About Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
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Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by
Sexually transmitted diseases
STD
Sexually transmitted infections
STI
What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
They are infections that spread from person to person through sexual contact. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause them. STDs are infections that you can get by having sexual contact with someone who already has an infection. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and sometimes even close skin-to-skin contact. Some common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
These infections can affect anyone sexually active, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. Many STDs don't show any symptoms at first, which means people can have them without knowing it. This makes it easy for STIs to spread unknowingly. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
Pain or burning when peeing
Sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the genitals, mouth, or anus
Itching or irritation in the genital area
Pain during sex
Fever or flu-like symptoms
It's important to get tested regularly if you're sexually active, even if you don't have symptoms. Most STDs can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. Some, like herpes and HIV, can't be cured but can be managed with medication. Preventing STDs is possible by:
Using condoms correctly every time you have sex
Getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B
Limiting your number of sexual partners
Getting tested regularly and encouraging your partners to do the same
Talking openly with your partners about sexual health
Trend
In the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were about 26 million new STI cases in 2018.
In the last five years (2016-2020), there were over 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported.
The CDC projects that STI rates will continue to rise in the next five years, especially among young people aged 15-24.
History
STDs have been around for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman writings mention symptoms that sound like STDs. In the Middle Ages, syphilis became a major problem in Europe. In the early 1900s, scientists discovered the causes of many STDs and developed treatments. Penicillin, discovered in 1928, became a powerful tool against bacterial STIs like syphilis and gonorrhea. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s brought more attention to sexual health and STIs. It led to better education, testing, and prevention efforts. Today, we have a better understanding of testing and treatments for STDs. However, they remain a significant public health issue worldwide. Increasing drug resistance in some STDs, like gonorrhea, is a growing concern.
Source of Information
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.