5 Most Common STDs

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Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are diseases spread via sexual contact. STDs are very common infections all over the world. They can affect both men and women who are sexually active, particularly those individuals with more than one sexual partner.

While it is advisable to consult the best sexologist in Lahore or your area for complete information on the matter, below are five of the most common types of STDs:

  1. Chlamydia

A very common type of STD, Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. It may be spread via vaginal, anal, or even oral sex. Although most people do not experience any sort of signs, some common symptoms include an odd discharge from the vagina or penis and pain or burning during urination.

If left untreated, Chlamydia can result in pelvic inflammatory disease in women and painful inflammation of the tube that helps carry sperm, in men. In some cases, it may even lead to infertility. The disease is treated with the help of antibiotics.

  1. Syphilis

Another bacterial infection, Syphilis begins as a painless sore, typically on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. It is spread when a person’s skin or mucous membrane comes in contact with these sores.

Sexual Activity

After the initial infection, the bacteria may remain dormant in the body for years or even decades before becoming active again. At early stages, syphilis can sometimes be cured with just a single shot/injection of penicillin. Without treatment, however, it can severely damage your heart, brain, or other organs, and can ultimately become life-threatening. Syphilis can also be passed on from mothers to unborn children.

  1. HIV/AIDS

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is passed through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, etc. The disease is spread by having vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected person without a condom, or by sharing a needle with someone who is infected.

Symptoms of HIV infection are vague as they sometimes appear like the flu, with muscle aches, fatigue, or a slight fever. Other symptoms include weight loss and diarrhea. The only way to be sure if a person has been infected is to get saliva or blood testing.

HIV can take years to destroy the immune system of an infected person. Eventually, the body loses its ability to fight off infections. While there is still no cure for HIV, powerful drugs can help people with HIV improve their quality of life.

  1. Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2 viruses. Some people do not show any symptoms while others develop painful blisters around the penis, vagina, or anus. Blisters may also develop inside your vagina or anus where they cannot be seen or felt. Herpes is easy to catch as it can spread through skin-to-skin contact, including areas that a condom does not cover.

Since it is a virus, there is no cure for it. However, medication may help manage it.

  1. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is also a bacterial STD. It often develops with Chlamydia and symptoms of the two diseases are also similar. It can be treated with antibiotics.

While STDs are some of the most widespread diseases, if left untreated, they can cause serious harm to a person’s health. Thus it is essential to seek guidance from the best Sexologist in Islamabad or your city and get yourself and your partner regularly tested.