STD Treatment

Common STDs

There are more than 20 different kinds of STDs and STIs, caused by viruses, parasites, bacteria, and yeast.

• Chlamydia: a bacteria that can infect the reproductive organs, rectum, and throat. Symptoms can include burning during urination, abnormal discharge, and pain.
• Gonorrhea: a bacteria that affects the reproductive organs. Symptoms can include burning during urination and genital discharge.
• Hepatitis B: infects the liver. Spreads through blood, body fluids, or open sores. Easily treated but can be serious if untreated.
• Herpes: the herpes simplex virus causes redness and sores on the genital area, thighs, and rectal area. The virus does not go away but symptoms can be managed.
• HIV / AIDS: spread through intercourse and shared needles. Attacks the immune system.
• HPV: spreads through intercourse and causes warts in the genital area. Some types can lead to cancer.
• Syphilis: a bacteria passed through sexual contact. Early symptoms can be a small painless sore. Untreated, it can cause complications later.
• Trichomoniasis: a parasite that spreads through unprotected sex. Most common among women. Often has a long incubation and few symptoms.

How they spread

Both men and women can be infected and spread STDs. Risk depends on the infection and the practice. With protection and open communication, you and your partner can enjoy sexual intimacy while keeping risks low.

Prevention

Always use protection (condoms, dental dams) unless you are in a committed relationship in which both partners have been tested. Avoid unprotected sex with multiple partners or with someone you do not know well. If you or your partner experience symptoms, avoid intercourse until you have both been tested.

Testing

You do not have to wait until symptoms appear. If you have ever had sex, especially unprotected sex, testing is a good idea. There is no single test for all STDs. Many tests involve a urine sample, a physical exam, or a blood sample.