You may know that sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are a global health concern, affecting millions of lives each year. Because of this, understanding about them becomes a lot more crucial for you.

Are you looking to understand what STDs are, or trying to identify the symptoms? Curious to know what causes STDs and how to treat and prevent them? You’re in the right place.

Karepedia is here to simplify the causes of different types of STDs, its symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures.

What are STDs?

Let’s do a quick recap of what STDs are. They are infections that are mostly spread through sexual activity, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex, through close personal contact, such as kissing, or from a mother to an unborn child.

Causes of Transmission

You may wonder how STDs are transmitted? It is crucial for you to know, not just because knowing the signs help you to be more cautious, but also because the mode of transmission is an important determinant of the kind of treatment you must receive.

Here’s how STDs are transmitted.

• Unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

• -Having multiple sexual partners.

• Engaging in unprotected sex

• Not getting regular screenings

Identifying the Signs

Common signs are genital sores, pain or burning during urination, unusual discharge, itching, and rash. However, many STDs can also be asymptomatic, making regular testing crucial for early detection.

Common STDs And Causes

Treating STDs

Bacterial infections can often be treated with antibiotics.

Viral infections may require antiviral medications to control symptoms and manage the progression of the disease. Early detection and intervention reduces the complications.

Prevention of STDs

Preventing STDs involves a combination of strategies, including:

• Safe Sexual Practices like correct and consistent use of condoms

• Vaccination against viral causes

• Regular Screening and Testing: for sexually active and those with multiple sexual partners

• Open and honest Communication with sexual partners about sexual health,history, testing, and prevention for maintaining a healthy sexual relationship.

• Limiting the number of Sexual Partners and with a partner who has been tested for STDs

• Health Education and Awareness: Stay informed about STDs, their symptoms, and prevention methods. Educate yourself and others.

• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis like HIV Prevention: For individuals at high risk of HIV infection, pre-exposure prophylaxis involves taking a medication to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

• Avoiding Risky Behaviors like Intravenous Drug Use: Avoid sharing needles or syringes to prevent the transmission of bloodborne infections

• Routine Healthcare Visits: Schedule routine healthcare visits,gynecological exams for women and monitoring

• Treatment of Infected Partners: If one partner is diagnosed with an STD, prompt treatment is essential. Both partners should complete the prescribed treatment to prevent re-infection.