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An STD may also be called a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or venereal disease (VD). The term sexually transmitted disease (STD) is used to refer to a condition passed from one person to another through sexual contact. A person can contract an STD by having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the STD. That doesn’t mean sex is the only way STDs are transmitted. Depending on the specific STD, infections may also be transmitted through sharing needles and breastfeeding.
It’s possible to contract an STD without developing symptoms. But some STDs cause obvious symptoms. In men, common symptoms include:
- pain or discomfort during sex or urination
- sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the penis, testicles, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth
- unusual discharge or bleeding from the penis
- painful or swollen testicles
In many cases, STDs don’t cause noticeable symptoms. When they do, common STD symptoms in women include:
- pain or discomfort during sex or urination
- sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the vagina, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth
- unusual discharge or bleeding from the vagina
- itchiness in or around the vagina
Vaginal and anal sex aren’t the only way STDs are transmitted. It’s also possible to contract or transmit an STD through oral sex. In other words, STDs can be passed from one person’s genitals to another person’s mouth or throat and vice versa. Oral STDs aren’t always noticeable. When they do cause symptoms, they often include a sore throat or sores around the mouth or throat.
Many STDs are curable. For example, the following STDs can be cured with antibiotics or other treatments:
- chlamydia
- syphilis
- gonorrhea
- crabs
- trichomoniasis
Others can’t be cured. For example, the following STDs are currently incurable:
- HPV
- HIV
- herpes
Bacterial STDs
Usually, antibiotics can easily treat bacterial infections.
It’s important to take all your antibiotics as prescribed. Continue taking them even if you feel better before you finish taking all of them. Let your doctor know if your symptoms don’t go away or return after you’ve taken all of your prescribed medication. Talk to us about your symptoms.
Viral STDs
Viral STDs are sexually transmitted diseases that are caused by viruses as opposed to bacteria and parasites.
Antibiotics can’t treat viral STDs. While most viral infections have no cure, some can clear on their own. And in many cases, treatment options are available to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
For example, medications are available to reduce the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks. Likewise, treatment can help stop the progression of HIV. Furthermore, antiviral drugs can lower your risk of transmitting HIV to someone else.
Other STDs
Some STDs are caused by neither viruses nor bacteria. Instead, they are caused by other small organisms. Examples include:
- pubic lice
- trichomoniasis
- scabies
These STDs are usually treatable with oral or topical medications. Ask your doctor or other healthcare provider for more information about your condition and treatment options.
Avoiding sexual contact is the only foolproof way to avoid STDs. But when having vaginal, anal, or oral sex, there are ways to make it safer.
When used properly, condoms provide effective protection against many STDs. For optimal protection, it’s important to use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Condoms are generally effective at preventing STDs that spread through fluids, such as semen or blood. But they cannot fully protect against STDs that pass from skin-to-skin. If a condom doesn’t cover the area of skin with the infection, a person can still contract an STD or pass it to their partner. Condoms can help protect against not only STDs, but also unwanted pregnancy.
In contrast, many other types of birth control lower the risk of unwanted pregnancy but not STDs. For example, the following forms of birth control don’t protect against STDs:
- birth control pills
- birth control shot
- birth control implants
- intrauterine devices (IUDs)
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