You’ll never feel more inspired to practice safe sex after reading this definitive list of the most common sexually transmitted diseases that are honestly more easily contagious than you’d think. While it’s easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment with your lover and end up avoiding condoms altogether, it’s always wise to prioritize your well-being and sexual health through protection, as well as regular trips to the gynecologist for testing.
If you’ve already had unprotected sex and are worried about catching STDs, don’t freak out. Things happen! Fortunately, a lot of sexually transmitted diseases are treatable with the right medication, antibiotics, and proper medical care, so long as you get tested in time before they spread.
Here are some of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases, and what they entail.
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is one of the most contagious sexually transmitted infections, and can lead to extremely uncomfortable symptoms if not treated. Otherwise referred to as HSV2, this STD can lead to painful blisters in the genital area, as well as intense itchiness during outbreaks. While it’s a lifelong infection, it can be treated with antiviral medications that can shorten the length of outbreaks and make the symptoms less severe.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, also known as Clap, is another common sexually transmitted disease that will not go away on its own. Symptoms include yellow discharge, sharp pains when peeing, and bleeding between periods. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get tested and receive the appropriate medical care. Luckily, with prescription antibiotics, it can be cured.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be tricky to spot, since there are very few symptoms that’ll show up when contracting this STD. It has been referred to as the silent infection, since most of the warning signs are invisible. However, if you do experience symptoms, they may include pain when urinating, painful periods, and lower abdominal pain. If Chlamydia is left untreated, the STD can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, so it’s important to get tested regularly.
Hepatitis B
Since the Hepatitis B virus causes liver inflammation, it’s important that it’s treated as soon as symptoms begin showing up. For some infected people, their bodies will fight off the virus, and they will become immune to it. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone, as it can also become a chronic illness that leads to liver failure. Symptoms of Hepatitis B include darkened urine, extreme nausea, and fatigue. The good news is, unlike many other STDs, there is a vaccine for Hepatitis B.
Trichomoniasis
The parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes this STD, and it can lead to green discharge as well as a fishy smell in the vaginal area. Luckily, it can be cured with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it could lead to HIV.
HIV
HIV treatment has improved immensely over the years, yet it’s still an unfortunate disease that affects the immune system, leading to health problems, and when left untreated, AIDS. Luckily, these days, there are treatments that can bring HIV to undetectable levels in the bloodstream, meaning the infected person can no longer transmit it to anyone else. The HIV medication PrEP, which was approved by the FDA in 2012, also reduces the chances of contracting HIV, but should not be a substitute for other forms of protection.
Syphilis
While Syphilis starts off as sores on the body that seem unassuming since they’re virtually painless, it can later cause rashes, fatigue, and headaches. Without treatment, the STD can also spread to other areas of the body, like the heart and brain.
Scabies
Scabies is not exclusively an STD since it can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, but sleeping with an infected person can certainly lead to contracting the STD. It can cause an itchy rash, but it can be treated with prescription medication.
While STDs can be scary to discuss, it’s important that we talk about them, so we stay informed as well as safe in our future sexual encounters.
