common stds

What Are The Most Common STDs?

In the United States alone, sexually transmitted diseases (or infections) occur by the millions every single year. Unfortunately, this is a staggering number that continues to grow. STDs are typically transmitted through activities that include vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Testing for STDs is imperative, as some of these diseases and infections can be symptomless. Doctors can treat some STDs with medication while they can cure others entirely. Either way, they are all preventable. Let’s dive a bit deeper into sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as a whole, as well as the most common STDs and what we can do about them.

What Are The Most Common STDs?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

STDs can be caused by bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Anyone who partakes in sexual activity runs the risk of getting an infection. Some of the factors that increase the likelihood include unprotected sex, multiple partners, and having a history of STDs.

STDs also have the potential to be transmitted through childbirth. In fact, this has the potential to cause serious problems for the baby. With this in mind, pregnant women should be screened before delivery time.

Complications that may eventually arise due to having an STD include pelvic pain, pregnancy complications, eye inflammation, arthritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Some of the most common STDs include

  • Chlamydia
  • Genital herpes
  • Gonorrhea
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Pubic lice
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

Today, we’re going to focus on just three of the most common STDs. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, and syphilis.

Common STDs and Symptoms

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs and is highly curable. However, if you don’t treat chlamydia, it can lead to infertility. Chlamydia symptoms for women may include a strong vaginal discharge, burning upon urination, and pain during sex. Chlamydia symptoms for men may include discharge from the penis, burning sensation when urinating, itching or burning around the opening of the penis, and pain and swelling in the testicles.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea, or often referred to as the clap, can infect the genital tract, mouth, or anus. As a result, gonorrhea is typically present among young adults. However, symptoms may not always be present or they may be mild. Men may experience discharge or pain when urinating and women may experience bleeding between periods, discharge, and pain when urinating. Pelvic inflammatory disease may also be a possibility if left untreated.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is the most common STI. There were about 43 million infections in 2018 alone. HPV holds the potential to go away without treatment and may not have any repercussions. In some cases, however, it may lead to genital warts and even cancer. Cancer from HPV can take years to develop. What makes HPV stand out is that there is a legitimate way to significantly lower your risk and that is to get vaccinated.

Syphilis

Syphilis will affect the genital area, lips, mouth, and anus. You may initially notice a small, painless sore and it can lead to lymph node swelling and a non-itchy skin rash. Symptoms may not be noticeable. In some cases, they may come and go until you receive treatment.

STD Prevention

Preventing infections and diseases is more than possible nowadays. Some preventative measures you can take include abstaining from sexual activities altogether and choosing one partner. Other measures include testing frequently between partners, vaccinate for HPV, use condoms, and refrain from excessive alcohol and drug use.

In 2019, Douglas County, Nebraska, had a total of 3,965 cases of chlamydia, 1,597 cases of gonorrhea, and 59 cases of syphilis. Douglas County Health Department also believes there are several things to be done about this trend. These include increasing awareness in the community, asking for community assistance, changing priorities in certain organizations, supporting programs that target behavior change within the community, as well as treating the epidemic.

The Douglas County Health Department STD Control Program includes clinical examination, lab testing, treatment, investigation and anonymous partner notification, disease surveillance and statistics, as well as community education. STDs are absolutely preventable and we can stop the spread through expanded awareness and education.

Learn more: STDs in Douglas County

STD Testing

Oftentimes people will avoid getting tested for STD’s because of embarrassment, fear or stigma. This is unnecessary and can even be dangerous. You should always test immediately if you suspect that you might have an STD. Also, let anyone that you have had sexual contact with know about the results.

You can treat the majority of STD’s with antibiotics if the symptoms are recognized early. If not, you can also manage an STD with the necessary lifestyle changes. Testing, treating, and managing an STD is the responsible thing to do, both for your own health and that of your sexual partner or partners.

Additional Reading:

UTI or STD: How to Tell the Difference

STD or STI, What’s the Difference?

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