Sex shapes more of our self-image than we think. Our perception of ourselves is a major part of our personal lives, and our sexuality plays a significant role in our self-confidence. This is in addition to the role of reproduction and building families, and tied to all of these things lies the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
STDs are a global issue, affecting over a million people ages 15-49 daily. Many of these people are without symptoms when they get infected. As many as 374 million new infections have been estimated since 2020, and not knowing you have an STD makes it harder to catch.
If you’re looking for treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and other infections, you can get help from Dr. Shawn Veiseh and our dedicated medical team in Beverly Hills, California.
To better understand sexually transmitted diseases, let’s look at facts about STDs, the types you’re likely to get, their symptoms, and what we can do to help.
The terms STI (sexually transmitted infection) and STD are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction between the two. Infection refers to the fungus, bacteria, or virus that sexual contact transmits, and the disease is what develops as a result.
Infections can result from many forms of unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, oral, and anything else that can get into your bloodstream.
While millions between the ages of 15-49 globally deal with STDs, it's alarmingly common among teens and young adults, with one in five ages 15-24 making up more than half of all new cases in America.
There are lots of different STDs you’re at risk for when you have unprotected sex, but these are some of the most common:
A common and curable bacterial disease that infects the uterus in women and the urethra in men. It starts asymptomatic, but common signs like painful sex, painful urination, vaginal or penile discharge, swelling, itching, and rectal bleeding and discharge develop over time.
This bacterial condition often goes by the street term “the clap.” In addition to infecting your genitals, it can also be passed on orally.
Symptoms include burning urination, abnormally colored genital discharge, itchiness, pain or discomfort during sex, lower abdominal pain, and swelling. Rectal gonorrhea has different symptoms like pain and bleeding while defecating, itchiness, and discomfort.
This disease is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum which can be passed on orally, anally, or vaginally. Signs will appear internally and externally, such as sores (chancres), and left untreated will present with more signs during its multiple stages.
Most common among all nonviral STDs, this illness affects more women than men and leads to genital irritation, itching, strong vaginal odor, painful sex, and a frothy discharge.
This may be the most common STD, with studies showing 75% of sexually active people have dealt with it at some time in their lives. Generally asymptomatic, HPV can be passed on through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and can lay dormant long after you contract it. It can cause warts, and some forms are also linked to cervical cancer.
There are different types of herpes you can catch from sex, namely HSV1 and HSV2. Herpes is caused by a virus that creates genital sores that are passed on through most forms of sexual contact.
While not all these diseases are curable, they are treatable, and catching them early is the best way to prevent dealing with additional complications.
If you experience any of the signs listed above, get medical help as soon as possible. The treatment depends on the disease. Antivirals and antibacterial medications are a common solution for many, either as an injection or a pill. Vaccinations are available for HPV.
Prevention methods are also important, such as using condoms and dental dams. Choose your partners carefully, and if you’re diagnosed with an STD, inform anyone you’ve been intimate with so they can get treated.
STDs are embarrassing and can complicate relationships, but doing nothing because of fear or shame will only make matters worse for everyone. Make an appointment with Dr. Veiseh and our team today. Call our office or schedule a visit online to get the help you need.
