List of STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) encompass a large number of infections that can be spread (transmitted) via sexual contact. It has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that over 15 million people in America suffer from some form of sexually transmitted disease annually. Of all the cases reported, the incidence of its occurrence is among people between the ages of 15 to 24. Sexually transmitted diseases are mostly transmitted through the mucous membranes of the vulva, urinary tract, penis, rectum, and sometimes (rarely) through the eyes, mouth, throat and respiratory tract. One can get themselves infected by having sexual relations with an infected person. It is not possible to get a list of all STDs, as their classification as a STD is also under medical dispute. Following is a common list of STDs for your quick reference.

List of Most Common STDs

Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, that not only infects the genital but also non-genital orifices. Gonorrhea spreads in the reproductive system, and also via the bloodstream and infects other body parts. While most gonorrhea symptoms are similar in men and women, a few are distinct to their gender. Men experience painful urination and heavy secretions, while women have abnormal bleeding and little discharge. Untreated gonorrhea increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory diseases and infertility-related conditions.

Herpes
Herpes, also known as genital herpes can only spread if the infection is active, and is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The symptoms exhibit themselves within a week after contact with an infected person. One may get a mild fever, accompanied with painful itching in the genitals, followed with blisters. Broken blisters cause a lot of pain and discomfort. The infectious virus can also spread to the bloodstream and affect other internal organs.

Chlamydia
Chlamydia is very common STD. For some there are no symptoms unless it reaches an advanced stage. Both men and women experience burning urination and painful intercourse. Women get a slightly thick, white vaginal discharge, while men get clear, watery mucous discharge. After getting infected, the first visual symptomatic occurrence is the formation of painless pimples or blisters on the genitalia. The lymph nodes in the male genitals enlarge painfully and may develop scarring. Women with chlamydia infection have inflamed pelvic, from where the infection spreads through the reproductive tract to the fallopian tubes.

HIV/AIDS
Of all the STDs, it is the HIV/AIDS infection that scares people the most, mainly because the result of this infection is death. Besides sexual activity, it can also transmit through infected breast milk, vaginal fluids and blood. The earliest symptom of this infection is short, feverish illness with a sore throat and swollen glands in the groin, neck and armpits. HIV infected people may not show symptoms for more than eight to ten years after being infected. As the HIV virus destroys blood cells, it lowers the body's immunity making it susceptible to weight loss, fatigue, cough, chills, night sweating, fever, and many other infections. The HIV virus, eventually, takes over the nucleus of a white blood cell (CD4 lymphocyte), constantly reproducing and releasing more virus into the blood stream.

Hepatitis
Hepatitis symptoms can exhibit anywhere between the first to the ninth month after contact. Although, the early symptoms are mild, they are persistent or chronic in nature. Most symptoms are flu like and a constant feeling of tiredness. Jaundice and colored urine with light colored bowel movements are common in this infection. Untreated hepatitis, especially the hepatitis B strain can cause permanent liver damage.

List of Common STDs

Crabs or Pubic Lice
This infection is caused due to blood sucking lice that look very similar to head lice. They mostly stay in the pubic hair, as the moistness helps them to thrive and multiply. They are easily treated, but can cause a lot of itching an discomfort especially in the night.

Syphilis
Syphilis is caused due to the bacteria Treponema pallidum. The first symptom are the occurrences of painless sores on the genitals. Although, mild in nature, Syphilis can cause a whole lot of problems if left untreated. An advanced symptom is the syphilis rash, an infectious brown skin rash, accompanied with fever, swollen glands, hair loss and sore throat.

Vaginitis
Vaginitis is associated with an irritation or infection of the vulva. The common symptoms are itching, burning, pain and a thick discharge from the vagina. The discharge generally has a foul smell. Vaginitis is not just restricted to women alone, it can also occur in the male penis, prostate gland or urethra. Candidiasis is the most familiar form of vaginitis.

Genital Warts
Genital warts are mostly small, flat, flesh-colored bumps. In women, it occurs on the vulva and perineal area in the vagina and on the cervix; whereas in men, it occurs on the penis, near the anus, or between the penis and the scrotum. Left untreated, genital warts can cause cancer of the cervix in women and cancer of the penis in men.

Besides the above, one can add rare STDs like granuloma inguinale, chancroid, nongonococcal urethritis, molluscum contagiosum, and lymphogranuloma venereum to make the complete list of STDs. Most STDs can be prevented, if one uses condoms as a precaution; however, as said earlier, it may not stop the spread of most STDs. Except for HIV or AIDS, most STDs can be treated and cured. However, timely intervention, diagnosis and medical attention are very imperative. Most treatments depend upon the type and severity of the STDs.