STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, as the name suggests, are diseases that are most often spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sexual contact. There are more than twenty types of STDs, including genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, some types of hepatitis, and trichomoniasis.
Causes
The causes vary depending on the type of disease. For instance, trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. Chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea are caused by bacteria. On the other hand, HIV, genital warts, hepatitis B, and genital herpes are all caused by viruses.
You are at higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted diseases if:
- You do not use a condom
- Your sex partner also has had several sex partners
- You have more than one sex partner
- You share needles with other people
STDs are serious diseases that can be very dangerous, but many of them are extremely treatable. Some STDs, however, cannot be cured but can be diagnosed and managed.
Some types of STDs do not have symptoms, and the infected person will not realize it until complex issues manifest. STDs can weaken the immune system, may damage your reproductive organs, vision, heart, and other organs. This is why it is important to get tested regularly.
Getting tested is easy. Visit any ModernMD clinic near you to talk to one of our health care professionals.