These infections also spread from pregnant mother to her baby before during childbirth. Individuals who are sexually active can be exposed to STDs, or close contact that involves the mouth, genitals, or the rectum with another individual.
STDs include the following:
- Genital herpes
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix in women.
- Hepatitis B
- Trichomoniasis
- Syphilis
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS
- Other infections that may be sexually transmitted, include hepatitis C, cytomegalovirus, pubic lice and scabies.
What are the symptoms of STDs?
The problem with STD is that many individuals, especially women show no symptoms. And STD, if left untreated can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It is necessary to go for regular checkups for STDs if you are sexually active, or if you think you have been exposed to an STD.
Symptoms in Men
- Burning sensation with pain while urinating
- Discharge (yellowish and thick or white and watery) or drip from the penis
- The need to urinate often
- Appearance of bumps, blisters or sores near or on the mouth, penis or the testicles
- Bleeding in between periods
- Burning and itching in and around the vagina
- Pain inside the vagina during sex, bleeding after sex
- Change in the amount, colour or smell of the discharge from the vagina
- Cramps or pain while urinating or during bowel movements
- Warts, blisters, sores around the anus, vagina and mouth
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
Find out if you have an STD
- You need to check your symptoms closely if you think you have been exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. If your answer is yes to any of the above symptoms, visit a health professional immediately.
- There are certain behaviours and conditions that may increase your risk of contracting an STD. For example, having unprotected anal or vaginal sex without any condom. Or becoming sexually active before the age of 18 years.
- Women should go for regular checkups that primarily include a Pap smear to rule out the possibility of cervical cancer.
- Certain conditions, medications, lifestyles and diseases can interfere with your ability to fight or heal the infection. You may be considered high risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms in case you have any of the following. Inform your health professional.
- There is cause for concern if you have multiple sex partners as the risk for getting an STD increases. Go for regular checkups and if you are infected, start treatment immediately and inform your sex partner. There is a strong possibility that your partner is infected too!