Most Common STDs
Sexually transmitted disease or STDs spreads primarily through sexual contact. The infection may be caused due to parasite, virus or bacteria. More than 20 sexually transmitted infections have been identified so far. Some forms of STDs may be treated effectively, while some go away naturally with time. However, some other forms can never be cured. Here is a list of some of the most common STDs:
Bacterial Vaginosis
Lack of balance in the normal healthy bacteria found in the vagina causes bacterial Vaginosis (BV). It is not a severe form of STD and relatively harmless as it is not transmitted through sexual contact. Sometimes patients having this infection may not know earlier as there are no visible signs or symptoms and thus it may go unnoticed.
The bacterium also causes smelly discharge from the genitals. Although it is not spread through sexual intercourse, it can worsen if the person has sex. This form of STD mostly occurs in sexually active women. So far, there have been no clear reasons as to why BV occurs. Studies have shown that alkaline nature of semen is one of the factors that can cause imbalance in the health bacteria found in vagina. As soon as a woman is diagnosed with BV, it is important that she receives immediate treatment as the bacteria may spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, thereby posing a serious risk to the health of the woman, if left untreated. Applying a cream on the vagina or use of prescribed antibiotics can be effective in treatment of BV.
Chlamydia
Most of the STD cases reported every year are caused by the chlamydia trachomatis bacterium and known as Chlamydia. In this STD, body parts such as urethra, rectum and eyes are affected. It can occur in men and women of any age and background. If a woman suffering from this STD does not undergo treatment, then she may face fertility problems. It spreads through body-to-body contact or through sexual intercourse with someone who has already been STD infected. Symptoms of Chlamydia may not occur immediately after exposure to an infected person but show after a few weeks of having sexual contact with an infected person.
Genital warts
It is caused by some sub-forms of human papilloma virus (HPV). Sores or flesh-colored bumps or bigger cauliflower like lumps can appear on the surface of the genital area. Although these small, whitish lumps are painless but they may cause an itching sensation. Slight bleeding may be experienced by women, who have genital warts.
Gonorrhea
This STD mostly occurs in the cervix, rectum, urethra, anus and throat. A person having gonorrhea may experience a burning sensation while urinating and may notice a whitish or yellowish fluid discharge from the penis.
Hepatitis
It is a viral infection that cases liver inflammation. Different types of hepatitis are found, but hepatitis A, B and C are the most common.
Syphilis
It is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted. It can also pass on from an infected woman to her unborn child and cause complications in child birth. Primary and secondary stages of Syphilis are infectious but signs may be difficult to make out. Symptoms may appear about 3 months after a person is exposed to an already infected STD person.
Herpes, Molluscum contagiosum, HIV/AIDS, Scabies, and Trichomoniasis are some of the other most common STDs.