Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are passed between people through intimate physical contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. You can avoid getting an STD by abstaining from sex or by wearing a condom during any sexual activity.
STDs are common, and there are many different types. Some well known STDs include:
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts (human papillomavirus or HPV)
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS
- Syphilis
In many instances, STDs don’t have symptoms. When STD symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Bumps, itching, rash, or blisters in the genital area
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Pain during intercourse
Other symptoms that can occur in females include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge (thick or thin, milky white, yellow or green leakage)
- Vaginal itching
Other symptoms that can occur in males include:
- Discharge (clear, white, or yellow) or oozing (thick or thin) from the penis
- Pain during ejaculation
Treatments
Medicines
Doctors use a variety of medicines to treat STDs:
- Bacterial STDs (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) are treated, and can often be cured, with antibiotics
- Viral STDs (such as genital herpes, HPV, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B) can be controlled — but, not cured — with medicines that manage symptoms
Tests
Blood or Urine Tests
A blood or urine or swab test can confirm the diagnosis of many STDs.
Fluid Sample
If there are genital sores or sexual discharges, doctors take samples from the affected areas to determine the type of infection and develop a treatment plan.
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