Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common. Everyone who has sexual relations with another person is at risk for contracting an STD, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many STDs have vague or no symptoms associated with the condition and the transmission occurs without either partner knowing about the active infection. Symptoms, treatments and the severity of STDs vary between the different diseases. Some STDs are curable with medication while other diseases cause severe symptoms and chronic problems.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia infections occur due to a bacterial infection in the genitals. Many individuals do not experience any symptoms associated with the infection, especially in the first several weeks after exposure. Once symptoms begin, females may experience a vaginal discharge while males may have a discharge from the penis. Pain during sexual intercourse can occur for females and males may experience pain in the testicles. Both males and females may experience pain in the lower portion of the abdomen. The chlamydia infection can spread to the urinary system, causing more symptoms such as painful urination and cloudy urine. Antibiotics cure a chlamydia infection.
Syphilis
Syphilis is an STD that infects the mouth, genitals and anus of affected individuals after infected during sexual contact. Untreated, syphilis advances into different stages. The first stage of syphilis includes a painless sore on the affected area. Swelling of a lymph node in the area may also occur. A skin rash, most often found on the hands and feet, follows the sore. The symptoms may come and go. The third stage of the disease may neurological symptoms such as confusion and possibly death. A syphilis infection increases the risk of transmitting or contracting HIV, according to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. Antibiotics cure early stages of syphilis and help treat advanced stages.
Gonorrhea
A bacterial infection causes the STD, gonorrhea. Gonorrhea causes symptoms such as painful urination and penile discharge in males. Many females do not experience any symptoms. Some women may have painful urination, discharge and abnormal bleeding between menstrual cycles. Antibiotics cure a gonorrheal infection, but without proper treatment, individuals may have infertility problems due to inflammation caused by the infection.
Herpes
A virus causes the herpes infection. Small openings in the skin or mucous membranes allow the virus to enter the body. Common locations include the lips, genitals and anus. The symptoms of herpes come and go as an outbreak occurs. Common symptoms include blisters that break open and form ulcers on the skin of the affected area. There is no cure for herpes, but treatments help relieve the painful symptoms and decrease outbreaks.
HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the advanced and life-threatening form of the disease. The virus transfers by coming into contact with infected blood, often during sexual intercourse. Common, early symptoms of HIV include flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, swollen lymph glands and fatigue. The virus lowers the immune system in the body and opens the affected individual up for severe infections. There is no cure for HIV or AIDS.
HPV
A human papillomavirus (HPV), also referred to as genital warts, causes growths on the genitals. The wart growths on the genitals are the most distinctive symptom of the disease, but some individuals may not experience any symptoms. Other symptoms include gray or flesh-colored growths on the skin, uncontrollable itching or bleeding during intercourse. There is no cure for HPV. Females with an HPV infection have an increased risk for cervical cancer.
