Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) also more commonly being referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are for the most part spead by sexual intercourse. Examples of STDs include:
- HIV
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital Herpes
- Oral Herpes
- Genital Warts
- Hepatitis
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
In the past STDs were referred to as veneral disease or VD. There are 65 million Americans right now that have an incurable sexually transmitted disease and each year approximately 15 million new cases are reported. This does not include the STDs that go unreported by national health organizations.
STDs range from easily treatable as with the case with bacterial infections or even incurable deadly as with HIV. By learning about STDs you can help protect your sexual health and the sexual health of those in your sex life.
STDs can be spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex between all ages and genders. Most STDs will be spread through sexual contact although some can be spread by non-sexual means.
Some sexually transmitted viruses can enter a state that is known as “latency.” During this time the virus is not being replicated. In the latent state, the virus does not cause disease or symptoms. However it is always possible that in the future the virus can be reactivated and cause harm.
Symptoms of STDs
Symptoms of STDs varies from person to person and some people may show no symptoms at all.
The only way to know 100% that you a carrying a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is to get STD testing that covers all major STDs and HIV.
