7 Sexually Transmitted Diseases That You Should Know About

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is any infection which is highly contagious in nature and can be transmitted from one individual to another through physical contact. Sexually transmitted diseases are also referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). No sex is the surest way you can prevent STIs. Even condoms cannot fully ensure 100% protection against some of them. Given below is the list of 7 common sexually transmitted diseases:

1. Chlamydia
It is reported to be the most common sexually transmitted disease, with an estimated number of 92 millions people getting infected with it annually. It affects the cervix in women and the penile urethra in men. Painful intercourse along with penile or vaginal discharge is the commonest symptom of chlamydia. Like genital herpes, this sexually transmitted infection can also go unnoticed for months, which is why it is sometimes difficult to diagnose and treat it on time.

2. Gonorrhea
The second most common STD is gonorrhea, which is also a bacterial STD like chlamydia and infects the genitals. Its symptoms include burning sensation while urinating and penile discharge. The tricky part of this infection is that you can suffer from it even if you protect yourself from vaginal or anal sex. Even oral sex can cause this sexually transmitted disease.

3. Syphilis
Syphilis is one of the most feared sexually transmitted diseases in the world. In this condition, you can develop sores and anybody coming in direct contact with it can get infected. The areas where symptoms of syphilis appear include rectum, vagina or mouth. Sex with condom may not give you 100% protection against this infection.

4. Mycoplasma Genitalium
This little-known infection can be a major factor behind cervicitic in women. Lack of visible symptoms can make diagnosis difficult, but with the help advanced medical equipments, it can be detected and treated.

5. Trichomoniasis
It is a common infection for women who are into frequent sex. Because of similarities in symptoms, it is sometimes mistaken for bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. The most common symptoms of trichomoniasis include painful intercourse, odorous and frothy vaginal discharge, itching and irritation.

6. Pubic Lice
Visible lice in the genitals or in the armpits are known pubic lice. They can be transmitted from one individual to another through sexual contact or by unhygienic clothes. Itching is the most common symptom of this infection.

7. Genital herpes
Caused by the herpes simplex virus, genital herpes, better known as herpes, is another of those feared sexually transmitted diseases that nobody wants to get infected with. Herpes cannot be fully cured after you catch the virus through unsafe sex or by any form of sexual touching or kissing. Valtrex and Famvir are among the 2 most effective medicines to tackle herpes.

The good news is that your doctor can take an antibody blood test to diagnose genital herpes. Sexually transmitted diseases like herpes can also be diagnosed by the ELISA test, which normally detects the presence of the herpes virus 21 or more days after infection.