Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. The contact is usually vaginal, oral or anal. But sometimes they can be transmitted through other intimate physical contact. This is because some STDs, such as herpes and HPV, are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.

There are more than 20 types of STDs, including:

Chlamydia
Genital herpes
Gonorrhea
HIV and AIDS
HPV
Crabs
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis

STDs do not always have symptoms, or may only cause mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection and not know it, even though it can still be transmitted to others.

If there are symptoms, they may include:

Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina.
Sores or warts in the genital area
Frequent or painful urination
Itching and redness in the genital area
Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
Abnormal vaginal odor
Anal itching, pain, or bleeding
Abdominal pain
Fever