A List of STD Symptoms

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is bacteria or a virus passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Bacterial and parasitic infections are treated with antibiotics and medicines to kill the parasites. Viral STDs have no cure, but medications may keep these diseases in check. Each STD has its own set of symptoms; some may have no symptoms at all. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 20 types of STDs. The most common are viral diseases, such as HIV, and bacterial diseases, such as gonorrhea.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a viral infection that's transmitted sexually and through infected blood. HIV can incubate for several years with no symptoms. If the patient experiences symptoms such as fatigue and persistent low-grade fever, it may easily be mistaken for something else. As HIV progresses, the immune system becomes weaker until it is no longer able to protect the body. The patient then begins to develop a series of opportunistic infections, the most common of which is pneumocystis pneumonia. The development of these opportunistic infections signals full-blown AIDS.

Genital Herpes & Genital Warts

Genital herpes and genital warts are both viral infections. Genital herpes is caused by the same virus that causes cold sores. Genital warts is caused by the HPV virus. Like HIV, there may be no symptoms upon infection, and the patient may not know she is infected until the first outbreak.
During a herpes outbreak, the patient experiences painful blisters on the genitals and may experience fatigue, muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms. With genital warts, noticeable spongy bumps form on the vaginal or perineal skin. The HPV virus can also cause abnormal pap smears.

Gonorrhea & Chlamydia

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are bacterial infections. The symptoms present differently in men and women. Men often experience discharge from the penis and painful urination. Some women may experience vaginal discharge and painful urination, but most women have no symptoms at all. The infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause complications, including infertility in women. If one person has either gonorrhea or chlamydia, both partners must be treated. Women who suspect they are infected should contact their physician for testing and treatment.

Syphillus

Syphilis, another bacterial infection, often has no obvious symptoms in men or women. In some cases there may be a small, painless ulcer in or on the genitals. If one partner is infected, both partners must be treated. Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics, but if it's left untreated it may progress and cause neurological damage.