What are the most common STDs that cause sores? Learn about herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, and other STD symptoms. Get information on testing and treatment options.

Common STDs That Cause Sores

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can manifest in various ways, and one of the most common symptoms is the development of sores or lesions on the genital area. Several STDs are known to cause these types of visible skin changes, including herpes, genital warts, and gonorrhea. Understanding the specific characteristics and symptoms of these conditions is crucial for seeking timely medical attention and preventing the spread of infection.

Herpes

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can infect both the oral and genital areas. There are two main types of herpes: HSV-1, which typically causes cold sores on the lips, and HSV-2, which is the more common cause of genital herpes. Herpes can be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, even in the absence of visible sores. The hallmark symptoms of herpes include the appearance of small, fluid-filled blisters or sores on the genitals, anus, thighs, or buttocks. These sores can be painful and may take several weeks to heal. While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a family of viruses that can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity. While some strains of HPV can lead to cervical or anal cancer, others primarily cause the development of warts on the genital and anal areas. Genital warts may appear as small, raised, flesh-colored growths that can resemble cauliflower. They are usually painless but may cause itching or discomfort. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available, including topical medications and, in some cases, surgical removal of the warts.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD that can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. While gonorrhea can sometimes be asymptomatic, particularly in women, it can also cause visible symptoms such as a yellow or green discharge from the penis, swollen testicles, or a painful, burning sensation during urination. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and an increased risk of HIV transmission. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for gonorrhea, and it is important to complete the full course of medication to ensure the infection is eradicated.

Other STD Symptoms

In addition to the STDs that cause visible sores, there are several other STDs that may present with different types of symptoms. For example, chlamydia can lead to a burning sensation during urination and a discharge from the penis or vagina, while syphilis can cause a painless sore (chancre) on the genitals, anus, or mouth, followed by a rash on the palms or soles of the feet. Hepatitis B, a viral infection that can cause liver damage, may initially present with non-specific symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

STD Testing and Treatment

Regardless of the specific STD, it is crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have been exposed or are experiencing any symptoms. STD testing, which may include physical exams, laboratory tests, or imaging studies, can help provide an accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment. Many STDs can be effectively treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications, but it is important to follow the prescribed course of treatment and to inform any sexual partners to prevent the further spread of infection.

Prevention and Vaccination

In addition to seeking prompt medical care, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of contracting an STD. These include practicing safe sex, using barrier methods like condoms, and getting vaccinated against certain STDs, such as the HPV vaccine, which can protect against some of the most dangerous strains of the virus. Regular STD testing, even in the absence of symptoms, is also recommended for those who are sexually active, as it can help identify and treat infections before they can be transmitted to others.

In summary, understanding the common STDs that cause visible sores, as well as their associated symptoms, is crucial for maintaining sexual health and seeking appropriate medical care. By being proactive about prevention, testing, and treatment, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their partners from the potential consequences of these infections.

Herpes, Genital Warts, Gonorrhea, STD Symptoms, & Testing

Medically Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD on January 14, 2023

You don’t have to have sex to get an STD. Skin-to-skin contact is enough to spread HPV, the virus family that causes genital warts. Some types cause warts and are usually harmless, but others may lead to cervical or anal cancer. Vaccines can protect against some of the most dangerous types.

Signs: Pink or flesh-colored warts that are raised, flat, or shaped like cauliflower. Often there are no symptoms.

“Crabs” is the common term for lice that set up shop in pubic hair. The term comes from the shape of the tiny parasites, which look very different from head or body lice. The creatures crawl from one person to another during close contact. Pubic lice can be killed with over-the-counter lotions.

Symptoms: Intense itching, tiny eggs attached to pubic hair, or crawling lice.

Scabies is an itchy infestation caused by a tiny mite that burrows into human skin to lay eggs. It is not always an STD, as it can spread through any skin-to-skin contact. But among young adults, the mites are often acquired during sex. Scabies is treated with prescription creams.

Symptoms: Intense itching especially at night and a pimple-like rash. It may take 2-6 weeks for symptoms to appear.

Gonorrhea spreads easily and can lead to infertility in both men and women, if untreated. Antibiotics stop the infection.

Symptoms: Common symptoms are burning during urination and discharge, but often there are no early symptoms. Later, the infection may cause skin rashes or spread to the joints and blood.

In Men: Discharge from the penis, swollen testicles.

In Women: Vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, spotting. Symptoms may be mild and are easily confused with a urinary tract or vaginal infection.

Most people don’t notice the early symptoms of syphilis. The USPSTF recommends screening for syphilis infection in persons who are at increased risk for infection. Without treatment, it can lead to paralysis, blindness, and death. Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.

Signs and Symptoms: The first sign is usually a firm, round, painless sore on the genitals or anus. The disease spreads through direct contact with this sore. Later there may be a rash on the soles, palms, or other parts of the body (seen here), as well as swollen glands, fever, hair loss, or fatigue. In the late stage, symptoms come from damage to organs such as the heart, brain, liver, nerves, and eyes.

Chlamydia is a common STD that can lead to infertility if left untreated. It clears up quickly with antibiotics. But it often goes unnoticed because symptoms are vague or absent. Chlamydia can also infect the rectum and throat.

Symptoms in Men: Burning and itching at the tip of the penis, discharge, painful urination.

Symptoms in Women: Vaginal itching, discharge that may have an odor, pain during sex, painful urination.

That painful cold sore you get on your lip every now and then? It’s probably caused by a type of herpes virus called HSV-1. This virus is usually not an STD; it spreads easily among household members or through kissing. But it can be spread to the genitals through oral or genital contact with an infected person. Though there is no cure, drugs can shorten or prevent outbreaks.

Signs and Symptoms: Occasional cold sores or “fever blisters” on the lips. Small blister or sores on the genitals are also possible.

Most cases of genital herpes are caused by a virus called HSV-2. It’s highly contagious and can spread through intercourse or direct contact with a herpes sore. As with HSV-1, there is no cure. But antiviral drugs can make outbreaks less frequent and help clear up symptoms more quickly.

Symptoms: Fluid-filled blisters that form painful, crusted sores on the genitals, anus, thighs, or buttocks. Can spread to the lips through oral contact.

Hepatitis B is a stealthy virus that can cause severe liver damage. It spreads through contact with blood and other body fluids. People can be infected through sex, needle sharing, and at birth, as well as by sharing razors and toothbrushes. There is no cure, but drugs can keep the virus in check. There’s also an effective vaccine to prevent hepatitis B.

Symptoms: People may develop nausea, belly pain, dark urine, fatigue, and a yellowing of the skin or eyes with acute infection. Chronic infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Many people have no symptoms for years.

The HIV virus weakens the body’s defense against infections. HIV spreads through unprotected sex, needle sharing, or being born to an infected mother. It may cause no symptoms for years, so a blood test is the best way to learn your status. Timely treatment is important to help prevent serious illnesses.

Early symptoms of HIV Infection: Many have no symptoms, but some people get temporary flu-like symptoms one to two months after infection: swollen glands (seen here), a fever, headaches, and fatigue. Canker sores in the mouth can occur, too.

Reliable HIV tests can be done in a clinic or at home with the FDA-approved Home Access brand test kit. Anonymous tests use only a number to identify you. One limitation is the “window period” of up to six months after exposure to HIV when these antibody tests sometimes do not find the virus. You can pass HIV to others during that time.

If You Suspect HIV/AIDS: If you’ve been exposed to HIV, starting medications immediately can help prevent infection. If you have the virus, treatments can help prevent HIV from turning into AIDS.

While there is no cure for HIV, there are medications that can suppress the amount of virus multiplying inside the body. People take a combination of antiviral drugs in hopes of preventing the infection from advancing to AIDS. Additional treatments can help prevent or fight off serious infections, if the immune system has weakened.

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that spreads during sexual contact. It can be cured with prescription drugs.

Signs and Symptoms in Men: Most men have no obvious symptoms. Some develop a mild discharge or slight burning during urination.

Signs and Symptoms in Women: Women may develop a yellow-green discharge with a strong odor, vaginal itching, or pain during sex or urination. Symptoms usually begin five to 28 days after acquiring the parasite.

Chancroid is a bacterial STD that is common in Africa and Asia but rare in the U.S. It causes genital sores that can spread the bacteria from one person to another. Antibiotics can cure the infection.

Symptoms in Men: Painful bumps on the penis that may develop into pus-filled open sores, pain in the genitals and groin.
Symptoms in Women: Painful bumps in the genital area that can develop into open sores, swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

LGV is caused by a type of chlamydia that is usually rare in the U.S. But it’s becoming more common in men who have sex with men. Like other forms of chlamydia, it can be cured with antibiotics.

Symptoms: Open sores on the genitals or anus, headache, fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph glands in the groin (seen here). If acquired through anal sex, LGV may cause rectal bleeding or discharge.

Not an STD itself, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious complication of untreated STDs, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea. It happens when bacteria spread to infect the uterus and other female reproductive organs. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent damage to a woman’s fertility.

Signs and Symptoms: Lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual discharge, painful intercourse, painful urination, and spotting. However, there are often no warning signs.

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for an STD, regardless of gender, race, social class, or sexual orientation. That said, teenagers and young adults acquire STDs more easily than older people. By age 25, half of sexually active adults get an STD. Having multiple sex partners also raises the risk. The CDC has noted that some STDs are on the rise in men who have sex with men, including syphilis and LGV.

Yes, they can. Many STDs spread through any type of sexual activity, including skin-to-skin contact and oral sex. This is especially true of STDs that produce genital lesions or sores.

The best ways to avoid getting an STD are to abstain from any sexual contact and be in a monogamous, long-term relationship with an uninfected partner. To reduce the odds of getting STDs:

• Ask your partner if they have an STD.
• Ask partners to be tested before sexual activity.
• Use condoms.
• Avoid sexual activity if your partner has signs of an STD.
• Be aware of symptoms and get regular checkups with your health care provider.

While condoms are effective in preventing the spread of some STDs, they are not perfect. Condoms are better at protecting against gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and trichomoniasis. But they offer less protection against herpes, syphilis, and genital warts. These infections can spread through contact with skin lesions that are not covered by a condom. Finally, condoms offer virtually no protection against crabs and scabies.

If you think you have an STD, tell your partner(s) as soon as possible. You may be able to spread the infection even if you have already begun treatment or are using condoms. With some STDs, doctors recommend treating both partners at the same time. This may be a difficult conversation. Some people find it helpful to write a script ahead of time. Be sure to let your partner ask questions and express their feelings.

It is important for pregnant women to be checked for STDs. They can cause women to go into labor too early and may complicate delivery. Many STDs can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or after the baby is born. STDs’ effects on babies can include stillbirth, low birth weight, neurologic problems, blindness, liver disease, and serious infection. But there are treatments to minimize these risks. Treatment during pregnancy can cure some STDs and lower the risk of passing the infection to your baby. 

Most STD treatments do not protect you from getting the same infection again. A course of drugs may cure gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia or trichomoniasis, but a new exposure can start a new infection. If your partner is not treated, you can continue to pass infections back and forth. And if you’re not taking the right precautions to protect yourself, you can be re-infected quickly or even pick up a second STD.  

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1)    Science Source, Dr P. Marazzi, Dr. Harout Tanielian, Biophoto Associates /  Photo Researchers Inc.
2)    London Scientific Films
3)    Dr. P. Marazzi / Photo Researchers, Inc.
4)    Juergen Berger / Photo Researchers, Interactive Medical Media LLC , Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology
5)    Science Source/Photo Researchers, Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology
6)    BSIP/Photo Researchers Inc
7)    Interactive Medical Media LLC
8)    Interactive Medical Media LLC, Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Dr. Harold Fisher/Visuals Unlimited
9)    Eye of Science/Photo Researchers Inc
10)    Dr. M.A. Ansary / Photo Researchers, Inc., Science Source, Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology
11)    Bildagentur RM/Tips Italia
12)    Bruce Forester/Photographer’s Choice
13)    IMA / Photo Researchers Inc
14)    Dr. M.A. Ansary / Photo Researchers, Inc., David M. Phillips / Photo Researchers, Inc, Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatolog
15)    Dr. M.A. Ansary / Photo Researchers, Inc.
16)    Judith Glick / Phototake
17)    Clarissa Leahy/Photographer’s Choice
18)    Christoph Martin/Lifesize
19)    George Diebold/Photographer’s Choice
20)    Michael Winokur/Workbook Stock
21)    John Lamb/Stone
22)    UHB Trust/Stone
23)    Alan Powdrill/Stone

REFERENCES:

American Social Health Association.
American Social Health Association’s National Herpes Resource Center.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.
FDA web site.
Fleming, et al. The New England Journal of Medicine, Oct. 16, 1997.
March of Dimes web site.
Merck Manual, 17th edition.
National HIV Testing Resources.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
National Institutes of Health.
The Nemours Foundation’s Kids Health web site.
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

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What Is It and How Does It Impact My Health?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Understanding Chancroid
• Symptoms of Chancroid
• Diagnosing and Treating Chancroid
• Preventing Chancroid
• Chancroid Risks

Chancroid is a very contagious sexually transmitted disease (STD). Once you have it, it may increase your risk for developing other health conditions. What exactly is chancroid, and how can you treat and prevent it?

Chancroid is an STD caused by bacteria called Haemophilus ducreyi. It causes bumps that may feel tender when you touch them. The bumps fill with pus and may open up and become sores. These sores are most often on the genitals and are called ulcers. While chancroid is easily treatable, it also spreads very easily.

Another common symptom of chancroid is swelling of the lymph nodes, or small glands, in your groin. When your lymph nodes are swollen, that is a sign that your body is fighting off bacteria or infection.

Chancroid is not a common STD in the United States and is mostly found in Africa and the Caribbean, where it causes sporadic outbreaks.

Chancroid transmission. Chancroid is passed from person to person in two ways. The first is sexual contact with a person who has open sores. The second is when the pus-like fluid from the sores is passed from person to person through other physical contact. If you have chancroid sores, touch one of them, and then touch another person, you may pass the infection to them.

A person will experience symptoms of chancroid within four to ten days of being exposed to the bacteria.

Who can get chancroid? Anyone can get chancroid by coming in contact with the bacteria that causes it. However, men are more likely to be diagnosed with chancroid than women.

Women who have chancroid are often asymptomatic (meaning that they have no symptoms), or they may only have sores inside their vagina. Their only visible symptom may be swollen lymph nodes, which they might not notice if they have no other symptoms or medical problems.

Painful ulcers. The most common symptom of chancroid is painful open sores. Sores from chancroid may go away quickly, but they can last for weeks or months.

Swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, chancroid also causes swollen, painful lymph nodes around the groin.

Diagnosing chancroid. Symptoms of chancroid are often similar to those of other STDs. To diagnose chancroid, your doctor will take a swab of your ulcer and send it to a lab to see if the Haemophilus ducreyi bacteria is present. ‌

Chance of reinfection. Having chancroid once does not make you immune to the bacteria. You may be reinfected after your sores are treated and go away.

Treating chancroid. Your doctor will treat your chancroid with antibiotics. With proper care and treatment, you can expect your sores to heal within two weeks.

While you are recovering, you must follow guidelines to make sure that you heal properly:

• Don’t have sex until your sores are completely healed
• Keep the area around your sores clean and dry‌
• Don’t wear tight-fitting clothes that may irritate your sores

Prevention. The best way to avoid getting chancroid is to avoid having sex. However, if you are sexually active, you can take these steps to reduce your chance of getting chancroid: 

• Limit your number of sexual partners 
• Don’t have sexual contact with a person who has open sores on their genitals or groin‌
• Always use a condom during sex to reduce your chance of getting chancroid and other STDs

‌If you think you may have chancroid, do not have sexual contact with any of your partners until you talk to a doctor. Go to urgent care, an STD clinic, or the hospital. A doctor will talk to you about your symptoms, examine the affected area, and swab it to send a sample for testing.

If you find out that you have chancroid, tell all of your sexual partners so that they can also seek treatment. Do not have any sexual contact until you have finished your medication and all of your sores have completely healed. Your doctor may schedule you for a follow-up appointment to make sure that your ulcers are healed and that you don’t need further treatment.

Ineffective treatment. Men who are not circumcised and people living with HIV may not respond to typical chancroid treatment. If you are in one of these higher-risk categories, talk to your doctor about other steps you can take to help your ulcers heal.‌

Other health conditions. The open sores that chancroid causes make you more susceptible to other bacteria. The greatest risk of chancroid is that you are more likely to contract HIV while you are infected with chancroid.

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Sexually transmitted infections Medical On Group Khabarovsk

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a group of diseases that are transmitted primarily through sexual contact. STIs are extremely common throughout the world. WHO experts (World Health Organization) have calculated that every sixth inhabitant of the globe suffers from any of the sexually transmitted diseases.

All STIs are caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasites) and are transmitted primarily through sexual contact and through blood (mainly through syringes or instruments). But some infections, such as syphilis, herpetic, cytomegalovirus and papillomavirus infections, can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and through kissing.

Viral STIs, such as HIV infection, hepatitis, genital herpes and anogenital warts caused by the human papillomavirus, are not completely cured, and only in some cases the course of the disease and its manifestations can be controlled using various means and methods. Curable today are STDs caused by bacteria, protozoa and parasites: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and some others. However, in any case, an early visit to the doctor and the start of treatment will not only serve as a speedy recovery, but will also reduce the risk of developing numerous complications.

For men!
STI can be contracted by absolutely any of the men who have unprotected and promiscuous sex. It is very easy to get sick, but to be treated is much more difficult. Men, remember that the causes of infection with any of the sexually transmitted infections are neglect of your health!

The insidiousness of sexually transmitted infections lies in the fact that for infected men, the disease can occur without pronounced symptoms or completely unnoticed for a certain time. The lack of male attention to the appearance of some signs and symptoms of an incipient disease, as well as untimely or incorrect treatment, contribute to the fact that the disease becomes latent or chronic. The disease in men with a latent character is dangerous because the disease quickly acquires a chronic form, which is much more difficult to treat, and sometimes even impossible. The chronic nature of the disease caused by STIs can cause inflammation of the genitourinary system in men, leading to weakened erection, premature ejaculation, prostatitis, adenoma, impotence, infertility and other serious diseases of the male reproductive system. If in the male body the disease has acquired a chronic form, then it is no longer necessary to show symptoms, because the symptoms are an indicator of the body’s active struggle with the infection.

What symptoms should alert you?

1. Unusual white or yellow discharge from the penis, often with a foul odor.

2. Severe itching, burning, painful urination, frequent urge to urinate.

3. Pink or red rash, redness, spots on different parts of the body, for example, on the legs (soles), on the hands (palms).

4. Sharp or pulling pain in the lower abdomen and testicles.

5. Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the groin.

6. Small vesicles, erosions, warts, ulcers around the mouth, lips and anus.

7. Abnormal tissue growth in the anus and directly on the penis.

Men with an STI may experience other, less common symptoms, such as pain during intimacy, impaired ejaculation, or fever.

The most common STIs in men are: chlamydia, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, gardnerellosis, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

For women!
The most frequent symptoms of STIs in women. What should alert?

1. Bad smell from the vagina.

2. An increase in the amount of secretions from the genital tract, a change in their color and structure.

3. The appearance of pain during urination.

4. Violent itching in the genital area.

5. Discomfort during sex.

6. Slight malaise, headache, lethargy, drowsiness.

7. Delayed menstruation or bleeding in the middle of the cycle.

Manifestations may vary depending on the disease:

1. With genital herpes, vesicles appear on the outer surface of the genital organs, which are very itchy, after a few days they burst and turn into sores. It is easy to get infected with such herpes, but it is difficult to cure this disease, you can only reduce the number of relapses.

2. Syphilis is a very insidious disease, the first symptoms appear after a few weeks. A small ulcer appears on the genitals. After about 2 weeks, it increases in size, there is a thickening of the lymph nodes. The symptoms of syphilis are the same in men and women. A primary ulcer (syphilitic chancre) may also occur outside of the genital area. Depending on the method of infection, chancres can appear anywhere on the skin or mucosa. Infection with syphilis can also occur non-sexually (for example, through a blood transfusion), in such cases there is no primary chancre and it may take longer to detect the disease.

3. With trichomoniasis, there is a change in the color of vaginal discharge. They become yellow or greenish, with an unpleasant odor.

4. Chlamydia is a disease that can be transmitted not only through sexual contact, but also through household contact. The first signs appear after a week. Characterized by frequent and painful urination, uterine bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen and back.

5. Gonorrhea (gonorrhea) can go on for a long time without any symptoms. In most cases, patients complain of yellow or green purulent discharge with an unpleasant odor, sharp pains in the lower abdomen. Frequent and painful urination in both men and women.

!!!! It is dangerous to engage in self-treatment in such a situation. From the acute form, the infection can turn into a chronic one, then the primary symptoms will disappear, but the health hazard will increase. The risk of infection of the sexual partner also increases.

It is important to remember that many STIs occur without any symptoms! If your partner is infected, then you can be infected, even if the symptoms of the disease do not make themselves felt!

Remember that STIs cause unpleasant consequences both for women (infertility, ectopic pregnancy, complications of childbirth and the postpartum period, etc.) and for men (prostatitis, and as a result, impotence).

Therefore, it is extremely important not to search for medical methods on the Internet, but to seek qualified diagnostics and timely treatment from a doctor! It is the doctor who will select those diagnostic and treatment programs that will help to identify the disease in time and cope with it in a timely manner!

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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, venereal diseases) are among the most common infectious diseases worldwide. STDs are sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted infections because these conditions involve the transmission of an infectious agent between sexual partners. According to research, 20 such diseases were identified and identified.

Depending on the specific infection, it can be transmitted through any type of sexual activity, either through the genitals or through the anus or mouth; the infection can also be spread through contact with blood during sexual intercourse. STDs are rarely transmitted through other contacts (blood, bodily fluids).

STDs are often difficult to treat diseases, since often the initial period of infection proceeds without symptoms and it is not always possible to diagnose them in time. Therefore, it is often necessary to treat the complications of these infections. In addition, treatment is not always effective.

Facts about STDs

• STDs can affect both men and women of all ages and backgrounds.
• STDs have become more common in recent years, in part because people start having sex at a younger age, have multiple partners, and do not use prevention methods to reduce their chances of contracting STDs. Also, over the past few years, there has been a marked increase in STDs in the elderly, as many of them do not use condoms.
• People can get STDs from sexual partners even if they don’t have any symptoms.
• Often, STDs (especially in women) can occur without symptoms (eg, chlamydia, genital herpes, or gonorrhea). Men can also get STDs without symptoms.
• Long-term effects of STDs tend to be more severe in women than in men. Some STDs can lead to infection and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It is also possible to form a tubo-ovarian abscess, which can lead to scarring of the reproductive organs, which can result in an ectopic pregnancy, infertility, or even death of the woman.
• An infection such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered one of the causes of cervical cancer.
• Babies can contract STDs from their mother before, during or immediately after birth.
• Due to the fact that the transmission route is the same for all STDs, a person is often infected with several pathogens at once. Statistics show that almost 50% of women become infected with both gonorrhea and chlamydia during a single sexual intercourse.

Most common STDs

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common curable STD bacterial infection. The infection affects the cervix in women, and in men, the urethra is affected.

Many women with chlamydia are asymptomatic. Symptoms may include pain during intercourse and discharge from the vagina or penis.

Health authorities recommend testing for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections if a person is under 25 years of age and is sexually active. Screening is also recommended if you have any of the following risk factors:

• A person has a new partner.
• Partner has an STI.
• Having more than one sexual partner.
• Partner has sex with other people.

Chlamydia can cause significant long-term harm to the body. It can lead to the development of infertility by blocking the functioning of the reproductive organs in men and women. Using a condom can prevent this infection.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another common bacterial STD. This disease often affects the same organs as chlamydia and has similar long-term effects.

Patients with gonorrhea may have symptoms such as burning when urinating or discharge (white, yellow or green) from the penis or vagina. It should be borne in mind that many women especially gonorrhea occurs without symptoms.

According to statistics, almost half of new gonorrhea patients are between 15 and 24 years of age.5

Gonorrhea can also develop in the throat during oral sex.

Antibiotic resistance in gonorrhea has been on the rise in recent years and therefore treatment is not always effective.

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG)

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is one of the leading causes of major cervical infection. Mycoplasma also causes inflammation of the urethra in men.

MG may cause the same symptoms as gonorrhea or chlamydia. A 2007 study of adolescents found that mycoplasma infects more people than gonorrhea.

The importance of diagnosing mycoplasma has only recently been recognized, as most cases were asymptomatic and difficult to identify. New technologies (nucleic acid amplification tests) and microbiological studies have made it possible to diagnose this disease in time. This will prevent the development of long-term health problems, such as infertility associated with pelvic inflammatory disease.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral STI worldwide. It affects more women than men. This infection may resemble a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis as the symptoms are similar. Symptoms include:

• Foamy discharge
• Strong odor
• Pain during intercourse
• Irritation
• Itching

Men with trichomoniasis usually do not have symptoms. If a patient has been diagnosed with the disease, it must be ensured that the partner is also treated, as they may re-infect.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) may actually be the most common type of STD. Prior to the advent of the HPV vaccine, studies showed that 75% of sexually active people had an HPV infection at some point in their lives.

HPV is often referred to as “the virus that causes cervical cancer”, but not all types of HPV are involved in the development of cancer. However, HPV has been associated with penile cancer and anal cancer. Other varieties of the HPV virus cause warts, including genital warts.

There is no cure for HPV and treatment is symptomatic.

People of all ages are encouraged to get the HPV vaccine to protect against the most common types of the virus.

Herpes

Herpes (HSV) is an STI caused by a virus. It occurs in two forms: HSV1 and HSV2.13 HSV1 is often associated with herpes and HSV2 is often associated with genital ulcers. However, transmission of herpes from the mouth to the genitals and vice versa is possible.

Herpes is not curable. But its symptoms can be treated with antiviral drugs. Transmission of the virus to another person is possible even if the carrier does not have ulcers or other symptoms.

The risk of virus transmission is reduced by using a condom. However, a person can become infected without sexual contact through skin-to-skin contact.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition in which saprophytic bacteria present in the vagina are replaced by other bacteria, resulting in symptoms such as itching and burning, and a white or gray discharge.

There is a connection between this state and the appearance of a new partner (partners). Taking antibiotics does not guarantee that the condition cannot reappear.

Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of HIV infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, and preterm birth.

Chancre

Chancre is a disease caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. A mild chancre infection increases the risk of contracting HIV.

Ulcers in chancre are often larger than those due to syphilis. They can also be more painful. At an early stage, these two infections are difficult to distinguish from each other.

Ureaplasma

Ureaplasma is actually a unique commensal infection in most people. It can be present in healthy people without causing symptoms or requiring treatment. At the same time, it can be sexually transmitted or be an opportunistic infection.

Ureaplasma was first discovered in 1954, however, this infection is still not fully understood. Ureaplasma belongs to the Mycoplasma family and shares some common features with Mycoplasma genitalium and also with Mycoplasma hominis.

Most common symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

STDs do not always cause symptoms or they can be mild. So, a person can get infected and not know about it.

If symptoms are present, they may include:

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Ulcers or warts in the vulva
• Frequent and painful urination
• Redness and itching in the genital area
• Bad smell
• Itching or soreness in the anus
• Lower abdominal pain
• Heat
• Painful blisters on penis
• Urethritis
• Throat or rectal infection
• Diarrhea
• Anal discharge
• Testicular inflammation
• Painful lymph nodes
• Vomiting
• Joint pain

Diagnosis and treatment of STDs

Diagnosis of STDs is based on the patient’s complaints and symptoms. But considering that in some cases the symptoms are insignificant, laboratory diagnostics are necessary both with the help of microbiological analysis of biological fluids and with the help of special blood tests.

• STD treatment depends on the infectious agent of the STD. Some STDs require the use of antibiotics, which can be given orally or by injection; other STDs require creams or special solutions to be applied to the skin. If there are complications, physical therapy may also be used. Often, after treatment, a repeated consultation with a doctor and control laboratory tests are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Some STDs, such as genital herpes and HIV, cannot be cured but can be controlled with medication.

Prognosis of STDs

Most common STDs are successfully treated.

• In addition to the discomfort of infection, some STDs can lead to serious complications such as infertility. Infection of the child from the mother during pregnancy can lead to anomalies in the development of the child, blindness.