Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections passed from person to person through blood, semen, vaginal or other bodily fluids. Not everyone who has a sexually transmitted disease will be symptomatic, and it is possible to contract an STD from someone who seems perfectly healthy. Examples of common STDs include AIDS/HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, HPV, hepatitis and genital herpes. Some typical symptoms of STDs include vaginal discharge, painful urination, night sweats, genital lesions, and fatigue. STDs that are caused by a bacteria (most commonly chlamydia but also syphilis and gonorrhea) and those caused by parasites (trichomoniasis) are usually curable, while STDS caused by a virus (HIV, HPV, genital herpes) can be managed but not always cured. Typical medical treatments include antibiotic and antiviral medications.