STDs: 10 questions and answers
In this article we will provide 10 questions and answers about sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs).
1. Is there a difference between an STD and STI?
In the very technical sense, yes. ‘STD’ stands for Sexual Transmitted Disease. ‘STI’ stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection. Practically, they are very similar (and equivalent) terms.
A disease typically signifies a more chronic condition or advanced infection and may carry an associated stigma, which is why there has been an effort to shift the term to infection. Many infections can be asymptomatic and are not considered a disease until they present with symptoms.
Regardless of what you call them, it’s important to know that both STDs and STIs need to be screened for and treated.
2. What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They are usually spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But sometimes they can spread through other sexual contact involving the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. This is because some STSs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.
Some STDs can be passed from a pregnant person to the baby, either during pregnancy or when giving birth. Other ways that some STDs may be spread include during breastfeeding, through blood transfusions, or by sharing needles.
3. How many different types of STD are there?
There are more than 20 types of STD, including:
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- HPV
- Pubic lice
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis.
4. What micro-organisms cause sexually transmitted infections (STDs)?
STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
5. Who is affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If an STD is passed to a baby, it can cause serious health problems.
6. Is it true that some STIs have no symptoms at all?
Yes, and that’s why they are such an issue, especially for young people.
STDs don’t always cause symptoms (i.e. you dont know you have one) or may only cause mild symptoms. So it is possible to have an infection and not know it. And even without symptoms, STDs can still be harmful and may be passed on during sex.
If there are symptoms, they could include:
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Sores or warts on the genital area
- Painful or frequent urination (peeing)
- Itching and redness in the genital area
- Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
- Abnormal vaginal odour
- Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding
- Abdominal (tummy) pain
- Fever.
7. How are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) diagnosed?
If you are sexually active, you should talk to your health care provider about your risk for SDIs and whether you need to be tested. This is especially important since many STDs do not usually cause symptoms.
Some STDs may be diagnosed during a physical examination or through STD testing. Some tests involve a microscopic examination of a sore or fluid swabbed from the vagina, penis, or anus. Blood tests can diagnose other types of STDs.
8. What are the treatments for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Antibiotics can treat STDs that are caused by bacteria or parasites. There is no cure for STDs caused by viruses, but antiviral medicines (especially for long-term infections like Hep B/C and HIV) can often help with the symptoms and lower your risk of spreading the infection.
It’s important to get treatment if you have an STD. Some types of STDs can cause serious health problems if they are not treated.
9. Can sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) be prevented?
- The surest way to protect yourself against STDs is to not have sex.
- If you do decide to have sex, you can lower your risk of getting an STD by:
- You and your partner getting tested for STDs before having sex
- Using a condom every time you have sex. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms
- Reducing your number of sex partners. You might even consider “mutual monogamy” with just one partner. This means that you agree to be sexually active only with them, and they agree to be sexually active only with you. But first you should both get tested to make sure that you don’t already have an STD
- Getting vaccinated – against HPV and hepatitis B.
10. Is a cold sore an STD?
Yes and no.
Cold sores come from the herpes virus and there are two strains that can cause cold sores: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is very common among the population and is often obtained through non-sexual contact (many people are exposed when they are young from kissing older relatives, etc) and usually causes cold sores on the mouth.
HSV-2 is less common and traditionally obtained through sexual activity (oral, vaginal, anal intercourse) and usually produces sores on the genitals.
You can, however, get HSV-1 on your genitals and HSV-2 on your mouth. Regardless of how you obtained either strain: both can be transmitted through kissing and sexual contact.
Summary
We have described 10 questions and answers about STDs. We hope it has been helpful.
