Common Symptoms Of Stds
STDs or Sexually transmitted diseases are the ones that get passed on from one person to another during sex. At least 25 different sexually transmitted diseases exist, each having various symptoms. STDs may be spread through anal, vaginal and oral sex. Most STDs affect only if someone has sexual contact with a person suffering from a STD. However, there are some infections, like scabies, which can be passed on in other ways. Most STDs can be easily cured but untreated ones can lead to long-term damage. Often, untreated STDs lead to HIV and AIDS. Condoms are quite effective in reducing STD transmission.
Symptoms of STDs can be both subtle and obvious. The most common symptoms are itching, soreness, unusual lumps, pain when urinating and unusual discharge from the genitals. Chlamydia occurs in the genital tract and is a bacterial infection. Painful urination, lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge in women, discharge from the penis in men, painful sexual intercourse in women, testicular pain in men are some of its symptoms.
Signs of Gonorrhea, a bacterial infection, may include thick, bloody discharge from the penis or vagina, pain or burning sensation when urinating, pain during sexual intercourse. Genital herpes is contagious and symptoms include red bumps or blisters in the genital, anal and nearby areas, pain or itching around the genital area, buttocks or inner thighs, painful urination and swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
Genital warts are a common type of STD. The symptoms include gray swellings in the genital area, warts forming a cauliflower shape, itching in the genital area, bleeding during intercourse. Genital warts can develop in the mouth or throat of a person indulging in oral sex with an infected person.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection affecting the genitals, skin and mucous membranes. The symptoms include painless sores on the genitals, rectum, tongue or lips, enlarged lymph nodes, rashes in any area of the body, fever, fatigue, soreness and aching. Without treatment, syphilis can spread and lead to serious internal organ damage and death. Various neurological problems like stroke, meningitis, poor muscle coordination, paralysis and dementia can also occur due to syphilis.
Scabies is a contagious and itchy skin infection. Symptoms include burrows on the webbing between fingers and toes, on the genitals, around the anus, on the buttocks, elbows or wrists and itchy rash. Scabies it not exactly a STD as it can be transmitted through direct skin contact. Sexual activity, however, increases the risk of transmission.
Mild fever, headache and muscle aches, joint pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting are the symptoms of hepatitis A. It is the most common among the seven types of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A is classed as a STD because it can be passed on sexually. The washing of genital and anal areas before sex and the use of condoms can help to stop the spreading of this virus. Hepatitis B has similar symptoms but it can lead to the damage of the liver if not treated on time. An HIV infection can have no symptoms for many years. Fatigue, weight loss, fever, infections are some of the symptoms of the disease.