STDs are diseases transmitted sexually that can go undetected for years. They can be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex and can be difficult to tell apart from each other. But how do you know which is which? An STD can onset in a variety of ways, including itching, discharge, and burning. Most STDs begin with vaginal discharge, so it’s vital to get anything out of the ordinary checked out.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that happen in or on our genitals. These are infections that can be passed from person to person by sexual contact through bodily fluids including blood, semen, and vaginal fluid. Anal, oral, and vaginal sex are all ways you can get STIs. STIs are commonly passed from one person to another through unprotected sex and genital skin-to-skin contact. Most STIs are curable, but certain STIs can become life-threatening. An STI may or may not produce symptoms and if untreated can develop into an STD where pathogens damage cells and signs and symptoms appear.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most common health conditions in the United States. Each year, almost half of the estimated 14 million new infections in the United States are a result of STIs. Though most STIs have no symptoms, some symptoms can be quite serious. For example, gonorrhea and chlamydia are very treatable if caught early—and some cases can even be cured completely. However, left untreated, gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy, as well as serious problems with the kidneys or bladder.
Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are common and can happen to anyone. STIs are caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites that are passed during sexual contact, usually from one person to another. STIs can cause infections, infertility, and disease. Most STIs are spread during sexual contact and may come as a “no-show” or “no symptoms.”
STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are common, and they affect many people. But are STDs really all that serious? Yes, they can be serious, but not many people die from STDs. However, STDs can lead to serious health problems, including infertility, ectopic pregnancies, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sometimes death. The only way to be absolutely certain of an STD diagnosis is to visit a clinic. A doctor will test you for an infection and then prescribe medication.
They are caused by sexually transmitted infection (STI) agents—bacteria, viruses, and fungi—that affect other organs of the body. STDs are passed during sexual contact, and STIs can also be passed during oral sex. Some STDs have no symptoms, but others are severe and potentially life-threatening if not treated early. It’s important to know what STDs and STIs are, how they’re passed, and how to avoid them since most STDs and STIs are easily preventable.
STDs are nothing to be ashamed of, but they do need to be treated just like any other illness. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting tested regularly if you’re sexually active. Though there’s no way of completely avoiding STDs, there are some risk factors you can control, such as using condoms for intercourse. And regular screenings for STDs are the easiest way to catch them early when they’re easier to treat—and you’ll avoid an embarrassing and often embarrassing conversation.
Some STDs can be easily detected and cured, while others aren’t so lucky. Even with regular testing and universal condom use, some STDs still aren’t preventable. But how can you avoid an STD in the first place? You can educate yourself on the dangers of unprotected sex, especially if you come from an STD-positive family. You can also take steps to reduce your risk of contracting an STD, like always using condoms, limiting sexual partners and (if applicable) never sharing injection drug equipment.
