STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, and it spreads when people have sexual contact or exchange bodily fluids. This can happen through kissing or more intimate acts like vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But before we talk more about STDs, let’s understand STIs – are they different from or the same as STDs?
STD vs. STI
STI has become a more modern term used to replace STD, though they are essentially the same but have slightly different meanings. An STI, which stands for sexually transmitted infection, is what comes before an STD. As said before, these infections spread through sexual contact or an exchange of bodily fluids and often don’t cause any symptoms at first. However, if an STI progresses and starts causing symptoms or health problems, it’s then called a sexually transmitted disease, or STD.
STI has become a more modern term used to replace STD, though they are essentially the same but have slightly different meanings. An STI, which stands for sexually transmitted infection, is what comes before an STD. As said before, these infections spread through sexual contact or an exchange of bodily fluids and often don’t cause any symptoms at first. However, if an STI progresses and starts causing symptoms or health problems, it’s then called a sexually transmitted disease, or STD.
Most Common Types of STDs
In both men and women, the most common types of STDs found are:
In both men and women, the most common types of STDs found are:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- HIV/AIDS
- Herpes
- Hepatitis B
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
Curable and Incurable STDs
Some STDs can’t be cured, but there are others that can be. Here are STDs from our list that can be cured and ones that can’t:
Curable STDs
Some STDs can’t be cured, but there are others that can be. Here are STDs from our list that can be cured and ones that can’t:
Curable STDs
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
Incurable STDs
Hepatitis B
Herpes
HIV
HPV
Treatment for STDs
Some STDs won’t turn into a disease if treated early, and some can even go away by themselves. The treatment you need depends on the type of STD you have. Here are proven treatments for the list above:
HPV:Genital warts caused by HPV can be removed by freezing (cryosurgery) or burning (electrocautery) them off. Other treatments include laser therapy and prescription creams.
HIV/AIDS:AIDS is the last stage of HIV. A treatment called Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps keep HIV under control. ART involves taking a mix of medicines every day, which helps people with HIV live longer and stay healthier.
Herpes:Oral and topical antiviral medications can reduce symptoms like cold sores around the mouth, genital sores, itching, and swollen lymph nodes. These medications can be taken by mouth or applied directly on the affected area.
Hepatitis B:Oral antiviral medications or an injection can help lower the virus in your body. If the virus starts to cause liver issues or disease, then a liver transplant is suggested.
Some STDs won’t turn into a disease if treated early, and some can even go away by themselves. The treatment you need depends on the type of STD you have. Here are proven treatments for the list above:
HPV:Genital warts caused by HPV can be removed by freezing (cryosurgery) or burning (electrocautery) them off. Other treatments include laser therapy and prescription creams.
HIV/AIDS:AIDS is the last stage of HIV. A treatment called Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps keep HIV under control. ART involves taking a mix of medicines every day, which helps people with HIV live longer and stay healthier.
Herpes:Oral and topical antiviral medications can reduce symptoms like cold sores around the mouth, genital sores, itching, and swollen lymph nodes. These medications can be taken by mouth or applied directly on the affected area.
Hepatitis B:Oral antiviral medications or an injection can help lower the virus in your body. If the virus starts to cause liver issues or disease, then a liver transplant is suggested.
The others, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, can be treated with antibiotics.
Who’s At Risk for STDs?
While this may not always be the case, here are risk factors that may increase your chances of getting an STD:
Having more than one sex partner
Being sexually active with anonymous partners
Having unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex without a condom
Having a history of STDs
Sharing needles (injecting drugs)
While this may not always be the case, here are risk factors that may increase your chances of getting an STD:
Note: wearing a condom can help prevent some, but not all, STDs. Condoms are mainly helpful for protecting against STDs like chlamydia, which spread through genital fluids. However, condoms are not helpful in preventing STDs like genital herpes, which can be passed through skin contact.
How to Protect Yourself Against STDs
STDs are preventable by being careful. Stay safe by doing the following:
Use condoms during intercourse
Avoid having multiple sexual partners
Stay updated on or get vaccinated for STDs like HPV and Hepatitis B
Avoid sharing needles or syringes
Avoid unsafe sexual practices like unprotected anal intercourse
STDs are preventable by being careful. Stay safe by doing the following:
