5 Common STD's

If you are having sex, you should be aware of these 5 common STDs. An STD, or sexually transmitted disease, is an infection acquired through sexual activity. Anytime you have unprotected sex with a partner, you are vulnerable to STDs. Sexually transmitted diseases are passed through blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.

Many otherwise healthy people aren’t even aware they have an STD. Some sexually transmitted diseases cause few or no symptoms, and the signs are subtle. Here are five common STDs and their common symptoms.

1. Chlamydia. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of the genital tract. It is hard to detect in the early stages. Symptoms usually occur within one to three weeks after exposure to chlamydia. Common signs and symptoms of this STD include painful urination, abdominal pain, penis discharge, and testicular pain.
2. Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is another bacterial infection of the genital tract. Symptoms for this STD occurs between two and ten days after exposure. Men with gonorrhea experience frequent or painful urination, often with a burning sensation. They may have a cloudy or bloody penis discharge, and sexual intercourse may be painful.
3. Genital Herpes. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), It is highly contagious, yet many men don’t know they have the disease because herpes symptoms can be mild. Some men experience only one serious episode, and others have several episodes over many decades. The most common signs are small red blisters or open sores in the genital and anal areas. Pain and itching usually starts within a few weeks of exposure.
4. Genital Warts. Genital warts are a very common type of STD. They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Symptoms include swelling, itching, and small warts or wart clusters in the genital area. Genital warts can develop on a man’s penis, scrotum, or anus. Infected persons practicing oral sex can develop genital warts in the mouth or throat.
5. Syphilis. Syphilis is a serious STD caused by a bacterial infection. It can affect not only your genitals, but your brain or your heart. Early symptoms occur within ten days of exposure and include small, painless sores and swollen lymph nodes. The second stage produces a reddish-brown rash, fever, aches, and fatigue. Without treatment, syphilis may cause neurological and heart problems, internal organ damage, or death years after the infection.

If you think you may have an STD, visit your doctor for testing. It’s important to avoid infecting anyone else with the disease. And a delay in diagnosis and treatment could cause severe, life-threatening, problems in the future.