Top 9 Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases
By STD Concern
Spread through unprotected sexual contact, sexually transmitted infections and diseases can often be prevented through "safe sex" measures. To practice safe sex, you should use protective contraception methods, such as latex condoms, and schedule regular gynecological exams. Below, you'll find a list of the most common STDs and STIs around the world.
Chlamydia
A bacterial infection, chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics. It's a very common STI, especially amongst 14-24 year olds. Chlamydia is often symptomless. Spread by vaginal fluids and semen, this infection can affect the genitals, cervix, anus, urethra, throat, and eyes. Read More
Gonorrhea
Formally nicknamed "the Clap", gonorrhea is another bacterial infection that's spread through semen and vaginal fluids. It's caused by a bacterium called neisseria gonorrhoeae. This STI can also be successfully treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, gonorrhea may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, while men could become infertile and experience pain in their testicles. Read More
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a very contagious infection that attacks the liver, leading to tissue inflammation and decreased organ's function. People often contract hepatitis A from sexual contact, particularly oral sex, or from ingesting contaminated water or food. Read More
Hepatitis B
Like hepatitis A, hepatitis B is also a liver infection. Often, this illness will go away after a certain time, but in some unfortunate cases, it becomes chronic. Chronic hepatitis B will cause permanent liver damage over time. This virus is spread through blood and bodily fluids. So, if you have unprotected sexual contact or share personal items, you could contract hepatitis B from an infected partner. Read More
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Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is another liver disease, which is often symptomless or its effects are very mild. An infected person's body is frequently able to fight off the virus, leading to a complete recovery. However, like hepatitis B, there is also the possibility of this illness becoming chronic. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis, or even cancer. Read More
Herpes - Genital & Oral
Genital herpes is a very common STI, caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). This infection is characterized by painful, blistering sores on the genitals. It can also be symptomless. With or without symptoms, genital herpes is being spread through unprotected sexual contact. Oral herpes is similar to genital herpes, but its sores appear around the mouth area ("cold sores"). It's caused by a different strand of the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1. This infection can be transmitted through unprotected oral sex. Read More
HIV 1 & 2
HIV 1 is the most common form of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This disease attacks the body's immune system, specifically the T cells that help a person fight off infection. If enough of these T cells die off, HIV 1 turns in AIDS, the final and chronic stage of this disease. HIV 2 is less common than HIV 1, and it's found mainly in Western African populations. This strand of the disease is usually less aggressive and there may be fewer symptoms. It can still turn into AIDS over time. Read More
Syphilis
Caused by the treponema pallidum bacteria, syphilis is a very serious STD if left untreated. It can be spread through any sexual contact. Syphilis is transmitted through the sores it creates, which often go unnoticed by the infected partner. Read More
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease or STD. It is sometimes referred to as trich or trichomonas, and it is caused by a parasite known as a trichomona. This parasite is commonly found in sexual fluids, including vaginal, pre cum, and semen. Read More
Conclusion
If you may have contracted one of these illnesses, call your doctor at once or get tested. After you get tested, it's vital that you alert your sexual partner(s) if you're diagnosed with an STI or STD.