Sexually Transmitted Diseases like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are rallying across the globe. Being in the internet era, getting involved in stranger relationships has become very common, resulting in the drastic spread of deadly STDs.
In this article, we walk you through what are STDs and their types, the 3 most common symptoms, treatment, and more.
What are STDs?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also known as venereal diseases or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), are caused by different types of microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites. Generally, multiple microorganisms spread from one partner to another while having sexual intercourse. If you have multiple sex partners, then there are high chances of getting involved with someone having contracted an STD which can also spread to you.
Types of STDs?
There are more than 20 different types of STDs as per Med Line Plus data. The only STD that crosses our minds when we hear of an STD is HIV. Fortunately, HIV is no the longer most spread STD and the number of new HIV cases have been falling due to active awareness campaigns by Governments around the globe and medical advancements for detecting HIV at early stages.
Out of the 20 different types, only 6 of them are highly contagious and having a higher toll on overall STD cases. They are –
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
3 Most Common Symptoms of STDs
Sexually Transmitted Diseases exhibit similar symptoms when you have flu. Tiredness, headache, fever, and sore throat are some of the commonly seen symptoms across multiple STDs. This is one of the reasons why STDs are being ignored in the first place and people tend to misunderstand and seek treatment for flu-like diseases.
However, 3 symptoms appear on the body that indicates you have been contracted with an STD. Do not wait for further symptoms of the following symptoms to progress and get worse, seek immediate medical attention, or get tested for STDs as soon as possible to confirm your status.
1. Genital discharge
STD symptoms are often recognized with usual discharge resulting from the genitals. Women may experience white, grey, yellow, or greenish discharge from their vagina and men may experience a similar color discharge from the penile.
If you are sexually active and noticing this discharge, get tested for STDs as soon as possible. When it comes to STDs, the sooner you diagnose, the better chance of quicker recovery.
2. Pain while urinating
The foreign bacteria and viruses that cause STDs primarily enter the body through the urinary tract when engaging in sexual contact. The microorganisms tend to settle at the tip of the urethra and start to manipulate. When you pass urine, the salty water reacts with the settled bacteria causing uncomfortable burning or pain sensation.
3. Rashes and itching
Rashes on the genitals and other parts of the body are one of the most commonly seen symptoms in both men and women. Some rashes are itchy and some tend to appear as a pimple-like bump. In some cases rashes can also appear around the oral cavity, typically surrounding the lips, this symptom is termed Oral STDs, which are more common among people practicing oral sex.
The symptoms may also not be shown as soon as you get the disease, it may take anywhere between 5 or 7 days to weeks or even months in some cases for the symptoms to even appear.
STD Treatment
Most of the STDs can be treated and cured completely if detected and diagnosed at an early stage. Since these diseases are caused by various pathogens, STDs that are caused by bacteria and parasites like Chlamydia can be cured with the help of medications.
In the case of HIV and Herpes like STDs which are caused by viral agents, then the complete cure is said to be impossible rather medications will be prescribed to lower the signs and symptoms and to reduce the chances of transmission to others.
Conclusion
STDs are considered an epidemic and taking the lives of many when they are gone undetected and/or undiagnosed in the initial phase. Do not practice sex with multiple sex partners, if you do so, get screened for STDs at least once every six months. Spread awareness about STDs and their symptoms with your sex partners and help reduce the STD cases and stop this epidemic.
