Did you know studies show that more than half of all people will get a sexually transmitted disease(STDs) or infection at some point in their lives? In the culture that allows unprotected sex, STDs are easily to contract.
Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) are infections that can be passed from one person to another via sex. The good news is that STDS are treatable. On the flip side, not all STDs are curable. The symptoms of STDs are peculiar and differ between men and women.
STD testing can be stressful and embarrassing but it is quick, painless, and usually free. Consult your doctor outright for STD tests. It includes a physical exam, a urine test, a blood test, a cheek swab, sore tests and discharge tests. Be free and honest with your doctor about your sex life to ensure that you get the right STD tests. If you do have an STD from the tests results, relax, it is not the end of the world. If it is curable, the better but if it is not take your medications so you can still live your best life.
Some common STDs include;
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection. It may present no obvious symptoms, so most people do not even know that they may have the disease. Most women do not experience any symptoms. In men, some common symptoms of gonorrhoea may include:
- greater frequency or urgency of urination.
- a pus-like discharge (or drip) from the penis (white, yellow, beige, or greenish)
- swelling or redness at the opening of the penis.
- swelling or pain in the testicles
- a persistent sore throat
Syphilis
This also a bacterial infection that happens in stages. If left untreated, syphilis can cause permanent damage to your nervous system. The symptoms can be mild and unnoticeable at first. Some people confuse the initial symptoms of syphilis with pimples or rashes. Other symptoms include sores appearing anywhere on your genitals or anus and rarely around your mouth and mild flu.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
There are over 100 known types of human papillomavirus, and about 40 of those can infect your genital area. Howeve, most types of HPV are harmless and present no symptoms. However, some types can cause genital warts (low-risk HPV) or even cancer (high-risk HPV). High-risk HPV generally will not show any signs of infection until it has already caused serious health issues.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be sneaky because it often presents no symptoms. Most people don’t even know they have chlamydia until it gets serious. Symptoms of chlamydia may not show up until several weeks after your initial exposure to the bacteria, but they may include:
- pain when urinating
- unusual vaginal discharge
- pain in the tummy or pelvis
- pain during sex
- bleeding after sex
- bleeding between periods
Herpes
Herpes is caused by two viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2. Both of these viruses can stay in your body for the rest of your life. Most people with herpes may not have any symptoms, but one of the most common symptoms is sores and blisters on the genitals and anus and around the mouth. This may also be accompanied with burning, itching, and pain around the genitals. Herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 may also include flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, chills, aches).
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a type of liver infection caused by a virus. If left untreated, hepatitis B can cause liver disease. About half of adults who have a hepatitis B infection never get any symptoms, while some symptoms can feel like the flu, cold, or other common illness. the symptoms don’t often happen until 6 weeks to 6 months after the initial exposure.