Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

What Are STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) result from infections that primarily spread through sexual contact. Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that spread through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions.

Not all STIs require sexual activity to spread. Some can be transmitted in other ways:

  • From mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth
  • Through blood transfusions
  • By sharing needles

Many people with STDs show no symptoms at all. An infection can go unnoticed, allowing someone to spread it to others who also seem healthy.

The absence of symptoms makes regular testing important for sexually active individuals, as early detection allows for more effective treatment.

Signs of STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can show various symptoms, though sometimes people have no symptoms at all. This makes these infections difficult to detect until complications develop or a partner receives a diagnosis.

Common STI symptoms include sores or bumps on the genitals, mouth, or rectal area. People might experience painful urination or unusual discharge from the penis or vagina. Some may notice strange vaginal odor or bleeding.

Sex may lead to discomfort or pain. You could develop swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin area. Other possible symptoms include:

  • Lower belly pain
  • Fever
  • Skin rash on the trunk, hands, or feet

STI symptoms might appear within days after exposure to the infection. However, depending on the specific infection, it might take years before you notice any problems.

When to Visit a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • You’ve had sexual contact that may have exposed you to an STI
  • You notice any symptoms of an STI

Schedule a doctor’s appointment:

  • When you’re thinking about becoming sexually active, or by age 21, whichever comes first
  • Before starting sexual activity with a new partner

Regular checkups help catch infections early, even when no symptoms appear.

Causes

STDs can happen due to different types of germs:

  • Bacteria: Cause infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia.
  • Parasites: Responsible for trichomoniasis.
  • Viruses: Lead to several common STDs, including:
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
    • Herpes simplex virus
    • HIV (which leads to AIDS)

Each type of germ spreads through sexual contact and requires specific treatment.

Risk Factors for STIs

Mother-to-Child Transmission

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can spread from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This is a serious concern that requires proper medical attention.

Several STIs can pass from mother to infant, including:

  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • HIV
  • Syphilis

These infections can cause severe health problems or even death in newborns. Because of these risks, healthcare providers recommend STI screening for all pregnant women.

Other Common Risk Factors

  • Unprotected sexual contact: Not using proper barriers, like condoms, greatly increases infection risk. While latex or polyurethane condoms offer protection when used correctly, natural membrane condoms don’t effectively prevent all STIs.
  • Multiple partners: Having sexual contact with more people increases your chances of exposure to infections.
  • Previous STI history: Having one STI makes it easier to get another infection.
  • Sexual assault: Victims should seek immediate medical care for testing, treatment, and support.
  • Substance use: Alcohol and drugs can affect judgment, leading to riskier sexual behaviors.
  • Needle sharing: Using the same needle when injecting drugs can spread serious infections like HIV and hepatitis.
  • Age factor: Young people between 15-24 years show higher STI rates than older age groups.

Using protection during every sexual encounter is one of the most effective ways to reduce STI risk. Using barriers like condoms or dental dams is important for protection during oral sex, even though transmission rates are lower.

With prompt testing and treatment, many STIs can be managed effectively, especially when caught early.

Complications

STDs often show no early symptoms, making regular testing crucial. Without treatment, these infections can lead to various health problems:

  • Ongoing pain in the pelvic area
  • Pregnancy issues that affect both mother and baby
  • Inflammation of the eyes
  • Joint pain and swelling (arthritis)
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease affecting reproductive organs
  • Difficulty conceiving or complete infertility
  • Heart-related problems
  • Cancer development, particularly cervical and rectal cancers, is linked to HPV

Ways to Protect Yourself from STDs

Preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is possible with the right choices and actions. Here are effective ways to protect yourself:

Abstain from Sexual Activity

The most reliable way to avoid STIs is not having sex. This approach completely eliminates the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections.

Choose Monogamy with an Uninfected Partner

Having a long-term relationship where both people are faithful and free of infections greatly reduces STD risk. When both partners only have sex with each other, the chance of getting new infections is very low.

Test Before New Relationships

Before having vaginal or anal sex with a new partner, both of you should get tested for STIs.

While oral sex may carry less risk, it’s still possible to transmit infections this way without proper protection.

Get Recommended Vaccines

Several vaccines can prevent specific STDs:

  • HPV vaccine
  • Hepatitis A vaccine
  • Hepatitis B vaccine

Getting these vaccines before becoming sexually active offers the best protection.

Use Barriers Correctly

  • Use a new latex or polyurethane condom for each sexual act.
  • Consider dental dams for oral sex.
  • Never use oil-based lubricants with latex products.
  • Remember that barriers provide less protection for diseases with visible sores (like herpes).
  • Birth control pills and IUDs don’t protect against STDs.

Avoid Substances That Affect Judgment

Excessive alcohol and illegal drug use can lead to risky sexual decisions. Staying clear-headed helps you make safer choices about sex.

Communicate with Your Partner

Before any sexual contact, have an honest conversation about:

  • STD testing history.
  • Safe sex practices.
  • Clear boundaries about what activities are acceptable.

Consider Male Circumcision

Research shows circumcised men have:

  • Up to 60% lower risk of getting HIV from female sex partners.
  • Reduced risk of genital HPV and herpes transmission.

Look into PrEP for HIV Prevention

For people at high risk of HIV, daily medication can help prevent infection:

  1. Requires consistent daily use.
  2. Needs regular HIV testing (every 3 months).
  3. Requires kidney function monitoring.
  4. Can reduce sexual HIV transmission risk by about 99%.
  5. Can lower injection-related HIV risk by more than 74%.

Using PrEP with condoms provides extra protection and helps prevent other STDs, too.

Regular Testing Is Essential

Even with prevention methods, regular STD testing is important for sexually active people. Many infections don’t cause symptoms but can still be transmitted and cause health problems.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.