What Are Common STDs?
Common STDs - STDs Information
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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infectious diseases that happen to spread through sexual contact. Where an infectious disease like the flu virus is transmitted through airborne droplets, STDs move from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact or the exchange of bodily fluids in the oral, anal and genital regions during sex. There are at least 25 different kinds of STDs, and more than 19 million Americans get a new STD infection each year. There are three different types of STDs: parasitic, bacterial, and viral.
Parasitic and bacterial STDs can be cured with medicine; however, possible damage or scars from the infections can be permanent. Some viral STDs never go away, but some, like herpes, can be treated to reduce symptoms. Some go away on their own with time. But some viral STDs can never be cured like HIV and AIDS.
If treated early, many STDs will not cause lasting damage. If symptoms are ignored and STDs go for awhile without treatment, many problems can arise. These include reoccuring sores, some cancers, damage to the liver, damage to reproductive organs, and weakening of the immune system. Some STDs can cause infertility in females and males.
Common STD Myths
Anal and oral sex are “safe” ways to engage in sex acts without risk of STDs.
Herpes is dangerous only when someone is having an outbreak.
A basic STD screen will let you know about all STDs.
