur, they may include: (4)

• Pain during urination.
• Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis.
• Abdominal pain.
• Bleeding during intercourse or between menstrual periods in women.
• Pain and swelling of the testicles in men.

• Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterial infection known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae,  transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. This bacterium is primarily found in penile and vaginal secretions.

Like other sexually transmitted diseases, gonorrhea does not cause symptoms in most patients. Only one out of ten patients may experience symptoms, including: (5)

• Thick, green, or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis.
• Pain during urination.
• Bleeding between menstrual cycles in women.

• Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex and contact with body fluids and genital organs. It also often does not cause noticeable symptoms in most infected individuals, but if symptoms do occur, they may include: (6)

• Discharge from the vagina or penis with a foul odor.
• Itching, redness, and pain in the vagina.
• Pain during urination.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse in women.
• Discomfort after ejaculation.

• Genital Warts

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted disease caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sexual contact.

Symptoms of this disease do not appear directly, as it takes several months to several years for warts to develop in the genital areas. The symptoms of genital warts can include: (7)

• Appearance of warts near the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, or anal opening.
• Itching.
• Bleeding.
• Burning and pain.

• Genital Herpes

This disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, responsible for cold sores around the mouth and can occasionally spread to the genital areas, or the herpes simplex virus type 2, the main cause of the disease. (8)(9)

The symptoms of this disease include:

• Small blisters and sores on the genital areas near the anal opening can also spread to the buttocks and thighs.
• Tingling, itching, or burning in the genital area.
• Unusual vaginal discharge in women.

• Other Types

The list of sexually transmitted diseases is not limited to the ones mentioned above. It can also include: (3)

• Syphilis.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Pubic lice.
• Hepatitis B.

   

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Testing

Healthcare providers recommend undergoing STI testing once a year to ensure early detection and control of the diseases, as the symptoms of these diseases may not appear early, as mentioned before. (10)