The Low Down On STD’s
STD is a common acronym coined for the term sexually transmitted disease.
Also known as sexually transmitted infections and venereal diseases, STD’s are most commonly spread via sexual activity. Sexually activity spreading STD’s includes vaginal intercourse as well as oral and anal sex.
There are many ‘common’ STD‘s that most people know about, like Chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, HPV, Genital Herpes and Hepatitis B.
However, there are over 20 different types of sexually transmitted diseases affecting both sexually active individuals while reeking havoc their sexual and reproductive health and furthermore affecting their overall long-term health. Symptoms vary between men and women while some individuals present no symptoms at all.
The Most common Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Here is a quick look at some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and a quick summary of symptoms they present:
[alert-note]The most common bacterial STD is Chlamydia. [/alert-note]
By infecting a woman’s cervix and a man’s urethra, symptoms occurring are painful sex, penal and vaginal discharge.
Good news? Chlamydia is the most curable STD, usually with antibiotics.
However, because many people are asymptomatic, it is the most commonly overlooked and some individuals are not diagnosed for months or years which in turn can cause long term health problems. Using latex condoms and routine STD screening are key to prevention and diagnosis/treatment.
Gonorrhea is another common bacterial STD.
Nicknamed “the Clap,” its infection and symptoms are very similar to those of Chlamydia, including pain and burning during urination as well as a yellow or green discharge. Gonorrhea is contracted of course via intercourse but also infects the throat via oral sex. Like Chlamydia, the symptoms of gonorrhea go unnoticed and as a result are widespread. Not being diagnosed and treated early can create health problems later on in life.
Much like gonorrhea and Chlamydia but now more common, Mycoplasma Genitalium is a bacterial STD that affects the cervix in women and urethra in men and can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and possibly infertility. It has been somewhat known but increasing in prevalence among young teens.
[alert-warning]The Human Papillonavirus (HPV) may be THE most common Sexually Transmitted Disease and is viral. [/alert-warning]
There are many types of HPV, from viruses that can be linked to cervical cancer to some that can cause genital warts. Statistics show that around 3/4 of the population, especially young women, have contracted HPV and many have no symptoms at all. Some symptoms resolve on their own but HPV is not a curable STD. There is now a vaccine that is available for adolescent girls. It will protect them from the most common strains of HPV but is very controversial as to whether the vaccine itself can cause other health related issues.
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