7 Facts About STDs You Need To Know About

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections and viruses that can be passed through unprotected sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about STDs that make people neglect them. As a result, STDs are quite common and many people don't even try to prevent them. In this article, we have gathered seven facts about STDs you need to know about.

Many people believe that sexually transmitted diseases usually cause severe symptoms and it's quite easy to recognize the infected person. Indeed, STDs can cause severe symptoms like abnormal discharge, rashes, itching, etc. But you should know that many people with STDs don't experience any signs of these conditions.

Another common misconception is that STDs can be passed only during vaginal sex. But people who have had anal or oral sex with the infected partners can also get STDs. The truth is that these infections and viruses can be transmitted through blood and body fluids. This means that it is better to use condoms during any type of sex.

Hormonal contraception is a contraceptive option that helps prevent pregnancy. Hormones suppress ovulation and make fertilization impossible. However, many people think that if they use hormonal contraception, they are protected from STDs. Unfortunately, only male and female condoms can prevent the transmission of most STDs.

It is important to know that STDs and some other vaginal infections can have similar symptoms in women. Some STDs as well as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection can cause vaginal itching, redness, swelling, abnormal vaginal discharge, and discomfort during sex. That's why it is better to avoid self-treatment and contact a gynecology clinic as soon as possible. Only a professional gynecologist can define the exact cause of your symptoms and perform the accurate treatment.

Even though condoms are considered the most effective protective option from STDs, they still can prevent the transmission of all STDs. The reality is that genital herpes and human papillomavirus can be transmitted even through skin-to-skin contact. It means that you can get infected with these viruses even if you use condoms during sex. That's why it is extremely important to undergo regular STD testing.

Women with untreated STDs can develop the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This condition occurs when the pelvic organs become inflamed. PID can cause severe pelvic pain, abnormal discharge, and even infertility. Additionally, human papillomavirus is deemed the most common cause of cervical cancer in women and can cause anal and throat cancer in men. Fortunately, there is a vaccine that can help prevent the infection with human papillomavirus.

Even though sexually transmitted infections can be treated with the help of antibiotics, some STDs can't be cured. In addition to the fact that genital herpes and human papillomavirus can develop asymptomatically and be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, there are no available treatment options for these viruses. In some people, human papillomavirus can eliminate itself over time. But you should know that if someone promises to cure you of all STDs, it is a deception.

As mentioned above, STDs can develop asymptomatically. This means that you or your partner may even not know that you are infected. That's why it is essential to practice safe sex and undergo STD testing on a regular basis.