STDs are sexually transmitted diseases meaning the diseases spread through sexual intercourse. They could be passed on during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. There are different types of STDs and most people who have STDs usually don’t have symptoms in the beginning. Each type of disease has different symptoms and cures.
- Chlamydia
- Chlamydia is a bacterial virus that is easily cured with antibiotics from a doctor. This virus doesn’t have any symptoms so most people don’t even know that they are infected. The infection is carried in semun and vaginal fluids. Chlamydia can infect the penis, anus, urethra, cervix, eyes, and throat if it’s not caught in time.This is one of the most common STDs in America. About 3 million Americans get it each year.
2. Gonorrhea (AKA “the clap”)
- Gonorrhea is a very common bacterial infection. It usually spread between people in their teens and 20’s. It also spreads throughout the same areas as chlamydia. There are no symptoms for this type of virus so people are oblivious to this infection and it could cause serious injuries if it’s not cured in time.
3. Oral and Genital Herpes
- Herpes is a very common virus that causes sores on your genitals and/ or mouth. In fact it is so common that they don’t really consider it a virus anymore. More than half of Americans have oral herpes. The sores could be very painful and irritating at times. Although this infection is not curable it’s usually not life threatening. Medication is prescribed to ease pain and lower your chances of spreading it. Herpes is caused by two different, but similar viruses: (HSV-1) and (HSV-2). Both of the viruses cause sores to pop up on or near your vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, penis, scrotum, butt, inner thighs, mouth, throat, and rarely your eyes.
4. HIV and AIDs
- HIV is a virus that leads to AIDS. It damages your immune system making it easier for you to get sick. It spreads through sexual intercourse, but condoms could protect you if they are used correctly. About 1.1 million people in the U.S are living with HIV. Most people don’t have symptoms for years so they are unaware of the virus. AIDS usually come about 10 years after HIV and it’s diagnosed when the body can no longer fight off diseases do to the weak immune system. This virus is not curable, but treatment slows the damage of the virus down.
Theses are the most common STDs in America today, but there are more that could be harmful if they are left untreated as well.
-Kynda Morris
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex
Ms. Harner's EN100 Blog 