Sexually Transmitted Diseases, commonly referred to as STDs, are infections or diseases that are primarily transferred between sexual partners through direct sexual contact. According to the World Health Organization, over one million new cases of STDs appear daily worldwide. STDs have been identified in more than 20 different types. Each type has a different set of signs and symptoms and requires its particular treatment modality.
Whether you have received great sexual education or are new to this topic, this sex-ed guide is going to explain what the most common STDs are. It will further discuss their mode of transmission, common symptoms, and the most effective way of protection for oneself and one's partner(s).
05 October 2024
4 min read
1615
Defining Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
STD is any bacterium, virus, or parasite that can be transmitted by oral, vaginal, or anal sex. More rarely, the STD such as genital herpes, hepatitis B virus, or chlamydial infection can be spread through non-sexual, skin-to-skin contact, or during birth.
The terms 'Sexually Transmitted Disease' and 'Sexually Transmitted Infection' are occasionally used interchangeably. Nevertheless, the term STI is preferred by some health experts because not all infections manifest themselves as a disease. Moreover, the term 'infection' is less stigmatizing compared to the term 'disease'. Regardless, both refer to the same general idea: conditions acquired through sexual contact.
The Most Common STD Among Women
HPV is the most common STD among AFABs. Like other STIs, the virus is most frequently passed from person to person through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex with a person who has the virus.
The fact that the virus of HPV is often asymptomatic is one reason it is so easily spread. It can remain in the body, dormant, for years with no symptoms arising, which makes it very hard to detect. You may ask yourself, "How long can an STD be dormant without symptoms?" There is essentially no answer to this question. While some women have genital warts, many have no discernable signs of infection.
If HPV is left untreated, several cancers may result. These include the following:
Cervical cancer
Cancer of the oropharynx (the back of the throat)
Cancer of the vulva
Cancer of the vagina
Cancer of the anus
Despite the previously mentioned possible risks, there is a silver lining regarding HPV. First, 90% of the cases of HPV clear up on their own within two years. Second, there is an HPV vaccination that the CDC recommends for everyone around 11 or 12 years old. If you have gotten your regular vaccinations at that age, you are probably all good from HPV. If you have not been vaccinated, consider talking with your healthcare provider about it.
Last but not least, testing for HPV is easy with a home testing STD kit by which you can identify yourself as an HPV carrier.
The Most Common STD in Males
Incidentally, in people AMAB, HPV is considered to be the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease. While most men with this virus never develop symptoms, it has been attributed to causing the condition of genital warts and some cancers. Men overall are at lesser risk but can pass the infection on to their partner(s).
Considering there were 43 million HPV infections in 2018 alone, it is no surprise this virus takes the top spot in the most common STDs in the United States across all genders.
Other Common STDs You Should Know About
In addition to HPV, there are numerous other STDs you should be informed of. A glimpse at some of the more standard STDs that impact individuals of all sexes, ethnicities, and sexual orientations continues.
Syphilis Next to HPV, syphilis ranks among the common STDs. Syphilis results from an overgrowth of the bacteria Treponema pallidum. This can also be shared through sexual contact and from mother to child through pregnancy. Syphilis progresses through three stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
The only sure way to diagnose the disease early, so antibiotic treatment can be effective, is through routine testing.
Chlamydia Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It's transmitted through sexual intercourse or childbirth with an infected partner. Symptoms of chlamydia are rare, but testing is important for diagnosis. It can be cured with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is another bacterial common STI. Symptoms include abnormal penile discharge in males and painful urination in women. Testing is crucial, as it is easily treated with antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis Also known as "trich," it is caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Symptoms, when they occur, include itching, burning, and discomfort while urinating. Testing is the best way to confirm and treat it with antibiotics.
While more common than you would like to imagine, acquiring sexually transmitted diseases is not inevitable. Safe sex, coupled with regular testing, will go a long way in preventing these infections. STDRapidTestKits.com offers several sexual health testing options including trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. Comprehensive STD tests for men and women are also available, all of which you can do from the comfort of your home.
STDRapidTestKits.com guarantees discretion in packaging and fast results in as little as 10 minutes, without having to see a doctor or mail any specimens to a laboratory for diagnosis. That way, it is easy and responsible to stay on top of your sexual health.
For Men & Women
Results in Minutes
No Lab Needed
Private & Discreet
