Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsList of Common STDsSTD TransmissionSymptoms of STDsWhere to Get Tested for STDsTreatmentComplicationsHow to Prevent STDsNext in STDs GuideSigns and Symptoms of STIs
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
List of Common STDs
STD Transmission
Symptoms of STDs
Where to Get Tested for STDs
Treatment
Complications
How to Prevent STDs
Next in STDs Guide
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) result from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These infections can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic. AnSTI may not turn into an STD.
This article will discuss types of STDs, how they spread, how they are treated, and ways to prevent them.
Guido Mieth / Getty Images
Common STDs include:
How Are STDs Transmitted?
Ejaculation and/or penetrative sex do not need to occur for an STD to be spread. They can be spread from vagina to vagina and from mouth to genital/anal contact as well as penis in vagina or penis in anus.
Except for pubic lice, STDs are not spread via toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or touching everyday objects like doorknobs.
Shared sex objects, such as dildos, can spread STDs if a new condom is not used for each user and if they are not thoroughly cleaned between users.
Hepatitis B and HIV are spread through body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. In addition to sexual contact, they can be contracted in ways such as:
STD Symptoms
STDs often have no symptoms, mild symptoms, or delayed symptoms.
Pubic lice can have additional symptoms, such as:
Acute hepatitis B can have additional symptoms, such as:
Two to four weeks after infection with HIV, some (but not all) people have a flu-like illness.Symptomsmay include:
Left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, which has more serious symptoms and can be fatal.
What If You’re Asymptomatic?
Many people with STDsdo not have any symptoms, or have symptoms that can be mistaken for something else. The only way to tell if you have an STD is to be tested. If you are or have been sexually active, it’s important to get tested for STDs regularly.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Talk to your healthcare provider aboutroutine STD testing. You should also see your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of an STD, have (or may have) been exposed to an STD, have questions about preventing STDs, or have any concerns.
Places that provide STD testinginclude:
Home testing kits may be available from some clinics for some STDs.
Screening for STDs
If you have symptoms of an STD, your healthcare provider will do an examination, which may include looking at your genital or anal area or your mouth for sores, discharge, or other symptoms. They may do tests such as swabs ofdischarge or fluidfrom sores, urine samples, or blood tests.
If you are sexually active, talk to your healthcare provider about getting routine STD checks.
Which tests are recommended and when depends on anumber of factors, including:
People with a uterus should also be screened regularly for cervical cancer, which can develop from HPV.
Treatment for STDs
Trich, and STDs from bacterial infections, such as BV, Mgen, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, can be treated with antibiotics. These STDs can be cured with the proper treatment, but youcan be reinfectedif exposed again after treatment. Earlytreatmentis essential, as antibiotics may not reverse damage from the infection.
Herpes, HIV, and hepatitis B cannot be cured, but antivirals can help manage the condition and minimizecomplications.
Pubic lice are typically treated with over-the-counter topical or prescription medications (especially if there are lice in the eyebrows or eyelashes).
There is no treatment for HPV, but it usually clears up within a few years. If HPV progresses to genital warts, prescription treatment is available.
If HPV develops into cervical cancer or precancer, your healthcare provider will discuss the best options for treatment.
It is important that both partners be tested for STDs and treated, if necessary, to avoid infecting or reinfecting the other partner. Abstaining from sex for a period of time during or after treatment may be necessary.
Complications of Untreated STDs
STDs and Pregnancy
Left untreated,STDscan lead to pregnancy and birth complications.
Complications vary depending on the STD, but may include:
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant,talk to your healthcare providerabout screening for STDs. Measures can be taken to lower the risk of these complications.
Ways tolower the risk of developing an STDinclude:
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial vaginosis – CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia – CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes – CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Gonorrhea – CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.STDs and HIV – CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Genital HPV infection – basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Mycoplasma genitalium – CDC basic fact sheet.
Planned Parenthood.Pubic lice (crabs).
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis – CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Trichomoniasis – CDC basic fact sheet.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Symptoms of HIV.
Planned Parenthood.Get tested.
National Health Service.Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Getting tested for STDs.
World Health Organization.Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Workowski KA.Centers for disease control and prevention sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. Clin Infect Dis. 2015;61(suppl 8):S759-S762. doi:10.1093/cid/civ771
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